I have redbreasts in my pond. Pond is 5 acres or so in size, located in northern New Hampshire.
Water is clear with a brown tint and gets no warmer then 80 degress in august. I also have smallmouth and crayfish in the pond. All are thriving and growing well. I stocked 140 redbreasts 2 years ago . There are thousands now and they all look fat! Also there are all different sizes in the pond from tiny fry to 9 inch fish. That part about " wont do well in ponds" dont believe it! I put a fish trap in a few days ago...let it sit over night,pulled it in the morning, in the trap were 50 flopping redbreasts all fat and looking great! Dont always believe what you read!
Bill