Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Forage species in Mid Atlantic/Northern State

T Watts,

(I apparently posted while CJBS was posting. He is another very trusted source here on the forum, and he knows the VA/WV/PA area very well.)

Welcome to Pond Boss.

Your most important idea is having Bob Lusk as your consultant. Bob is incredible. He is a close personal friend, and has spent a lot of time in WV.

1.Yes, we are more northern and southern.
2.Bluegill will be the backbone of a largemouth pond.
3.Forage will be bluegill.(A feeding program is very important).
4.I'd be very careful about selecting crawfish.

As of last Friday, we unfortunately lost our WV Aquaculture Extension Service. For about 20 years we had an incredible aquaculturist (Dr. Ken Semmens) who knew more about West Virginia private waters management and fisheries production than anyone. He was a casualty of budget cuts.

Since you are just starting out, please stay in very close contact with Bob Lusk. Keep in contact here on the Pond Boss forum.

I'm in the northern part of the state, so I can't suggest any good pond builders. Once you get your pond built, please heed advice here about stocking your pond. Better yet, please rely on Bob Lusk. Not all suppliers are created equal,and not all will provide stocking in your best interest.

If Bob Lusk should visit your property, I should be able to accompany him at no cost.

Regards,
Ken
Vice President, West Virginia Aquaculture Association