Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Mini Pond Questions

Guys,

I am strongly considering changing course with my 1/10 acre mini pond from forage source to kids fishing hole. I currently have thousands of tiny GSH and FHM in there as a forage base. It is only 6 feet deep, so I am somewhat concerned about overwintering. The main pond is 1.6 acres and currently has GSH, FHM, Crayfish, RES, YP. It will also have SMB, HSB, HBG, and WE this fall.
The mini pond will flow into the main pond during high water events.

Questions are as follows:

Is a sustainable fishery possible given the current size and depth?

If yes above, which species will provide the best angling opportunity for young kids? (think lots of action)...

Should I put any structure in the pond?

Thanks in advance.

FWIW If it was me, I would stock HBG for the kids. Aggressive biters and get to a nice size quickly.

I was kind of leaning on HBG. Are they hardy enough to survive a central illinois winter in 6 feet of water?

Hopefully, Sprkplug, the resident HBG expert, or one of the other pros can answer that.

FWIW 6 feet only is scary for me. I am a fan of having a little winter aerator to pop a hole if the snow gets thick and keeps light from penetrating the ice. My winter aeration is set up to just flip a switch in the house if I start to get nervous so I can blow a hole thru the ice. I am further north than you and my pond was only 7 or 8 feet deep last year for winter (deepened to 12 to 14 this summer). I didn't loose any fish I am aware of last winter.

HBG would work, you need a predator to help with population management. Tony [sparkplug] is very adept at managing HBG fisheries and utilizes single sex LMB as a management tool IRC. If he sees this, he can direct you more thoroughly.