Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Is one Predator species enough?

So right on the size at stocking. Keep in mind what Bill noted about the differences North to South on this subject. In new ponds 3-4 inch BG will spawn quickly in warm water possibly multiple times. While LMB up north often don't spawn until year 2. That can easily lead to overcrowded BG with suppressed LMB spawning. Look in the next PB Mag issue for an article with surprising science on that topic.

That is not as common in the South as LMB stay active longer and usually spawn in yr 1. It can happen anywhere when large hoards of BG are present.

No matter the location achieving and maintain BG/LMB balance is like balancing on the knifes blade. Balance in BG/LMB ponds is not a normal state but is the exception.