Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Stocking perch in a 1 acre pond in Central Indiana

Great sounding fishery plan - several of us have something similar. It's evident you've been researching threads on the forum to formulate this plan - well done!

Few things to consider:

FHM and YOY YP/RES will not provide enough forage for HSB/WE/YP. FHM population will likely be extirpated within a few months, maybe sooner, once predators population attains gape to utilize them as forage. So, we need a backup plan.

Considering your geography I think sourcing BNM [bluntnose minnow], SFS [spotfin shiner], and LCS [lake chubsucker] would be easier than it is for us in NE. A combination of these fish would provide a multilayer forage base but will need a year to establish depending on density of stocking. Wait until these species have spawned at least once successfully prior to stocking YP, WE, or HSB.

Worst case scenario [and it's not a bad scenario], you can considering GSH to serve as primary forage. In my personal experience, they do compete with my YP for pellets being much more aggressive and schooling in nature - but others on the forum have NOT reported this issue - so it may be unique to my fisheries. Don't take this as a rule - either way - your experience may vary. Regardless, GSH will help keep WE and HSB fed. You may need to supplementally stock GSH annually to help keep reproducing fish present - per Cody aging adult females can develop ovarian[?] issues impacting their reproductive capabilities. GSH are easy to source so periodic stocking shouldn't be an issue. Stock fish in the 3-4" range so they don't suffer immediate predation.

I agree to implement pellet feeding program to help boost performance of YP and HSB, simultaneously relieving some pressure off the forage base. Keep diligent length/weight measurements and read the fishery - it will tell you what adjustments need to be made to your strategy. Be prepared for the following: You may find you need to ladder stock YP if there's no recruitment due to YP/HSB/WE predation; you may need to supplementally stock GSH if numbers are dwindling and WE body conditions are declining; or even boost RES if you notice black or yellow grub presence in fishery. Again, the pond will relate to you what it needs with these signs - and we can help you interpret them and provide direction for you to consider.