Originally Posted By: snrub
I've had reproduction in my 3 acre pond and have at least two year class sizes. Originally stocked September 2013.

I did not specifically put spawning structure in for CC but have numerous things that could naturally be cavities including very large stumps turned up on the side, some concrete slab ledges and some old plastic containers of various kinds.

My LMB population has failed to recruit which I blame excessive reproduction of BG. So the modest LMB predation might explain why my CC spawns have been able to recruit new CC. I have six inch specimens and ones about a foot long as well as the original fish which are 3#+. I do not seem to have excessive reproduction. I just catch the smaller CC occasionally which is fine with me. A small amount of recruitment would be perfect.

That has been my experience to date.


My experience is similar to Snrub's. I did not put in any CC dedicated spawning "caves" but I've still seen a very small number of recruits. I suspect mine found a nest they like in my piles of broken concrete slab. I think an important factor is keeping the slow moving new spawn from being eaten so they will need lots of cover near your "caves." FWIW I've read that you want the opening of the nests facing away from shore in 6 to 10 feet of water.

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