I would add predators after the YP have spawned or were supposed to spawn. You really don't what an over population YP early. If you stock two sizes of HBG then I suggest you have some predation pressure present when the HBG fry are coming off the nest and present. This spring you can add some of the small HSB to eat and excess hatchling panfish. You may have to wait until fall 2017 to get the smallies.
Stocking some 4"-6" HBG & YP this spring will result in some 8"-10" panfish to harvest this late fall. They grow fast in a new pond. If desired allow for some partial harvest when stocking the numbers.
Two-three pounds of GSH will create a lot of fry if you have adequate spawning habitat for them.
IF you are feeding fish pellets you can add at least some of the predators (HSB) this spring as last year's raised fingerlings (now juveniles) to eat HBG and YP fry plus pellets. You state your goal is not trophy fish just good fishing with panfish to make fillets.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 03/10/17 03:52 PM.
