Originally Posted by Boondoggle
So, I have tried on multiple occasions to trap these little buggers and they have completely evaded my efforts. My homemade trap has yielded LMB, BG, GSF, Tadpoles, I'm sure a mixed species of various sunfish which I've lumped into the BG category and 1 snake (in the last outing where somebody found the trap and threw it back up on shore out of the water).

We do have some pond plants getting established in the pond and they are looking pretty good. 30ish pickerel weed, 15 duck potato have rooted themselves in 12-18" of water. We have some lily still in pots that are looking a little weak. Our soft rush attempt was a no go. We will likely continue to work on the plants and surround them with 1/4" wire mesh at the new installs.

Which brings me to stocking the crays. Would love to get some of these guys started so that next spring the hatch is available as forage for the LMB, YP, RES, and BG. Smith Creek says their current Calico/Papershell stock is approx 100 count per lb. Is there an initial stocking rate for a new pond with smallish fish?

RES stocked at +/- 3" April 2024
BG stocked at 3-5" April 2024
YP stocked at 4-7" March 2024
LMB possible stocking this fall with 20-30 Jumpers in the 6-10" range.

Pond is 1.5 acres with 5-600' feet of riprap edge and some nice rock outcroppings in the main pool.

Weren't the BG 3"-3.5"?

Get the underwater plants established before adding the craws. You need underwater plants like American Pondweed, Sago Pondweed etc. to get established before adding the craws. Or be prepared to annually stock Tilapia OR spray the FA every two weeks.

Last edited by esshup; 06/11/24 10:44 PM.
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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).