Stocking Shad in a Pond

[GravelPitSpoiled]

6 hours ago, Blue Raider Bob said:

Thanks Alex!

I do not do Facebook but I did register on the Pond Boss Forum. My main issue with my pond is the clear water has caused a serious algae problem. I have got filamentous algae and Chara taking over my pond. I have had to introduce a water dye to darken the pond somewhat to goofball the growth. When the water warms I can use a copper based algaecide but they are harmful to zooplankton. The problems never end.

Thanks for all the info! the copper based algaecide might also kill the crawfish. I used to keep shrimp in a planted tank and had to avoid any fertilizers with high copper content.

4 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

 

Where abouts are you? Don't worry I exclusively fish my quarry 

Quarry, you say? I used to fish a gravel pit with my dad as a youngster and the fishing was AMAZING, especially for Indiana. If you're ever looking for a fishing buddy, hit me up! ? I've got 1 pedal kayak and 1 with a trolling motor, happy to bring both of them if you wanna troll around; I'd love to give quarry fishing again now that I (kinda) know what I'm doing.

 

To answer your question, I'm around the Mueller area. Yourself?

[RDB]

https://fisheries.tamu.edu

[garroyo130]

1 hour ago, GravelPitSpoiled said:

To answer your question, I'm around the Mueller area. Yourself?

 

NW Austin. Tbh I think the bigger issue with all of this is legality as Austinites are fairly particular about these types of things and would likely report ...

[Blue Raider Bob]

15 hours ago, RDB said:

https://fisheries.tamu.edu

Thanks for the link. Excellent info and I moved the link to my desktop for future use.

[the reel ess]

On 1/11/2023 at 3:22 PM, TnRiver46 said:

It’s hard to keep them alive if you have to drive more than 5 minutes or so 

Shiners are heartier baitfish. And trophies grow on a diet of shiners.

[Buzzbaiter]

Throw some crappie in there and watch the fireworks ?

 

In all seriousness, call in with an expert. I’d sooner add cover than stock new fish if predation is the problem. It would give the bait a place to hide and  also improve the fishing.

[Blue Raider Bob]

     I reread your original questions and one option you questioned was whether or not you could net forage from the lower pond to transport to the upper pond. This changes the legal question somewhat because the ponds are attached by the spillway. I don't see why you could not do this although it may be a waste of time from a forage standpoint, it might be enjoyable from a physical, and emotional standpoint. I enjoy catching wild forage to introduce into my pond.

     One other question for you; Is there an abundance of aquatic plants and algae? If so, the clear water gives baitfish a place to retreat rapidly when they see you. Often they will see you and flee before you see them. In my pond, I will see the small bluegill dart into the Chara as I walk the bank.

     

[GravelPitSpoiled]

On 1/13/2023 at 11:30 AM, Blue Raider Bob said:

     I reread your original questions and one option you questioned was whether or not you could net forage from the lower pond to transport to the upper pond. This changes the legal question somewhat because the ponds are attached by the spillway. I don't see why you could not do this although it may be a waste of time from a forage standpoint, it might be enjoyable from a physical, and emotional standpoint. I enjoy catching wild forage to introduce into my pond.

     One other question for you; Is there an abundance of aquatic plants and algae? If so, the clear water gives baitfish a place to retreat rapidly when they see you. Often they will see you and flee before you see them. In my pond, I will see the small bluegill dart into the Chara as I walk the bank.

     

Plenty of plants along the bank but not so much in the water itself. Same with algae, definitely not an abundance.

 

As for anyone else following this thread, just happened to listen to this podcast earlier today:

 

 

Around the 34 minute mark they start talking about stocking ponds. TL;DW: Don't do it unless you know what you're doing.