Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations STOCKING NOW RIGHT FOR ME?

Ok, I've got a pond that has all the structure I want. The soil and water have been tested and there are no problems. The pond isn't leaking and it has lots of water bettles, frogs, etc. An aeration system is coming, but probably won't be turned on until early spring. I'm getting a little restless because I want to get some fish in there, but the pond is only about 1/2 full.

Here's my question. Would it make any sense to go ahead and stock some BG's and Fatheads now and get them reproducing? I planned on waiting until water level was full and then proceeding (to save on shipping costs and to have more control). However, with the extra time on my hands, I'm starting to wonder if I could go ahead and fire the system up with a lower number initial stocking.

Any reason to think I'd have too many BG by the time I stock the LMB? Would dropping the initial stocker numbers down in half be the correct approach? Or, not knowing when the pond will actually be full, would even fewer be better?

The only drawback I can think of is that the spawning grounds aren't yet under water. However, I'm sure they'd still be able to perform their rituals somewhere.

I see no problem. You won't get that much spawning and it will give them time to get acclimated.

jimmy, I'm sure you've mentioned your pond size in a previous post, but just for general info., how big is your pond now, and how big will it be when full (depths also)?

I'm in agreement with Dave unless your pond is really small.

As I'm sure Dave has mentioned before, it's hard not to want to put something in now. I wouldn't be able to help myself from at least putting in some fatheads.

I put in about (5) dozen fatheads and about (5) bluegill into a new pond (maybe 1/2 acre when full), that was only 6-8" deep and 50' square. This pond was built for run-off control while the PA DEP was reclaiming abandoned coal mining spoils on higher ground. It may never fill up fully, but I couldn't help but throw some fish in there.

I agree with Dave and Sunil . If you have 2000 sq ft. (50 x 50 ft) of permenant water (won't go away on you) and it has a 3 ft avg. depth I would add some fatheads and some 2in. BG/RE and start feeding a little. My guess 100 BG/RE and 350 fatheads adding more as the water increases. This assumes that the pond will fill in the normal course over winter and spring. ewest

PS: That should not cost much and many good hatcheries will ship small fish by ups or fedx to your house or you can pick them up.

Sunil,

At the bottom of Jimmy's post it states the pond is 0.6 acres, 13' max.

Russ, thank you. I totally missed that. Sorry jimmy.

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I'll be dropping in a few fatheads and BG soon. I'm glad to know I won't be causing any longterm problems.

It's torture to put some much time and effort into something and then just let it sit there inactive.

I can't wait to see some action!