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Jan 10th, 2023
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 110 Likes: 2
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OP
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 110 Likes: 2 |
Filling 2/3 acre pond after draining and resealing. Would like to get some bluegill started and maybe shiners to build up forage population before stocking LMB or SMB. How long does it take a new pond to produce enough food for the forage fish to survive ? My fear - putting them in - but nothing to eat.
And are there guidlelines for the number of forage fish you can safely stock based on the size of the pond ?
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
My non-expert opinion would be you can stock fish before the pond fully fills but it should have an algae bloom.
Remember the stocked fish are going to be tiny and not need much food compared to the area they are in. As they grow, so will the food chain.
I stocked my pond in the fall about a month after it started filling when it was about half full. The fish did fine.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,493 Likes: 266
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014  Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,493 Likes: 266 |
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,053 Likes: 277 |
Add to what John said. In my drought stricken area stock when I have the best chance of them having water covering their backs. Also when water temps are in the 70 or so degree area. Once summer hits, it's too late.
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
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 110 Likes: 2
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OP
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 110 Likes: 2 |
Thanks guys for the help on this !!
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