Stocking pond with catfish

[stitch]

May not have stated it clearly in my initial post. I want to catch catfish. I don't want to put in a bunch of small catfish and have the bass gobble them up. I figure the catfish will eat some of the bass eventually, but not the primary purpose of getting them.

Me and my kids have taken abut 120 bass out in the last week.....making progress.

Consensus seems to be that I can stock a pond with catfish and most will survive.

Do I need to section part of the pond off and feed the fish until they get a little larger?

How many catfish per acre should I stock?

[cajun squealer]

If you absolutely want to catch catfish, then stock catfish into your bass/bluegill pond if a dedicated catfish pond is not an option. Opt for the 8"-10" CCF. As Pondman stated, they're not that much more expensive, and their survival rate and "transportability" will be much better. No need to section off a portion of the pond. As far as stocking rates, Pondman could probably advise you more accurately, but, conceptually, I would start off with a lower density, perhaps 15-20/acre, until you can gain better control over your predator/prey (bass/bluegill) balance before you add in another predator. You can always add more CCF, and adding a known quantity (balance/percentage-wise) is always easier and more accurate than quantity removal (balance/percentage-wise). If you could hold off on your CCF stocking until you can control the balance or even get it to shift a little prey-crowded, that may be optimal. Regardless of your timeline or approach, supplemental feeding will be critical to the success of your fishery. I would install 2 feeders minimum and also implement a fertilization program.

On another, yet applicable note, it would be interesting to see the difference in results of an all-floating feed program versus a part-floating/part-sinking feed program. I've seem instances where larger species (catfish, grass carp) have run off or interfered with smaller species (bluegill) feeding in all-floating feed programs. Perhaps a variable feed approach could minimize or offset these possible effects, or it may be a non-issue all together. Pondman, are you aware of any research or literature on the topic?

[Buckwabit]

That was a problem in a buddy's pond. We put catfish in it and can't catch them. Tried everything. They will eat food but won't bite a hook. So mine is almost full after a $10k rebuild, and I'm going to put bass and brim in mine. I'm going to leave the catfish alone. Too much trouble for the dollar

[pondman]

If you absolutely want to catch catfish, then stock catfish into your bass/bluegill pond if a dedicated catfish pond is not an option. Opt for the 8"-10" CCF. As Pondman stated, they're not that much more expensive, and their survival rate and "transportability" will be much better. No need to section off a portion of the pond. As far as stocking rates, Pondman could probably advise you more accurately, but, conceptually, I would start off with a lower density, perhaps 15-20/acre, until you can gain better control over your predator/prey (bass/bluegill) balance before you add in another predator. You can always add more CCF, and adding a known quantity (balance/percentage-wise) is always easier and more accurate than quantity removal (balance/percentage-wise). If you could hold off on your CCF stocking until you can control the balance or even get it to shift a little prey-crowded, that may be optimal. Regardless of your timeline or approach, supplemental feeding will be critical to the success of your fishery. I would install 2 feeders minimum and also implement a fertilization program.

On another, yet applicable note, it would be interesting to see the difference in results of an all-floating feed program versus a part-floating/part-sinking feed program. I've seem instances where larger species (catfish, grass carp) have run off or interfered with smaller species (bluegill) feeding in all-floating feed programs. Perhaps a variable feed approach could minimize or offset these possible effects, or it may be a non-issue all together. Pondman, are you aware of any research or literature on the topic?

CS,

Short answer is -- No, I don't know of any studies.

Stocking rate will vary based on the amount of supplemental feeding an expected catch rate. With LMB and BG present in the pond, you can expect little to no survival of CCF spawned in the pond so what you stock is what you get. The fry will be predated before they get past 2-3". Additionally, once the CCF get some size (1-2 lbs.) they will effectively out compete the BG for supplemental feed.

If you supplementally feed (an automatic fish feeder 2-3 times a day) and expect fishing effort to be significant (twice a month with fish remove every time) then you can start with 200/acre. If LMB and BG were NOT present this rate could go up to 400/acre. Bottom line is -- its catfish. Its really hard to screw it up.

If you want to try to and maintain a strong LMB and BG fishery will also growing CCF, that will take a little more figuring (something along the lines of what CS said). It would be easier to discuss it over the phone.

PM me if you have specific questions or want to talk.

Pond

[pondman]

That was a problem in a buddy's pond. We put catfish in it and can't catch them. Tried everything. They will eat food but won't bite a hook. So mine is almost full after a $10k rebuild, and I'm going to put bass and brim in mine. I'm going to leave the catfish alone. Too much trouble for the dollar

If you are going to do it this year, you better hustle. The window is closing fast.

Pond

[Buckwabit]

That was a problem in a buddy's pond. We put catfish in it and can't catch them. Tried everything. They will eat food but won't bite a hook. So mine is almost full after a $10k rebuild, and I'm going to put bass and brim in mine. I'm going to leave the catfish alone. Too much trouble for the dollar

If you are going to do it this year, you better hustle. The window is closing fast.

Pond

I'm not. I like about 35 inches to be full and still have to get grass growing and get my spill way finished with rocks and all. Plus I would like to fertilize it and have time for it to settle and stock in the spring. I've got a house going up this summer on it so I have my hands full with projects anyway

[pondman]

BW,

Why are you waiting for it to fill up completely? Most ponds get stocked when they are 1/4 to 1/3 full. Also, if you leave a pond empty during the growing season, I can almost guarantee you will get wild fish in the pond.

Pond