Stocking Guide
Suggestions for selecting species to effectively stock your pond.
A few of our most popular fish with stocking rates.
Considerations
Welcome to our pond stocking guide! Discover ideal species like Bluegill, Catfish, and Tilapia, with recommended stocking rates to ensure a thriving pond ecosystem. Rates vary by pond size, location, and use of commercial fish feed. Tailor your approach for optimal results!
Popular Fish Choices
Grass Carp
Triploid Grass Carp, also called White Amur, are sterile fish used to control rooted pond vegetation. Sourced from a certified facility, they don't reproduce. For floating vegetation, we recommend Tilapia (see below). Stock 10 carp per surface acre, more for severe issues. They remain effective for about 10 years and are a popular chemical-free solution.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass are popular sport fish, ideal for trophy ponds or population control. We offer pellet-trained bass or those fed forage fish like Bluegill, Minnows, or Tilapia. They spawn in early May, with good survival rates, and can grow to 1/2 lb by fall with ample food, reaching 5+ lbs as adults. Stock 75-100 per acre, ensuring sufficient food and occasional population management for the best results.
Hybrid Bluegill
Hybrid Bluegill, a cross of Green Sunfish and Bluegill, are popular for pond stocking due to their large size, aggressive nature, and ease of catching, especially for kids. With a 90% male ratio, they reproduce slowly, cross with other bluegills, and aren't ideal as forage for larger fish, requiring periodic restocking. They eat floating pellets, can reach 2 lbs in 5+ years, and should be stocked at 250-500 (2-3″) per surface acre.
Straight Bluegill
Straight Bluegill are ideal as the primary forage fish for ponds in our area, thriving in all pond sizes and our climate. They spawn from spring to early fall, producing fingerlings that feed other fish and maintain pond health. Fun to catch and kid-friendly, we recommend stocking 500-1000 (2-3″) per surface acre.
Fathead Minnows
Fathead Minnows, small forage fish reaching 3 inches, reproduce in summer, laying eggs under objects like pallets or branches. They support healthy bluegill and predator fish populations but may need periodic restocking as predators grow. Stock 10 pounds per surface acre, adjusting for predator fish needs.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish are versatile for pond stocking, great for eating or catching. Hardy and fast-growing with adequate food, they eat floating catfish pellets, bluegill, or minnows. They reproduce in ponds with nesting sites like milk cans or barrels, but survival rates are low due to late hatching. Restock with fingerlings if harvesting to maintain populations. Stock 250 per surface acre without commercial feed, or 500-750 with feeding.
Blue Catfish
Coming Soon!
Crappie
Add Crappie to ponds over 1 acre, stocking 75-100 per acre. Loved for fishing and eating, they hatch first in spring, potentially consuming bluegill, bass, or minnow fry. Stock Largemouth Bass fingerlings to control Crappie population and maintain pond balance. Ensure sufficient forage fish for a healthy ecosystem. With careful management, Crappie create an excellent fishing pond for lasting enjoyment.
Koi
Koi, vibrant ornamental carp, originated in Japan in the from common carp bred for color. Prized for their beauty, they enhance garden ponds but are unsuitable for regular ponds due to rooting that erodes dams. They thrive in filtered, aerated ponds, eating algae, plants, and pellets. Avoid overstocking to maintain water quality. Their vivid hues and patterns create entertaining, elegant pond settings.
Nile Tilapia
Nile Tilapia, from the Nile River, are popular for aquaponics, pond forage, and algae control, thriving April to November in Oklahoma. They die in cold water below 50°F but are overwintered indoors. They eat algae, duckweed, and reproduce quickly, supporting bass ponds and wastewater treatment. Stock 100-200 fingerlings (2-6″) or 10-20 lbs (6″+) per acre. Call to see if they fit your needs!
Redear
Redear Bream, or shellcrackers, are great for ponds, controlling snails and small mollusks that cause grubs in fish. They thrive in various pond sizes, spawn in spring, and provide forage for larger fish. Fun to catch, they grow to 1-2 lbs. Stock 250-500 (2-3″) per surface acre for a balanced, healthy pond ecosystem.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout are vibrant, cold-water fish ideal for stocking in ponds after November 15th in Oklahoma, as they thrive in water below 70°F and die in hot weather. They’re fun to catch and are usually around lb in size. Stock with minnows or bluegill for forage.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.