I'm thinking of trying HSB in my .2 acre pond, 9 feet deep. It is well aerated, and I supplement feed. My water temps in the summer temp get near 70 to 75 F, with only nighttime aeration. If I ran the aerators during the day, I'd bet the temps would get near or above 80 f for much of the summer.
I've had trout in the pond for three years, with some fair success. Although I think I lose bunches to mink, GBH, and every once in a while cormorants.
However, the Golden Shiner population is very, very healthy. The adult size is about 5 to 6 inches, and there are tons of them - of all sizes. Apparently the trout are just not predacious enough, especially in summer time when they get stressed from elevated temps.
Ten bucks and an application process will get me an import permit from an out-of-state hatchery.
Any body have any experience with HSB in northern ponds?
Here's why I'm thinking HSB.
1) Fast growth.
2) Good flavor.
3) No risk of reproduction.
4) Good catchability - especially in the summer.
