Over the course of the last year or two, you have slowly added forage fish, such as minnows and bluegills into your pond, and you are ready to start adding some of the more aggressive predatory sport fish; Largemouth Bass. Adding Largemouth Bass to your pond, will help keep the ecosystem in check, as they will help control the populations of the much smaller species of fish. Largemouth Bass also give anglers a fish that will be fun to catch throughout the lifecycle of the pond.

When adding Largemouth Bass into your pond, there are measures you should take in preparation. You will need to make sure the pond is stocked with plenty of prey fish, including minnows and either hybrid bluegills or regular bluegills. If these forage fish are not available, and have a good population established in your pond, the Largemouth Bass will fail to thrive and may experience slow growth if any at all. It is recommended to add a few hundred bluegills and ten pounds of minnows per surface acre of water six months to a year prior to adding the Bass. This allows those fish time to get established and start reproducing before adding a predatory fish that could easily wipe out those populations if not carefully managed.

Purchasing from a reputable fish hatchery, such as Kloubec Fisheries, will ensure that you’re receiving healthy and disease-free fish. Kloubec Fisheries offers Largemouth Bass fingerlings in the three to four-inch range. With proper forage and water conditions, your Largemouth Bass can grow rapidly doubling and maybe even tripling in size in just one season. Within two years after initial stocking, you can expect to catch some Largemouth Bass averaging 10-12 inches in length or 1-2#, providing they have an excellent source of food. You should plan to add a few pounds of minnows annually to ensure your Largemouth Bass have plenty of forage available at all times.

Adult Largemouth Bass tend to be solitary, although you may occasionally notice several bass congregating in areas with a large abundance of prey.They are usually the apex predator in their habitat, hiding between rocks, among water vegetation, or under roots or limbs of sunken trees, striking their prey from the shadows. Largemouth Bass prefer quiet, calm and warm water, but can adapt to other conditions.

The adults prefer to feed on small fish like perch, sunfish, and minnows; however, it is not uncommon for them to prey on crayfish, frogs, and insects. In some instances, Largemouth Bass have been known to eat small birds and mammals that find their way into the pond water.Largemouth Bass fry (under two inches) will feed on zooplankton and insect larvae, but as they grow, they become more aggressive predators and will feed on fish of the same size and have even been known to become cannibalistic.

Spawning typically occurs in early spring when the water temperature reaches 54-64 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideal spawning temperature is around 60 degrees. Female Largemouth Bass tend to grow larger than males. Male Largemouth Bass will build a saucer shaped nest in shallow waters for spawning, and will guard the nest until the eggs hatch within four to six days. After the fry hatch they will remain in schools called the brood swarm and they will remain under their father’s protection until they are approximately four weeks old. In areas with enough food and good habitat such as water plants, Largemouth Bass can grow rapidly.

Largemouth Bass will continue to grow throughout their entire life and can live up to 25 years, although the average lifespan is around 16 years. Any Largemouth Bass weighing five lbs. or greater is usually considered by anglers to be a large fish; however, the world record Largemouth Bass was caught in 1932 and weighed 22 lbs. and 4 oz. In 2009 the record was tied with a fish of the same size caught in Japan. Since Largemouth Bass never stop growing, it is safe to assume, the larger the fish the older it is. In small farm or recreation ponds, the Largemouth Bass wouldn’t have many predators, except in cases where Walleye, Muskie, and Northern Pike are prevalent.

Due to light intensity, Largemouth Bass generally are more active in the mornings and early evenings.Early spring is the easiest time to hook a Largemouth Bass, as they will start moving towards the surface, although bass can and will bite year round.

By adding fathead minnows into your pond, you are ensuring optimum growth for your sport fish population. Fathead minnows are slow movers making them easy prey for predators such as Bass and Crappie. Fathead minnows tend to spawn early and often, creating an immediate food source for your gamefish. To ensure excellent spawning rates, it is advised to provide nesting substrate to enhance the reproduction success of fathead minnows. Ideas for nesting substrate can include rock formations, plants, plastic drums, tires or pallets/boards. Fatheads prefer to spawn upside down depositing their eggs on the underside of the nesting substrate.

Spawning typically occurs when the water temps reach 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit, and may continue until the temps exceed 85 F. This would include the spring and most of the summer, with the exception of the very hottest parts of July and August. 

Fry can mature and spawn within 4-8 weeks after hatching. Mature Fathead Minnow adults seldom exceed 3 inches in length and typically only live for 12-15 months. Mature males are usually larger than the females and can be distinguished from the females during breeding season by a series of breeding tubercles on the nose and forehead. Mature females may spawn weekly, depositing 200-500 eggs at a time, and some females may even lay up to 4,000 eggs per season.

The recommended stocking rate for the fathead minnows is 10# per surface acre of water. It is nearly impossible to add too many minnows into your pond, as they provide an excellent food source for your gamefish throughout the year. It is also recommended to continually add Fathead Minnows annually to ensure a healthy population, which will ensure a healthy ecosystem and exceptional growth rates among larger sport fish and younger fingerlings.

Minnows are relatively inexpensive and are well worth the initial investment to increase the survival and growth rates among your fingerling bass and all other predatory fish.

White Amur, or Grass Carp as they are more commonly referred to, were originally bred in Chinese waters as a food source, but they have now been introduced to other continents for their most popular purpose: aquatic vegetation control. Purchasing and adding Grass Carp into your pond, proves to be the best, most cost-effective and natural method for grass and moss control in ponds and lakes.

Grass Carp are efficient and effective fish yet they are unable to reproduce naturally like the common carp. Since the species will not reproduce, you will not need to worry about your pond becoming overpopulated with Grass Carp, or other issues that may arise from too many fish and too few things to eat. Another great trait of the grass carp is that they are strictly herbivore, so they will not consume other fish.

Grass Carp Diet

Grass Carp are naturally herbivorous fish. They follow a typical Grass Carp diet that includes grasses such as American Pond Weed and Hydrilla; however, Grass Carp are typically unable to ingest some nuisance pond vegetation such as cattails or bulrush due to their porous texture. The Grass Carp do not have teeth which limits the type of water vegetation they are capable of consuming. The fish can take care of certain grasses but not every type that may take root in your pond. Grass Carp can consume water weeds continually and they can grow to large sizes. A large Grass Carp may reach up to 40 inches in length. The life expectancy can be up to 15 years; however, they will be most effective at grass and weed control until around age 8-10. Thereabout, their metabolism slows and they do not consume vegetation as briskly.

Diploid vs. Triploid Grass Carp

White Amur Grass Carp can be available as diploid or triploid types. Diploid Grass Carp means they are natural fish having two (2) sets of chromosomes. The Triploid Grass Carp is altered at a very young age so that it develops three (3) sets of chromosomes, which renders it sterile. The Diploid grass carp version can be artificially induced to reproduce, but the triploid, with the three sets of chromosomes, is entirely sterile. Neither of these fish will reproduce naturally; however, triploid Grass Carp are the off spring of diploids.

Are White Amur Grass Carp Legal Within the US?

Regulations for Grass Carp vary by each state individually. Grass Carp are a restricted species in some states, and completely legal in others.Some states allow one type of the White Amur Grass Carp but not the other. On the other hand, there are simply no regulations on Grass Carp in a select few states. It is a good idea to determine your states regulations before purchasing grass carp for your pond.

Stocking Guidelines

Grass Carp are most effective when stocked in ponds at the recommended stocking rate. The herbivorous grass carp are very good at what they do and the will continually work on the vegetation available in your pond.They can eat pond vegetation from top to bottom, which means that your plants can continue to grow even if the grass carp are feeding on them. A pond condition may deteriorate quickly if the Grass Carp stocking guidelines are ignored. Note that it may be possible for them to consume all of the vegetation if there are too many fish competing for limited sources of food.

The recommended stocking rate for grass carp is ten (10) fish per surface acre of pond water. Start by stocking grass carp when they are less than a foot in length, 8”-10” is the common stocking size. If they are too small when you introduce them, other fish, especially Largemouth Bass, may prey on, and consume them. Try to make sure you stock the optimum number so that you will reach the best proportion of plants to fish in your pond; however, try not to stock too many fish because Grass Carp may be hard to catch using traditional methods if you decide to remove some at a later time. It is always best to start with the recommended quantity, as it is easier to add more fish if needed, than it is to remove them.

Where to buy Grass Carp?

Since Grass Carp species are regulated state by state, private fisheries and fish farms, such as Kloubec Fisheries, are great places to find Grass Carp for sale. A licensed professional should be able to make sure that you are getting the right species for your location.

Stocking and keeping Grass Carp in ponds is the best option if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your pond free of moss and weeds. Purchasing grass carp is the natural, and most popular, choice for many pond owners as an alternative to chemicals for pond grass and weed control.

Fish stocking refers to the raising of fishes in a hatchery and releasing them into a pond or lake to increase existing populations, or to introduce a population where none exists. It is a management tool done to encourage fish hatchery game in new, reclaimed, or renovated ponds and lakes. This activity likewise supplements natural stocks where fish reproduction is inexistent or inadequate. It is also employed to allow immediate fishing through the introduction of catchable sized fishes.

What does one need for stocking fish into ponds or lakes?

In the past, pond and lake stocking was usually undertaken by state governmental agencies such as state Department of Natural Resources, but recently has transitioned to private individuals or groups that are stocking for recreational purposes. However, before anyone considering stocking fish they should inquire if a permit is required. It is advised to check your states regulations prior to the onset of obtaining live fish for stocking.

What is the fish stocking schedule?

Determining a schedule of when it is best stock fish is necessary to ensure optimum return of investment. Stocking of fish is generally performed during certain seasons within a year, when it coincides with food and temperature conditions of the receiving waters. The ecological requirements of fish stocking vary in every state. However, generally, the best period to introduce fish is in early spring and again in the fall. During these times the water temperatures and oxygen demands of fishes are at their lowest while the capacity of the water to provide high oxygen levels is at its highest. Stocking should be accomplished when water temperatures are around than 65˚F.

Where to buy fish to stock a pond?

When preparing to stock fish in your pond, you should find a local, reputable and licensed fish hatchery. Transporting live fish long distances without proper oxygen or adequate water can result in the fish dying before they can even reach your pond bank.  Kloubec Fisheries can advise you on what you will need to ensure the survival of your fish during transport. Kloubec supplies oxygen filled poly-bags with treated water for fish transportation to reduce stress on your fish. They may also offer live-haul delivery for larger orders of fish.  You should call the hatchery to place an order and discuss transport options prior to making the trip, to save both time and money. It is also at this time they will discuss with you the correct quantities of fish to stock to conform to your pond size and existing fish populations, if any.

What types of fish are recommended for pond stocking?

The most common fish for stocking include Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Red ear Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Fathead Minnows, and Grass Carp.

Largemouth Bass is one of the best predators to stock in a pond to maintain a healthy aquatic habitat. It is highly recommended for a new pond or for restocking an old one. It reproduces well in ponds; hence, supplemental stocking is rarely necessary. A good base of forage fish should be established prior to the introduction of Largemouth Bass. Stocking rate is 100 fish per acre on average.

Bluegill stocking works well for ponds and lakes. The Bluegill serves as both food for the predator fish, as well as another pan-fish for anglers. Red ear sunfishes, on the other hand, work as a substitute for Bluegills although they do not grow as large as Bluegill. Stocking recommendation is up to 500 Bluegill per acre.

Channel Catfish are the ideal pond fish. They help to keep the pond bottom clean, and are commonly trained to eat commercial fish food pellets. However, Channel Catfish usually do not successfully reproduce unless a container is provided for spawning in. Recommended stocking is 100-500 per acre.

Fathead Minnows are very important in a new pond as food for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish. Fathead Minnow adults grow to only 3” in length and are very prolific. Their offspring are a constant food source for all other varieties of fish in the pond or lake. Recommended stocking rate is 10 lbs./acre.

The White Amur Grass Carp are recommended for all ponds. It is utilized to control vegetation problems in a pond or lake since it depends on vegetation as its main diet. This specie will not naturally reproduce. Ten (10) fish per acre is the recommended stocking quantity.

How much will it cost to stock fish?

The cost of fish stocking depends on certain circumstances such as the surface area of the pond or lake, type of fishes purchased, size of each, weight or number of each, and their availability.

For example, a one (1) acre pond would need 10lbs of Fathead Minnows. Fathead Minnows cost approximately $9.50 per pound. It is advised to stock up to 500 Bluegill per acre, with a price of $85/100 fish. The Kloubec Fisheries staff can assist in determining adequate quantities