Spring Fish Program
2024 Spring Fish Program Order Form – Order by June 10
NYS DEC Fish Stocking Permit Application
*To place orders online, click green “SHOP” button at top right of page*
***This will not work on a smartphone or tablet, online orders must be completed on a computer****
We have a new fish supplier and have a larger variety of fish to offer you.
If you are interested in stocking your pond with fish this spring, the District will be accepting orders until Monday, June 10, 2024. The pick-up day will be Saturday, June 15, 2024. Orders can be placed by completing the order form and returning it to the Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District office at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754. Full payment must accompany each order. Checks should be made payable to: Sullivan County SWCD. Fish stocking permits must be mailed to the NYS DEC Region 3, 21 S Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Bluegill Sunfish: The Bluegill Sunfish is a hybrid Bluegill that was produced by combining the male bluegill fish with a female green sunfish. It prefers warmer water and will grow to about 1.5 to 2 lbs. It is an aggressive feeder making it easy and fun to catch. It will eat insects, minnows and pellet food. The life span is 5-6 years. Spawning occurs when temperatures reach 67°F. Stocking rate is about 200 fish per surface acre.
Channel Catfish: The channel catfish differs from other catfish and bullheads by its forked tail and black spots on its side and do not muddy a pond. They will go after bait and lures and are excellent for eating. They will do well in cool to warmer water and will grow to 2 to 5 lbs. It likes to eat algae, insects, crayfish, minnows and pellet food. The life span is 12-20 years. Spawning can occur when temperatures reach 70° but usually needs artificial breeding structure. Stocking rate is about 100 fish per surface acre.
Largemouth Bass: These bass are great sport fish and excellent for eating. They do well in warmer water and can grow up to 7-9 lbs. Please note that they are aggressive predators when adding them to your pond. They like to eat insects, crayfish, minnows and pellet food. Their life span is about 10 years. Spawning will occur when temperatures reach 62-65°. Stocking rate is about 100 per surface acre.
Fathead Minnows: Minnows grow to about 1”-3” and are a great food supply for most game fish. They do well in all water temperatures and can spawn several times a year. To help with spawning you can place stones piles, Christmas trees, or create a space with small-holed wire and in a shallower area of your pond. Spawning will occur when temperatures reach 65°. Their life span is about 1-2 years so you should restock regularly. Restocking is also recommended if you stock game fish as they will deplete the minnow population rather quickly. Minnows should be stocked at a rate of 1,000 per acre.
Triploid Grass Carp
Grass Carp are the largest members of the minnow family and commonly reach weights of 25 lbs. and eat only aquatic vegetation. Triploid grass carp are a sterile form of grass carp. The grass carp can be used to maintain certain grass growth in your pond. Grass Carp need a separate permit from the Bass and Minnows. Anyone wanting Grass Carp should fill out the appropriate permit and mail it to the NYS DEC address listed on the permit. It will take a while to get the permit back from DEC, so you should mail the permit application as soon as possible. A copy of the permit must be sent along with your order and payment. The permit from DEC must be brought with you when you come to pick up your fish if you did not send a copy in to me. Grass Carp are non-taxable.
Anyone wanting Grass Carp should fill out the appropriate permit and mail it to the NYC DEC address listed on the pemit. It will take a while to get the permit back from DEC, so you should mail the permit as soon as possible. A copy of the permit you filled out must be sent along with your order and payment. The permit from DEC must be brought with you when you come to pick up your fish. Grass Carp are non-taxable.
GRASS CARP need a separate permit that you will need to fill out and send to NYS-DEC
Grass Carp Stocking Permit Application
Black Crappie and Rainbow Trout: Will be offered in the fall.
Fish Food: A 10 lb bag of Zeigler Bros. high-protein floating food for pond fish.
Barley Straw Pellets: The application of barley straw has received attention as a way to clarify ponds. The decomposition of barley straw bales has shown that it aids in balancing water quality. As it degrades, peroxide is created, which deters further algae growth. Barley straw pellets are natural, easy & clean to apply, and break down quickly.
DEC FISH STOCKING PERMIT:
Anyone stocking a pond with fish must apply for a Fish Stocking Permit through the NYS-DEC, Bureau of Fisheries. There is no charge for the permit. The permit allows owners to plan fish management to suit them. For your convenience, attached is an Application For a Permit to Stock Fish. Complete the application and mail it to the NYS-DEC Regional Office, Bureau of Fisheries, 21 S Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. DEC will then send you a permit.
FISH DISTRIBUTION:
The District will be distributing the fish on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in front of the pole barn behind the District office at 1:00 p.m. Important – The fish will be bagged with oxygen and in a box so there is no need to bring a container to transport your fish.
If you have any questions, please call us at 845-292-6552, or send an email to [email protected].