Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/605475
34 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Warmwater Pond Stocking Recommendations (Adults) Species Number Per Acre Length (Inches) When to Stock Bluegill 150-250 4-5 Spring Channel Catfish 20-50 6-10 Spring or Fall Largemouth Bass 30-50 8-12 Spring Expected Lengths (Inches) of Fish Initially Stocked in a Typical Nebraska Farm Pond* Species Stocking Length Years After Stocking (Inches) 1 2 3 4 Bluegill 1-2 4.5 6 7 7.5 Channel Catfish 2-4 10 14 16 17 Largemouth Bass 2-3 9 11 13 15 * Growth of subsequent year classes will likely be slower. space and food. This can become a problem if bass are over-harvested, or are unable to effectively prey upon the bluegills due to poor water clarity or too much cover. Stocking at higher than recommended densities usually results in slow growth and poor fish populations. When a pond is properly managed, bass and bluegill only need to be stocked once. Although not necessary, a second stocking of 50 largemouth bass fingerlings per surface acre can be considered in the third year. Since bass from the initial stocking usually would not spawn until the fourth year, this second stocking would provide the year-class of bass that would otherwise be missing in the pond. In order to maintain a population, 10-inch channel catfish should be restocked every 2 to 3 years; number stocked should equal the harvest If the surface area of a pond is unknown, consult NRCS or the pond contractor, or estimate it by using formulas in Appendix C. Warmwater Pond Stocking Recommendations (Fingerlings) Species Number Per Acre Length (Inches) When to Stock Bluegill 500 1-2 Fall Channel Catfish 100 2-4 Following Late Spring Largemouth Bass 100 2-3 Following Late Spring Largemouth Bass 50 3-4 One Year Later* *Optional