Initial stocking of 2 inch fish. Commonly issued suggestions.

2000 BG/CNBG/RES per acre are suggested for trophy LMB ponds.

1000 BG/CNBG/RES per acre are suggested for balanced LMB/BG ponds.

The number of LMB per acre depends on the goal:

100 LMB per acre for a balanced pond.

Anywhere from 30-60 LMB per acre for a trophy LMB pond

This is for fertile ponds in warm climates (long growing season).

If the pond is infertile the numbers are cut in half.

If additional species are included the numbers need to be adjusted. You have to leave room for growth to carrying capacity.

I have not seen written research or presentations from fisheries scientists on the stocking numbers for a trophy BG pond. There are different ways to get that and I am not sure relying on stocking numbers is the best way. For example you don't want the first in BG eaten as they will have the best growth rate. Its their babies you want to limit. Feeding also makes a big difference in raising trophy BG.