Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Recommended Pond Stocking Rates for New or Rehabilitated Ponds

There is a difference in stocking a new pond and restocking an existing pond.  Both of these lists pertain to ponds with no fish population.  The differences here are whether or not you plan on feeding the fish.  These are the basic recommended stocking rates

New or Rehabilitated ponds or lakes with no fish population:  Recommended stocking rates for a one acre pond if you DO NOT plan to feed your fish:  We recommend using the Department of Conservation’s guidelines. Stocking rates are based on soil fertility.
  • Normally, all counties north of the Missouri River, plus the Bootheel, receive 100 bass, 500 bluegill and 100 channel catfish per acre.  
  • Counties located south of the Missouri River (in the Ozarks region) usually are stocked at a 50% rate, 50 bass, 250 bluegill and 50 catfish.  
  • A few counties have a 75% option, 75 bass, 375 bluegill and 50 catfish. They are Barry, Benton, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cedar, Christian, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Gasconade, Green, Henry, Hickory, Jefferson, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Newton, Osage, Perry, Polk, St. Clair and Webster.
Recommended stocking rates for a one acre pond if you DO plan to feed your fish:
  • Channel Catfish 200-500
  • Hybrid Bluegill (when not stocking bass) 500
  • *Bluegill 250-500
  • Bluegill/Hybrid Bluegill Combination: 70%
  • Bluegill 175-305 30% Hybrid 75-150
  • Fathead Minnow (to establish forage base) 5-10 pounds
  • *Largemouth bass (recommend stocking in fall) 50-100
  • *Bluegill & bass stocking rates are the same whether or not you feed your catfish.

    Get a fish feeder now!

      Monday, June 27, 2011

      Why Feed Channel Catfish?

      • More fish can be stocked in your pond/lake. Compare the recommended stocking rates when feeding to that of not feeding.
        • Almost twice as many fish can be stocked with a feeding program.
      • Fish grow faster and are healthier. Most fish feeds have quality ingredients formulated with required vitamins and minerals to stimulate fish growth and maintenance of good health.
      • Better tasting fish.
      • Channel catfish have a food conversion of approximately 2 lbs. of feed to 1.0 lb. or flesh.
      • Many people enjoy watching fish feed.

      Tuesday, June 7, 2011

      Pond Aeration

      With the hot, summer months fast approaching, questions arise on the use of aeration in a pond.  Is it really necessary?  Water aeration is the process of increasing the oxygen saturation of the water. This is vital to the health of the pond and all things in it.  Without oxygen, water turns unhealthy resulting in fish kills, algae and bacteria growth. You can prevent this by aerating with a windmill aerator, which works with nature to improve pond water with every turn of the windmill or by using an energy efficient electric pond aerators or fountain



      Remember that adding aeration to a farm pond is the most important method to keep the pond water clean and is the most effective way to control pond algae.