GAME FISH STOCKING

Largemouth Bass are the main predator in most midwest ponds. They will feed on any live fish and spawn every spring.

Once mature, bluegill spawn 3 times a year.  The prolific reproduction of the bluegill creates a substantial source of forage for the predator population of a body of water.  We recommend a ratio of 3 bluegill to every 1 predator fish in order to sufficiently support the nutritional needs of the predator population, unless the pond owner is regularly adding bait fish such as fathead minnows for the predators.

Redear Sunfish thrive on a diet that consist mainly of snails, worms, and insects.  Their diet makes them a wonderful aid in controlling or eliminating parasites within a body of water.  Redear Sunfish will reach a mature size larger than that of a bluegill and will spawn once a year.

Channel Catfish are classified as a scavenger.  They will eat anything from live fish, to crayfish and commercial fish food. They will rarely reproduce in small ponds, unless provided with the appropriate structures.

Hybrid Bluegill are the product of a female sunfish and a male bluegill. Hybrid bluegill reach a mature size larger than that of a straight bluegill and are a more aggressive game fish.  Hybrid rarely reproduce due to the fact that roughly 80% of the population are males.

Black Crappie are a predator fish whose dietary needs are equivalent to that of a largemouth bass.  Crappie are not known to do exceptionally well in ponds less than 5 acres due to competition for live forge. If you plan on introducing crappie into your pond, we recommend also introducing additional bluegill to the pond to support the nutritional needs of the black crappie. Black crappie will spawn once a year.

Bullfrog tadpoles are native to the midwest and thrive in the environment.  You can increase your chances of the frogs remaining in the pond by introducing them to the pond as tadpoles.

Fathead minnows are introduced into a pond as a forge fish for predator fish. They rarely get larger than 3 inches and will reproduce every 3 weeks.

Golden shiners are a source of forage for mature predator fish.  Golden shiners can reach 6” in size and can reproduce up to 4-5 times in a season depending on water temperatures.

Tilapia are a beneficial stocking choice of many for vegetation control.  Tilapia feed on a variety of vegetation species but they preferences consist of duckweed, watermeal, Chara, and a variety of algaes.  Tilapia will reproduce an average of every 25 days which makes them a great source of forage for predators throughout the season.  The female nurses and protects her young by offering shelter in her mouth.  Tilapia are unable to survive in water temperatures less than 50 degrees.  Therefore, they are typically stocked in late spring-June and need to be restocked seasonally if a pond owner wishes to maintain their population.

Smallmouth Bass are a popular choice among fisherman.  Although, often not as large as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass are known for a more aggressive behavior and fight.  Smallmouth bass spawn on an annual basis and are available seasonally in the Fall.

Hybrid Striped bass compete with the most aggressive predators and known for their rapid growth and notable size.  Hybrid striped bass, or “wipers” are a product of a white bass and a striped bass.  Hybrid striped bass will not reproduce.

Triploid Grass Carp are introduced into a pond to control or eliminate vegetation growth. The diet of a grass carp consists of a variety of aquatic vegetation. Under Indiana State law, any triploid grass carp in the state of Indiana must be sterile and must be introduced into a body of water by a licensed dealer.

Koi are native to the midwest and a popular choice for garden ponds due to their hardiness and intricate coloring.  Koi will reproduce in the spring when water temperatures reach 65-70 degrees.

Walleye are a significant predator with a clouded eye and teeth.  Walleye will not reproduce in a pond due to the lack of running water and are available seasonally in the Fall.