1. Is the stocking of 3-5" YP and 3-5" SMB at the same time a bad idea? I understand that it is not the typical approach, however I will be sourcing them from very far away, so I'm hoping to only make one trip (early October). How many of each is recommended?
Where are you getting the YP-SMB? No problem stocking the YP(3-5") and SMB together ESPECIALLY if the YP are pellet trained. Pellet trained YP will often eat more pellets than minnows. If the YP are pellet trained then for a 1+Ac pond I would build a feeding ring 4ft-6ft in dia of 1" black water line or thin wall PVC anchor it on the deep side of your dock or in 5-6ft of water. When you add pellets make noise by water splashing or tapping on the dock to alert the fish pellet feeding time.
It is well worth some extra money if you can get the fish farm to pick out more of the larger YP 4"-6". These will be more a percentage of females than the slow growing males and larger ones are more likely to eat pellets better than the smaller YP. For stocking I agree with Sunil 200-400 YP is a good starting number. For best growth of SMB fingerlings I would use the lower density suggested by Sunil 50-60.
2. Does the forage and habitat seem adequate? What adjustments would you recommend regarding species and quantity? For those who have tried Eastern Silvery Minnows, what has your experience been with them?
HABITAT - If you haven't built the TJ designed SMB spawning beds create one or two of them (see the link to pics of them below).. Think about getting a small truck load of 1"-3" rock/gravel for bottom nest areas on the pallet. Planned plants are good basic ideas. Check what native submerged vegetation lives in the shallow areas of local lakes. Report back here with results for the transplant possibility.
Do your best to keep the waterfowl from eating the plants until they become established. Geese LOVE wild rice esp the new shoots of Spring. If geese are common it is doubtful the wild rice will survive two years.
You are establishing new territory for eastern silvery minnows. Good luck and keep us up dated on their survival and recruitment.
3. How many crayfish should I add? When is the appropriate time to add them? Add them whenever the young of year are available from the supplier. Where are you getting crayfish? 200-400 are okay for starting to see if they thrive. Increase the rock rubble habitat if possible as habitat for crayfish.
With more time I will return for more comments.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/16/24 09:44 AM.
