Hi everyone. This spring we completed our 1.5 acre pond located in NE Iowa. Its currently 12 out of 20' deep. I've got a bunch of structure in it already, trees and rocks. I stocked it with fat head minnows a couple months ago, and they've spawned. The pond is loaded with bugs, and the leapord and bullfrogs are moving in.
Originally, as soon as it was half full our pond guy wanted us to get it stocked with everything. But now that I am watching this ecosystem develop, I feel like I should take it slow. I'd almost like to see the FHM spawn some more, and see the frogs actually reproduce. Build that forage food base first. Maybe stock fish next year?
Is this a good idea? Or is it inevitable that I will just need to feed them pellets anyway so just get it stocked? I am in no hurry, I want a successful pond for the long haul. Or maybe I can just add a species of fish at a time? I was planning to run feeders, but if I can feed the fish for free, I'd rather do that!.
The plan was for bluegill, largemouth, redear, and perch.
Thanks in advance
