As of today I have taken out 4,016 catfish out of my 8 acre pond. I’d guess that’s to be around 1200 lbs of catfish removed this year. I’m hoping that all that mass of fish removed (plus 3,000 last year,) that next year will see a huge difference with the bluegill and bass population.
I hope to catch more but bow season is around the corner and days are getting shorter for any substantial fish removal.
I am currently pumping as much optimal bluegill into the pond as I can in the evenings (work days,) and morning and evenings on my days off. I’d like to feed through October (as long as the gills will eat.)
Overall I’m happy to have removed so many catfish. But kinda bummed because I can still go down to the pond and catch 10-30 in an 1.5 hrs of fishing. And that I caught a handful of 2-4 inch catfish so there is still recruitment even with the new bass population.
Unless there is something I should/need to do for fall and winter management (please give suggestions.) pond time is winding down and now time for deer.
As of today I have taken out 4,016 catfish out of my 8 acre pond. I’d guess that’s to be around 1200 lbs of catfish removed this year. I’m hoping that all that mass of fish removed (plus 3,000 last year,) that next year will see a huge difference with the bluegill and bass population.
I hope to catch more but bow season is around the corner and days are getting shorter for any substantial fish removal.
I am currently pumping as much optimal bluegill into the pond as I can in the evenings (work days,) and morning and evenings on my days off. I’d like to feed through October (as long as the gills will eat.)
Overall I’m happy to have removed so many catfish. But kinda bummed because I can still go down to the pond and catch 10-30 in an 1.5 hrs of fishing. And that I caught a handful of 2-4 inch catfish so there is still recruitment even with the new bass population.
Unless there is something I should/need to do for fall and winter management (please give suggestions.) pond time is winding down and now time for deer.
That is a remarkable standing weight of catfish!!!
Bocomo, majority of the catfish I catch are 8-10 inches Long. I have caught a handful of 4-5 lb catfish and a decent amount 12-14 inch catfish. I googled searched 10 inch channel catfish weight and came up with .3 lbs. I multiplied .3 by the 4016 catfish I caught to get an idea of pounds removed. Not sure how accurate that is but sounds right for bar napkin math.
I’m just shocked that after all the catfish removed I can still go down to the pond and catch them.
Bocomo, majority of the catfish I catch are 8-10 inches Long. I have caught a handful of 4-5 lb catfish and a decent amount 12-14 inch catfish. I googled searched 10 inch channel catfish weight and came up with .3 lbs. I multiplied .3 by the 4016 catfish I caught to get an idea of pounds removed. Not sure how accurate that is but sounds right for bar napkin math.
I’m just shocked that after all the catfish removed I can still go down to the pond and catch them.
MODOC says 300-500 pounds of channel catfish per surface acre per year is achievable, so I definitely believe you!
That means up to 4000 pounds/year in 8 acres just to keep up!!!
https://mdc.mo.gov/property/pond-stream-care/ponds-fish-frog-management/channel-catfish-farm-ponds
Man that is very disheartening to hear haha. Hopefully my bass and bluegill will keep the catfish fry in check from hear on out. It’s crazy to think I might not have even put a dent in the population.
rtripple you must have some spawning area that is working really well, do you have any idea what it might be? I wouldn't want that much spawning but I wouldn't mind if a few replacement spawn would happen just to sort of maintain populations, in your case they seem to have a prolific reproduction rate, I definitely would not want that. Thanks in advance.
Gehajake, the pond has several down trees, standing dead timber, and old tree stumps. I’m not aware of any other structure in the pond, but there easily could be something the previous owner sunk out there.
The previous owner redone (not sure what that means) the levee a couple years ago. Guessing he lost a lot fish and water during that time. Either the catfish were the only fish to survive and they took over the pond. Or he stocked a lot of catfish because they are typically cheaper fish and planned on selling.
The only thing I know for certain is the pond has a lot of catfish.
I absolutely love 10-12" catfish. I am in southern Indiana. If you ever want help next summer getting rid of a bunch of them, shoot me a message.