Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat What will happen if I stock my pond.

I know most people on this forum like to fish. I used to fish in Lake Michigan when I was a kid but haven't since. Anyway, my pond is about an acre and it has lots of bull frogs, other frogs, tadpoles, salamander tadpoles (larvae?) water snakes, etc. I really like the combination. There always seems to be something going on, like snakes swimming around the edges trying to catch frogs or hawks swooping down trying to get the frogs(I assume) also. My question is what will happen if I stock the pond with catfish, bluegill and small mouth bass? How will things change? Will the fish eat most of the tadpoles or will the pond pretty much stay the same. The reason for stocking would be for family and friends to be able to fish when visiting.


Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff

Good question.

Some one will be on board to give you some info.

OTTo

Yes, adding to it will change the balance. However, there will still be something, or a whole bunch of somethings, still happening.

You're right, most of us enjoy fishing and seem to start out getting a pond to scratch that itch. But after awhile, we seem to start doing just what you are doing. We just add fish.

Adding fish would decrease the number and possibly diversity of amphibians you see now. As DD notes, there will be other things - fish, fry, fish eating stuff - to see instead. The change from one pond state to another, occurring over several years, is in itself fascinating to watch.

Put the fish in. The total net activity of the pond will increase.

You'll start to have fish jumping or rising to the surface to hit flies & bugs.

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff are you sure you don't have fish ?

If there are no fish then adding fish will make it a more natural (balanced) place.

Thanks for the replies,

I actually did put some catfish and bluegill in last fall. They were about an inch long or less. I haven't seen any this year so I don't know if they made it thru the winter. I got them from the DNR I think, and the guy never said anything about feeding them. After reading this forum, I see that a lot of people feed their fish. Also, until the pond finally filled up all the way this spring, there was hardly any areas for the fish to hide. Now the pond covers some grassy areas and some brush. I wish I had found this forum earlier.
I was getting worried about adding the bass because I assume they would feed on the frogs and tadpoles more than the other fish would. How can I tell if there are any catfish or bluegills still alive? Also, how big would the catfish be? I wonder if I am mistaking catfish for what I assumed to be salamander larvae. They are about 3 or 4 inches long and appear to have front and rear feet, but I guess they could be fins.

You guys are definitely right about the evolution of the pond. It's been a couple years since we fixed the leak in the pond and it stays full now. Last year there were more leopard frogs than bull frogs but there are hardly and leopard frogs now. I think the bull frogs are eating them and the other frogs.


Sorry for the long post. I appreciate the help.
Jeff

If you put in some finglerling fish in Fall '07, there is a good chance you have fish now, however, they would all still be pretty small (maybe less than 5"?).

Throwing out some fish food consistently for a few days, in the same spot would be a good way to see if you have anything.

Go fishing. Use a small hook and light line and a worm or cricket. If you have year old BG you should catch a few.

I don't have a fishing pole, yet. But I do have some fish food so I will try feeding in the same area everyday and see what happens.


Thanks,
Jeff

As ewest says, fishing would be good. Do both and get some pictures of the fish. The feed may attract them and then you could cast into the feed area.

What are the odds?

I just got done throwing a cup full of food into the pond and I saw a group of 5 or 6 bluegills about 10 feet away from me. I could see them for a couple minutes before they left. They were about 3" to 4" long. I stayed there another 15 minutes and I never saw them eat any food but it was pretty cool seeing them for the first time. Have to admit I am kind of excited about the fish now.

Thanks,
Jeff

Hooked for life, you are (as Yoda would say).

The feed will also help the fish grow faster which will just expand the enjoyment factor to a whole new level.

Jeff
I told you someone would lend a helping hand, There cannot be a better place on the computer or a better bunch of people.

OTTO

Otto,

You are right! Thanks to everyone for the replies. I've got 3 small ponds that need to be fixed so I am sure I will be seeking more advice in the future.

Sunil, "Hooked for life, you are (as Yoda would say)." My wife hates it when I do Yoda talk :).

Jeff

I think deep down, everyone hates Yoda Talk.

What is yoda talk

OTTO

More dirt work you'll receive if you learn to talk like this....hmmmm?

Obnoxious, it is.

Most sentences will have Pronoun-Verb-Subject.

Yoda likes to mix it up by speaking Subject-Pronoun-Verb.

He got really burnt out in the '60s.

Learning some yoda now.

Otto's going to be bilingual!

Cussing And English