New pond is filling up, about 8 feet deep in the deepest part. Another 7 feet to go to full pool!

My plan was to get FHM established in 2023 while completing the grading, planting grass, and planning for aeration. Then, YP in spring 2024, and SMB in spring or fall of 2024.

In the meantime, I was thinking about rainbow trout for fun in the fall of 2023. I assume they will all be dead by late spring 2024 when the temps rise, but hopefully they will provide some ice fishing and early spring enjoyment.

However, the rather dated publication Managing Michigan Ponds for Sportfishing is adamant that trout don't "need" minnows and feeding trout leads to nutrient overload.

Is there any problem introducing trout to a pond flush with minnows, and should I feed the trout pellets from fall to spring for some rapid growth in the short time that they will survive?

The trout will eat fathead minnows, I believe, but that may not be a problem towards getting the fatheads to be in abundance for the YP and SMB stockings the following year. I think that depends on how many trout you stock.

Trout do eat bugs and such, but I still think they might need more forage base to thrive.

The trout will be habituated to eating the fish pellets. Some trout prey on more fish than others, so it all depends on what species you are stocking too. Just feed enough that they can consume in 15 minutes and you won't have any wasted food.

From my experience winter stocking rainbow trout, I can tell you that they are very aggressive pellets feeders & grow fast. Of course, you'll have a lot more time for them to grow than I do, wouldn't be surprised if they got well over 5 lb before heat gets to them.

Cool, thanks.