Additional info for what C.Baird in northern Indiana accomplished for growing LMB at high density in his 0.6 ac pond that had inflow water from the trout pond.
LMB growth rate starting with 4"-5" pellet trained northern strain bass.

"" These are approximate average ages and bass sizes. Keep in mind there are always a few smaller size bass and a few larger size bass. Males are smaller and grow slower than female largemouth bass.

Spring Year 01 (March-April) Age ~ 9 to 10 months old pellet trained. Size 4 to 5 inches placed in cage.
Fall Year 01 (October) Age 16 months. Size 8 to 10 inches. Released from cage
Fall Year 02. (October) Age 2 years 4 months Size 14 to 15 inches 1.5 to 2.5 lbs.
Fall Year 03. (October) Age 3 years 4 months Size 16 to 18 inches 2.5 to 3.0 lbs.
Fall Year 04. (October) Age 4 years 4 months Size 17 to 19 inches 3 to 5 lbs. plus

Cecil says the bass grew quite rapidly until they reached about 2.5 to 3 lbs. and then slowed down in growth. The rapidly growing fish exhibited small heads and fins. As the fish slowed down in growth they showed more normal proportions. The younger fish were quite stocky with lots of internal fatty tissue. One 19 inch fish weighed just over 6 lbs. I'm convinced many of the oldest fish went off the pellets. There was bluegill, yellow perch and largemouth reproduction in the pond for them to also feed on.""

When the goal is to have a higher percentage of larger bass available then the smaller and slower growing bass should be cropped as they are encountered.

This thread was placed in the Common Pond Q&A Archives under: LMB Info Stocking, Growth, Management

Last edited by Bill Cody; 04/29/19 01:14 PM.
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