I posted a topic months ago about a new subdivision with a new 3 acre pond getting ready to stock BG. They subsequently stocked 500 BG (less than optimum due to costs).

I was fly fishing to see how large the BG have become and low and behold I catch a 2 lb bass. Also I see swarms of 2 inch bass following my fly. As you can imagine not a BG was caught.
I've put out the alert for everyone to start catching and keeping bass. Yesterday we caught 3-2lb bass. I don't think a lot of bass were bucket stocked because we're not catching a lot of 2 lb bass.

So right now we have to get rid of the big bass and the small 2 inch bass.
What do you think of introducing some HSB into the lake to sort out the small LMB....will they take care of the small fry?

Next step in spring would be to catch the HSB and start adding BG again.

Any thoughts or suggestions on what else we can do?
David

I don't think the HSB will be a good predator of the LMB. HSB stick to more open water, where LMB stay relatively close to shore/cover. I still think angling is the way to go.

If HSB will not prey on the 2 inch LMB, then how do I get rid of all those LMB fry? The association will not have the funds to nuke the lake.

FYI, it's a long and narrow lake with very clear water. Don't know if they factors into the equation.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of the thousand or so 2 inch LMB if HSB is not an option?

I have had none to very little recruitment of bass in my pond over the last year (unlike you, I want them tho). Couple things that I might suspect: GSF are taking out the fry, RBT are stocked in the fall and they might be going after them in the spring like the do minnows, and I have CC. I know this might not help you much, but thought I'd throw it out there. I also have a heron around a lot lately.

Can you run a net thru the pond?

In all the different ponds, I've never had very good luck telling the fish which ones I want them to eat (or the ones that I don't want them to eat...)

Small LMB stay close to shore and to cover. HSB usually live in more open water areas. If the two species of fish don't cross paths frequently, the larger ones most likely won't eat the smaller ones because they'll never see them.

Esshup, I see what you are saying. This is a new lake of about one year old. The only fish in it right now are LMB. The lake is VERY clear, to the point that we probably need to fertilize. However If there is only a few 2 lb LMB and a bunch of 2 inch LMB, would the HSB be forced to go after the young LMB even in the shallow water?

I had a fish hatchery tell me we need to add 600 HSB in the 3.5 acre lake. Hard for me to see that working out for anyone but the guy selling the HSB.

Don't believe I would have further dealings with that guy.

Scott, I know that you know this, but just for clarification -
the only way for HSB to control LMB recruitment is with no or limited cover or structure.
HSB as well as striped bass, being only an open water species is a myth - fish will follow the food.
George

The pond is completely devoid of structure. One of the projects we have is to add structure but right now getting those yound bass out of there is the first priority.

My original thought was to add about 20 HSB but I'm thinking now that might not be enough.

Update on our 3 acre community lake.
We added the 2,000 CNBG and 10 lbs of FHM in April. We've been taking out all the stunted bass, but there remain a few to catch. CNBG are devouring the Aquamax 500 and seem to have doubled in size since April. CNBG are making spawning beds.

I tried to get an bloom started but instead I think I got FA. I assume I'll have to treat that.

I've not seen any FHM so I assume the stunted bass ate them pretty quickly.

I need suggestions on what to do going forward:
1. First should I treat the FA? Should that be the priority?
2. Should I restock FHM as the CNBG are geting larger.
3. I will continue to take out all stunted bass.
4. should I try adding grass shrimp to the pond?
Thanks in advance.

I am not exactly sure what your goals are but I do know that if you are feeding your fish generally you do not need to fertilize because this creates excess nutrients which in return causes FA. I probably wouldn't treat the FA unless it becomes a reoccurring issue as far as restocking FHM it couldn't hurt but might be a waste if there are many small bass in the pond. Grass Shrimp are good for any pond and the FA could act as temporary shelter for them to get a population started. I am no expert basically just relaying what I have learned from the good people here on the forum and I'm sure someone will correct me if needed on any advice given.

Thanks for the reply. That makes a lot of sense. Now to find the grass shrimp!

As long as you can live with the FA I would leave it in there. It will provide a lot of cover for your forage fish fry in the absence of other cover in a new pond. It also provides cover and food for a lot of small bugs and critters that the small BG eat to grow.

I would not worry about the FA unless it gets to the point no one can stand to look at it. As far as the fish population, when other cover is lacking, it probably is the best you have currently available to help your forage fish thrive.

The $$ that would have been spent on FHM could go to other things, i.e. buying food.

Thanks, we're feeding Aquamax 500 currently. They've doubled in size since April. Don't know if that's good or not but at least they are growing.