Adding Fish To A New Pond

[FirstnameLastname]

I know of a few small ponds where I live that have no fish in them even though they appear to be capable of supporting them. Would it be a stupid idea to take a few bluegills from a really over populated pond and put them in a fish less pond? Would they probably die or reproduce.

[Catch and Grease]

You'd probably be breaking the law.

[fishballer06]

I would speak with the owner before transporting any kind of fish like that. 

[Hyrule Bass]

possibly illegal depending on your states laws. also, i would ask the landowner first. could be a reason theres no fish in those ponds. if it works out, load those ponds with bluegill, in a couple years there might be enough bluegill population to be able to add bass...

[FirstnameLastname]

Your probably right about the laws. Didn't really plan on it anyway, just wondering. The pond would probably be fished out by hungry people with no concern for the rest of us.

[everythingthatswims]

We have the most relaxed laws in VA when it comes to this stuff...Zero regs on private ponds other than a few banned species and a permit required for sterile grass carp. I stock all kinds of stuff in my neighbors pond, it's like a fishing zoo! 

[FunkJishing]

I know here in maine a lot of ponds have had bass introduced (illegally ofcourse) it's pretty bad. to the point where transporting live fish is illegal. the reason it's illegal is because the newly introduced species could decimate another. in my case the once "trout only" ponds now have smallmouth and they have put a dent in the native trout population. I love that i can fish for bass in these ponds and rivers but i understand that it wasn't meant to be this way. when a stocked body of water gets really bad the department of fisheries can go as far as draining to start over compleatly. The worst part is that doesn't always work, it happened to a pond here in maine TWICE 5 years ago. and there are STILL smallmouth.  

[FunkJishing]

^{all it takes is a couple tiny eggs to flow here or there. spreading from a pond to up a stream then to a river or other pond.}

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I'd contact your local DEC and get some guidance on the biology, feasibility and legality of what you'd like to do.