The communications I had with the DNR/DEQ in MI about HSB was that if your pond had no connection inbound or outbound to another water trail leading to another body of water then HSB are OK. They are not on the prohibited list. It doesn't make sense to me to have this gray area of fish that are not necessary mentioned as allowed or recommended and at the same time not prohibited either. Tilapia fall in that same category where it seems they want their official policy on Tilapia to be purposely suppressed but yet keep them off the prohibited list as well.

I would love to see how your RES do. If you can overwinter I may try again (and now I know where I can get some too smile My initial stockers did not survive long. I think I had one winter and 2 summers with them but by the 2nd winter they didn't make it. My pond isn't as deep and the last winter had much more snow cover and less sunshine.

Without our more mild winters lately they might do well.

Post more pictures if you happen to catch any larger 'bluegill' and we can see what they are