Brook Trout are usually associated with small streams but do quite well in ponds also.  They usually grow somewhat slower than rainbow or brown trout but will reach 16" - 20" in length and often up to 3-5 lbs. at maturity. They feed readily on pellets but are often moderately cannibalistic on small fish also. They are usually considered to be great in taste. Brooks can be stocked with other trout or warm water fish species.

Ideal temperature range is 50 - 65°F. All trout require moving water and gravel bottom to spawn. They are considered cold water fish.

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are often considered to be the river trout but do well in ponds also.  They have more of a tendency to stay put when stocked in rivers and streams.  They grow rapidly on natural food or pellets but are considered the most cannbalistic of the trout species. They can also be harder to hook because of their shy nature. Generally they can withstand somewhat warmer temperatures than other trout, even 70 - 75°F ranges providing the oxygen level is adequate. Brown trout often reach 24 - 28" in length and weigh 8-10lbs. in pond raised conditions.  All trout require moving water and gravel bottom to spawn. They are considered cold water fish.

Walleye

Walleye are a most sought after fish for their delicious taste. They are strictly cannibalistic in their feeding habits and do not feed on commercial pellets. When stocking with other cool or warm water fish, they can keep down the number of small fish which enhances their growth rate. They do well with yellow perch, hybrid bluegills and bass. Walleye seldom spawn in small ponds.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are sought after because of their delicious taste. They are school-running fish and are often fished near the bottom of lakes and ponds. They feed on small fish, insect life, and will feed readily on commercial diets, if trained.  They can be very prolific and should not be stocked alone or in small ponds.  Jumbos can reach 12" - 14" in length if food is sufficient. They can be stocked with most other species, especially hybrid bluegills, large mouth bass and catfish. They are considered cold water fish.

Hybrid Bluegills

Hybrid Bluegills are a cross between two of the sunfish family: the blue gill and the green sunfish. Generally males are the predominate offspring, accounting for 90-95% of the young. They grow rapidly and often reach 1 1/2 lbs. in 2-3 years.  Many reach 8 1/2" - 10" in 12-18 months after being stocked as 2-3" fingerlings. They thrive in warmer water, 70 - 85°F. They are not sterile as many think but because of the high ratio of males, they are much less prolific than regular bluegills and much faster growing. They do well when stocked with trout, large mouth bass, channel catfish and perch.

Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish are often thought to be relative to southern states only but do well in Michigan and northern states as well. They do great in 70 - 85°F water and feed on minnows, insects and commercial pellets, often growing from 4-6" fingerlings in spring to 12-14" in fall. They can reach 25-30 lbs and are very good eating.  They do well when stocked with hybrid bluegills, large mouth bass, walleye and even trout. Catfish will spawn in warm water ponds, when spawning containers are available. Great predators.

Large Mouth Bass

Large mouth bass are one of the best predator fishes for controlling the number of small fish in a pond or lake. They put up a real battle when caughty by hook and line. They are often stocked with hybrid bluegills, channel catfish, perch and walleye. Care should be taken to stock predator fish before your lake or pond becomes overrun with small or stunted fish.

Fathead Minnows

Fathead minnows are commonly called the tuffy or blackhead and are a very important bait minnow for fisherman, but also provide forage for larger fish. They generally reach 2 1/2" - 3 1/2" in length and have a life span of 2-3 years. They are very hardy and tolerate considerable handling. Spawning begins when water temperatures reach 50-55°F and repeats monthly until waters cool in the fall. They are very prolific, laying 200 to 500 eggs per spawn. Stocking fatheads with game fish can greatly increase the growth of the gamefish.

Japanese Koi

Japanese Koi are prized carp that are bright in a variety of color patterns and can grow up to 32" long in large ponds. They are valued based on many factors including size, volume, color pattern, skin quality, color intensity and more.  Prices can range from a few dollars per koi up to $100,000.00 for one large, rare fish with superior qualities. Domestic japanese koi are bred within the United States while imported koi are bred in Japan, Thailand and other countries. Japan is known as the leader in raising and breeding koi. Koi are also available with long fins referred to as "butterfly" or long fin koi. There are many, many varieties of Japanese Koi and their name is determined by their color and color patterns including examples such as "Yamabuki (soft yellow color), "Kohaku"  (red and white pattern), "Showa" (red, white and black) and much more.  Much attention is given to the type of food and size of pond for the koi to live in. Koi are not meant for small, shallow ponds due to their large size at maturity.  They should ideally be raised in ponds at least 5' deep.

Mosquitofish

Mosquitofish (gambusia affinis) are small, brownish fish that grow up to approx. 2" long. They are used for vector control (fancy word for mosquito control) by city ordinances throughout the United States. Many pond owners benefit from mosquitofish as well in that each mature fish can eat up 300 mosquito larvae a day.  They are prolific breeders and multiply well. They can live well in nearly any water conditions including swamps and brackish water. Lime disease besides West Nile Virus is transfered by mosquitoes, so it's best to keep water areas from becoming stagnant and still besides adding mosquitofish. Our mosquitofish are adaptable to any climate in the USA and can withstand harsh winters.

What do you recommend for stocking a new fish pond?

Factors including size, pond depth, location, temperatures, weeds present or not present, structure and clarity all determine what kind and how many fish to stock.  Below is an example of the maximum stocking rates for ponds that are 1 acre, 1/2 acre or 1/3 acre. You will need proper aeration. We recommend approximately a 3 to 1 rato in of non-predator/predator fish. Size of fish shown below can be changed, if desired.

1 acre pond, over 14' deep: 500 3-4" bluegills, 200 4-6" trout, 100 4-6" channel catfish, 100 4-5" perch, 100 3-5" bass, and 3 gallons of minnows.

1/2 acre pond, 10 - 12' deep: 300 3-4" bluegills, 75 4-6" trout, 75 4-6" channel catfish, 75 4-5" perch, 50 3-5" bass, 2 gallons of minnows.