Thinking Of Pond Stocking? These Are The Recommended Fish Types!

If you are thinking of stocking fish in your home then this is a wise idea as most commercial hatcheries offer a variety of fish that you can stock into your pond. You should note that not all kinds of fish will do well because some are better suited for a pond environment than others, while others can actually cause problems. This article will help you know which types of fish to have in your pond, so read on…

Largemouth bass

To maintain a healthy fish community, largemouth bass is the best predator and have evolved to prey and reproduce effectively in warm vegetated areas. When small, these fish prey on microscopic animals but later switch to a diet of crayfish and diet. During winter, you might want to customize the pond by investing in a pond heater. And you can stock 100, 2-4 inch fingerlings in an acre.

Bluegill

They are appealing to the eye and do well on shallow, warm and vegetated areas. These are the best if you want to provide food for your largemouth bass. Bluegills can become stunted if a sufficient number of bass are not present or when the pond becomes choked with vegetation. They prey on microscopic animals, fish eggs, insects and small crayfish among others. You might want their population to multiply by extending the size of your pond or simply joining two different ponds.

Redear sunfish

This is an alternative species to bluegills and has advantages like: they grow larger than bluegills and are voracious predators of snails whose abundance displease most pond owners. They are less likely to become stunted. You can stock both bluegills and redear fish to maintain a healthy largemouth bass population. Stock about 250, 1-3 inch each of bluegills and redear fingerlings.  

Channel catfish

Unless they are overstocked, channel catfish do not cause problems in ponds and they will not reproduce unless you provide containers for them to spawn in. Stock your new pond with 100, 2-4 inch fingerlings per acre for better results.

Fathead minnow

Also known as golden shiner, these species are known to do well in ponds. However, their population can decline dramatically especially in the presence of largemouth bass. If you want to fish for your largemouth bass, then this species is your best bet.

Grass carp

This is the best species when it comes to controlling submerged vegetation problems. They grow and survive especially if the plant species present is that which they will readily eat. You can stock up to 20 per acre if there is a severe vegetation problem.

Yellow perch

These are frequently stocked in most ponds and can tolerate warmer water. They also prefer vegetated areas but reproduction is variable from year to another. They eat identical foodstuffs that bluegills and bass eat. You should note that you can customize your fish pond just the way you want and as experts will recommend but the rule of thumb is that the larger the fish pond, the more fish you will be able to put in there. You can also put rubber liners that will withstand sun exposure better than others.