It is, a challenge, a big one. I do have experience with trying to establish a perch pond with LMB and CC within the depths. That pond is about an acre in size. I did have some luck catching some yp ice fishing, but soon after I couldn't catch even one. I did find some strands of eggs after initial extensive stocking the following spring, but nothing to show for it as far as yp. Just too successful predation of the yp from the LMB and CC I assume. Thanks for weighing in here John and I hope you can turn things around to your favor! 3 acres of water sounds fun to be working with, but also challenging. I want to add, that in the same pond, I also had crappie in it as well. They could account for some of your loss of yp in my opinion. At this point, thats why I moved my focus to another 1 acre pond that was a fresh start, so I thought, but nope, green sunfish had naturally overtaken the pond. I wish there were a solution like barriers or grow out cages, or some alternative, believe me.
