Hey guys, wanted to drop a note here. I have fertilized the last batch of eggs for Saugeye production and I have about 10-12 days to finalize orders for fry.
I had originally posted responding to jpsdad that I do not recommend a new pond be stocked with these but I ran across a couple of exceptions in the last couple of weeks, 4 of which are state projects I had not been following very closely
In a new pond with species planned such as SMB, YP and still want BG, I think this has been a benefit to stock fry in lower initial numbers prior to stocking BG where BG are desired but LMB are not a part of the plan.
The early stocking of SAE fry at the same time FHM are stocked, followed by 3-5" BG in a pond of 3+ acres will get the SAE to a size they will begin working on BG production as they will be large enough to begin consuming the BG fairly quickly post-hatch with a recommendation of YP and SMB stocked in the fall with GSH added as brooder size the next summer.
We've had 4 community ponds stocked in this manner over the last 2 years, 3 were refurbed in 2022, stocked beginning spring 2023.
The fry stocking rate was considerably lower than that recommended for an existing fishery due to extremely low potential of predation.
Can discuss with anyone wanting to try this but results look very promising on all species growth rates as of fall 2024.
After fry orders are filled, we will be stocking the remaining fish for intermediate grow out to fill existing orders the best we can.
Thanks and holler if you wish to consider this.
