Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - New Member

I've lurked around here for the past year or so. Just purchased a parcel of land that is attached to a shared 16 acre pond that iat its deepest is 18 ft. I had an expert come look at the pond after our purchased and they recommended we get the phragmites down around the pond and add some tree or cover for the fish. Osprey and eagles frequent the pond. They also recommended aeration but admitted it would take a large system based on the pond and the other owners would likely need to be on board. Algae isn't a problem but man the weeds are a bear in the shallows. So far we've caught bass, white crappie, perch, bluegill, catfish, carp and even a large shad. Id love to add trout but not sure if its feasible based on location (SE MI). Just hear to learn.

I would ask the expert why fallen trees are needed for structure if there is 25% weed coverage that is by itself considered good fish habitat. With this much habitat in 16 acres to consistently catch fish, one would need to use unique angler methods that involve weed habitat adapted fishing.

To determine survivability of trout one would need to do a water temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) study in deepest areas of the lake during the heat of summer lateJuly - early Aug to search for any cool water (65F) high DO (5ppm) refuge areas that exist. If none are found then trout would be a seasonal fishery.

If you are catching 4- 5 lb LMB then stocked trout should be 12"-14" to insure survivability. Having a successful seasonal quality trout fishery is not a cheap endeavor. Also unless the trout are fed pellets do not expect them to grow very much from fall to summer kill heat period. This is because the lake is at close to natural fish carrying capacity which means for not a lot of excess natural foods available because the current fishery is eating most all the available foods. Any new adult size fish would have to hunt hard to find enough foods to grow unless there is an abundance under utilized food that is not being used by the current fish community - very doubtful this easily available food exists. I don't think trout are all that naturally competitive compared to the current fish community in your lake.

I would check back with Spring Valley Trout to see if they would provide a couple names of trout suppliers. Trout farmers know well the competition. Sharing it is sometimes the problem. Check with the local game warden for names of closest trout farms. Michigan probably has an Aquaculture Association. Check it for names of trout farms. You should be able to arrange a piggy back or shared fish delivery during fall trout stocking time. To make the trout fishery a decent success for numerous anglers I think around 300-400 trout (20-30/ac) would need to be stocked in October. If you frequently fed the trout pellets they would be a lot easier to locate and catch. Laggis Fish Farm in Gobles MI sells fall trout. He might share / split a delivery with you if you buy enough trout.

John Nelski who owns Crystal Springs Farms is a LOT easier to work with than Dan Laggis........

Crystal Springs Farms, LLC
Address: 501 W River Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445
Phone: (231) 719-0335

If John has Golden Rainbow Trout, those are a little bit more aggressive in striking at lures than regular Rainbow Trout. I put a dozen in a customers 4 acre pond without him knowing about it. He has friends of his ice fish the pond and he fishes it a lot during the winter. I knew my phone would blow up as soon as one was caught. LOL They caught all 12 out of the pond before they died. They even released the ones that they caught up until March, then they started keeping them. I agree 110% with Bill, stock them at a minimum of 1# each, 1.5#-2# per fish would be even better.