A popular panfish throughout the US that prefers quiet, weedy waters. They will typically reach 8″ by the second year and average about a pound. Crappie readily spawn in lakes or ponds in the spring or early summer months in 1-3 feet of water, forming saucer-shaped nests near aquatic vegetation. Traveling in schools, crappie are easily caught in late spring and through ice.

Stocking #: up to 200 per acre

Diet: Invertebrates & other fish

The hybrid bluegill is produced by combining the male bluegill with the female green sunfish. This yields high numbers of male fish, leading to less overpopulation than with other bluegill species. The hybrid will also grow larger reaching 1.5 – 2 pounds. The hybrid’s large mouth and aggressive feeding makes it easy and fun to catch. Bluegills spawn when water temperatures reach 67°F. Shallow, saucer-like nests are made and guarded by the males.

Stocking #: up to 300 per acre

Diet: insects, invertebrates, minnows, food pellets

A notable warm water sports fish excellent for eating. Bass will reproduce in their second or third year and can reach 8-10″ by the second year. In the northeast, bass grow to an average of 2-4 pounds. They are voracious predators, and this should be taken into consideration when added to a pond’s ecosystem. Spawning begins about mid-May when pond temperatures reach 62-65°F.

Stocking #: up to 100 per acre

Diet: insects, invertebrates, other fish, food pellets

Distinguishable from other catfish by its forked tail and the presence of black spots on its side. They do not muddy a pond like bullheads. They will strike bait or lures and are excellent for eating. They average 2-5 pounds in optimal settings. Spawning will occur when the water temperature reaches 70° F. Typically, in a pond setting, catfish need some sort of artificial breeding structure to reproduce successfully.

Stocking #: up to 100 per acre

Diet: algae, insects, fish, and pellets

Excellent forage for game fish and a recommended component for balanced ecosystems. They are preferred over other types because they breed in a pond and do not compete with other species, and can be restocked often to ensure proper feed for game fish. They average 1-3 inches in size. Spawning occurs when water temperature reaches 65°F, five or six times during the summer beginning in late May. Flat stones or boards, which can be added around the pond edge, facilitate spawning and provide cover.

Stocking #: up to 50lbs per acre

Diet: algae, invertebrates, & food pellets

One of the largest members of the minnow family. Native to China, grass carp were originally raised for food but are now primarily used for weed control. The grass carp is not a bottom feeder like the local carp species and do not muddy a pond. Only sterile (triploid) grass carp are allowed in our local waters and require a special stocking permit (see back for more info). They are federally inspected before being transported and sold. See our website for information on plants consumed by grass carp.

Stocking #: will be on your permit from NYSDEC

Diet: pond weeds (see link below for more

GRASS CARP need a separate permit that you will need to fill out and send to NYS-DEC. Anyone wanting Grass Carp should fill out the appropriate permit and mail it to the NYCDEC address listed on the permit. 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.information)

Brook trout are native to the state and are New York State’s official state fish. Brook trout generally live in small-to moderate-sized streams, lakes, and spring-fed ponds, wherever cool (below 72 degrees F) water is available. They tend to prefer colder water than rainbow and brown trout, and they are often found in the headwaters of streams. They require excellent water conditions and are particularly sensitive fish. They do not breed in ponds so to provide continuous sport fishing, restocking is recommended (see back for more info).

Stocking #: up to 300 per acre

Diet: insects, invertebrates, minnows, & food pellets

The Kamloop, a strain originating in British Columbia, is known for its quicker growth rates compared to the native rainbow. They need water that stays relatively cold with a high oxygen content, so it is recommended they be stocked in ponds at least 10-12 feet deep with natural springs or running water. They fare better in a pond environment than brook or brown trout because they can tolerate higher temperatures and a wider pH range. In a pond these trout may grow to a maximum of 6-8 pounds reaching 10-12″ by the second year. They do not breed in ponds so to provide continuous sport fishing, restocking is recommended (see back for more info).

Stocking #: up to 300 per acre

Diet: insects, invertebrates, minnows, & food pellets

A 10 lb bag of Zeigler Bros. high-protein floating food for pond fish.

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.