Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Small Pond Will be Needing Stocked Soon

Alright, for argument's sake, If I had to decide on a stocking plan...This would be it...

FHM 5 lbs
5-6"BG 200
3-4"RES 50
4-6"HSB 20
3"LMB 25

I would stock the FHM first, as soon as they are available in the early spring, then add the BG and RES mid to late spring, and follow up in the fall with the HSB and LMB. I have not decided to feed the fish regularly, that is why I stuck with the Non-Hybrid fish. I wonder if HSB come non-pellet trained?

My question at this point is...how long should the pond be at full level (or mostly full) before you do the initial stocking. I ask because this fall has proven to be very dry (not much rain) and my pond is only 6 inches deep. I could find that it does not fill up until early spring and is it good to stock a pond that has just filled up overnight?

If I had a 1/4 ac pond I would try to work out a stocking plan that skipped LMB altogether. I have a mature 2.2 acre pond and managing the LMB population is a constant headache. Those damn things have way too many babies.

You can always add them later but you can't un-ring that bell without starting over.

I would wait until it is about three feet deep and then stock the FHM. The BG, RES, and any CC can be stocked when available in spring.