Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations feeding trout

I just bought 20 twelve inch rainbow trout for my recently dug 40x80 pond. I expected them to be very reactive to the pelets I threw in, but the only surface at the rate of about 2/min. I feed them at 7pm every night. The ice just came off the pond about 10 days ago. Could the cold water temps have something to do with it? I am looking for that feeding frenzy!

Absolutely! They may also be temporarily stressed and need some time to adapt.

Trout are cold water fish but at 3.3 C. (38 F.) or below trout feed very little and only need to eat for maintainence. Once temps rise you should see a definite increase in feeding activity. The lower density of trout will also have an effect on their feeding activity as they could be anywhere in the pond. Try casting feed all around the pond at first for them to find it if you are only casting it to one part of the pond.

Theri hunger closely is linked to the temp as Cecil mentioned. When it jumps into the mid 40's and then into the 50's, their appetite will start spiking. 55-65 is the range when their metabolism is full cranked up and they grow the fastest. The rule is whater they can eat in 15 minutes is close tot he correct amount. That said, I do refere to formulas on trout feeding and if there is one thing I ahve learned about feed rates is- it is better to slightly underfeed them, to avoid the diabetic like condition they get when over feeding.

And, I learned that when the temp rises to the dangerous 68- 70 + range, ratchet back feeding to much less, as mass feeding reduces oxygen at this temp and the water is already struggling to keep enough o2 in it at that temp.

But Mike, my customers like them that way!

Cecil:
Enroll these trout in weight watchers, before they carb to death! Wow! Are those all brown's? My family just saw those pics- and said- they have never seen obese fish like that?

What does the meat taste like on one of those fat boys?

No, only the last one is a brown. First two are brooks.

You do know that fish are functional diabetics don't you Mike? That is they can survive an overconsumption of carbs. They're not as hardy but they as long as there is little stress they will hang in there for a while.

How should I know? I get at least $100.00 a piece for those "fat boys" from other taxidermists. I wouldn't dream of eating them getting that kind of money. The only fish I eat are store bought or from public waters. It's cheaper that way! :p