My name is Diane and I live on 17 acres in West-Central Arkansas. Last summer we dug a pond about 1.5 acres, got some great rains, and stocked some CC,LMB, Black Crappie (BC?), and FHM. I noticed before we bought the fish that there was already fish in the pond. I found this website some time ago trying to identify the pond-squatters...GSF...oh no! I have alot to learn about pond management, fish, and everything else that comes with the territory. I've been feeding the fish every evening and just recently noticed a new baby fish. It's got a iridescent blue spot either on the side or top of it's head, and has a red tail. I can't identify it and was wondering if anyone out here may have an idea? It's about the size of a small minnow. Thanks in advance,I appreciate all the info and know-how on this forum.
Dianne, don't sweat the GSF. They're not a problem. They only spawn annually and usually get wiped out by larger predators.
What you have overlooked is a proper forage base prior to stocking larger predators. The fatheads seldom last very long and don't provide much of a meal.
If the bass, CC and crappie have been there for a year and only have small GSF and minnows for forage, they probably aren't getting the groceries they need. IMO, you need to quickly stock several thousand 4 to 6 inch bluegills.
The other concern is the crappie. They can pretty quickly over run anything less than 25 to 50 acres and stunt. They are really prolific. I would remove every one I could.
BTW, beautiful place.
Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 08/23/1205:06 PM.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
Thanks for the suggestions. We are going to add some bluegills. I've been feeding the CC, and they seem to be getting along great. I was really getting concerned about the drought and heat but we lucked out here the last couple of weeks and caught some great rains.
I've not been able to catch one of the little blue fish yet - they are fast - could aquarium fish survive in a pond? Wondering if the neighbors dumped some into their pond and they made their way to mine...
Thanks for the compliment, we have a lot of work to do yet but it's coming together!
