The key is to stay ahead of any problems with population imbalance. In newly stocked ponds the original stockers are the fastest growers as there is minimal competition and lots of forage. This initial growth spurt is about 3-4 years. Then with multiple year classes you get competition and growth slows (on a whole population basis not on an individual fish basis). By year 4 you need good info on growth (RW) across all year/size classes in both predator and prey species. Best way to get this info is by keeping good records (catch/creel data), doing seine surveys and then have an electrofishing survey. I would suggest that the time is right for those questions and answers. What you have described is catching the fast-growing stocker fish which have good catchability. Catchability can become an issue so read up on that also.

Last edited by ewest; 08/21/23 12:09 PM.