Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Addind LMB in cold weather

New member here and I recently built a 1.5 acre back yard pond. We’ve stocked FHM and figgerling CNBG in the early spring.I stocked the bluegill at the high end of the online recommendations found elsewhere on the web before I found this site. I’ve fertilized and fed them all year. My intentions were to grow big bass faster. The BG have already spawned this summer and the place is swarming with fish. My local feed store has one last fish day this year and I wanted to add some LMB next week.

My only real concern is adding them with cooler water temps. We have our first freezing temps coming in a few days and was wondering if they may not survive the transfer. The weather is not going to stay cold long and my area normally sees daytime highs in the lower 70’s this time of year. I’m grateful for the advice and look forward to learning here.

I think it’s a good idea. You need a predator to keep the pond in balance.

Hey Dave, you think they will survive the tranfer?

If the goal is to grow large panfish, then stock 'em. If the goal is to grow larger bass, I'd wait until Spring. If they supplier has been selling the same size bass all year long, then these LMB are the slowest growing of this years crop...........

Ouch, I never thought of that! Hashtag - what is the opposite of a jumper.

None of the experts have really addressed his question concerning cooler temperatures at the time of transfer.

My understanding is that you DO NOT transfer fish during peak summer heat, since heat is a major stressor on the fish.

Is there a lower limit on the optimum temperatures to transfer fish? Is it bad to put in LMB right before winter when they will be at their lowest activity for the year?

I don't move any sunfish above 85 degree water temp, or below 50. A cheap infrared temp gun gives you a quick and easy way to check surface temps before moving or purchasing fish. Our CNBG have been under solid ice several times, and have done just fine. Moving and handling them in lower temps can stress them though.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I’ll go ahead a get them next week. Super excited. Today is such an iconic day for me. On top of being my birthday, I’m hunting my very own private property for the very first time. No more clubs or public land for me. Sitting in a shooting house with a food plot out one window and my fish pond out another. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out here. Plus it’s only a few 300 yards out the back door to our new home. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend with the ones you care about.

Looks beautiful!

Good luck harvesting a deer this fall and growing out some nice LMB next year.

(My doctor keeps telling me to diversify my diet - looks like you are gonna' have that covered!)