Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Stocking Rainbows with Brook Trout?

Hi everyone. I purchased a property in Central Maine with a mature 1-acre pond last year. I've measured the depth in several spots, and have found 12 to 15 foot depths across the middle of the pond. From discussions with the original owner, the pond is spring fed, and receives some runoff from the surrounding slopes. The previous owner stocked the pond with brook trout, and I caught one that was 15-inches long just before the ice set in this winter. The previous owner said that I should not mix rainbow trout in with the brook trout, because the rainbows would threaten the brookies. Does anyone know if there is any problem with stocking both types of trout? I had another pond that was stocked exclusively with rainbows, and I came to really like them.

I don't see any issue with mixing brook trout with rainbow trout. Rainbows will get bigger and bigger fish do tend to rule the pack, but in the ponds I have seen where both fish were stocked, the rainbows and brookies did fine together. Brown trout tend to be more of a problem causer and can be very smart fish, much harder to hook than the others. I have seen ponds with all 3 species and each did fine though. Since you're in Maine and the pond is spring fed it sounds like the trout will do fine temp and DO wise. Sounds like you'll have a great little fishery. If you stock more trout, I'd try to stock at least 6" and preferably 8" fish. Smaller than that and a lot of those trout will end up being eaten by the bigger trout already in the pond.

I see where the former owner is coming from. Rainbows and browns grow faster and once they get bigger the pecking order kicks in and the brook trout get stressed. The browns and bows will chase the brooks around. I've seen it in my pond.

Cecil:

Would it minimize the problem if he stocked RBT that was 1/2 the size of the brookies that are currently in the pond? I don't know how fast the RBT would outgrow the brookies.

ATrain, you could probably have problems with any type fish when there a large size differences, if your BRKT are already 15" they should do well.
I have BRKT & RBT every year and they both grow well, also mixed in BRNT last year and Tiger trout the year before with no apparent growth problems.
Another factor to consider is your stocking density, if their not crowded that will really help.

I stocked brown trout in the fall at only 6 to 8 inches an brooks in the 10 to 12 inch size in the spring. The browns caught up to the brooks in growth and surpassed them within a year. I didn't have very good consistent growth on the brooks that cycle and decided not to put the too together again.

Your stained water may reduce conflict by reducing visibility.

Actually stocking density can be the reverse of what you think. Sometimes if there is enough room to set up territories the fish will be aggressive especially around spawning time. On the other hand if you have a high density of fish it can break down territorial behavior as there is no territory to defend.

Thanks for your help everyone! I look forward to checking in here regularly.