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� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 35 plus an additional 10 percent to compensate for natural mortality. If the pond is large, the cost of fish may be prohibitive at the densities recommended above. A pond larger than 5 acres can be stocked as if it was only 5 acres. This will save some money and still provide enough fish to establish populations. Keep in mind the likelihood of high survival of the bluegills' first spawn that could cause a problem if the bass don't become established or if bass are over-harvested. If cost is not an issue, you should stock more fish, just be sure to maintain the recommended ratios and do not exceed the maximum of 500 bluegill and 100 bass per acre. Although more costly, another option is to stock adult fish. This option will provide angling opportunities sooner. While these fish are more expensive due to their larger size, their survival chances are higher, so fewer are needed to get a population established. Stocking adults will be necessary if the pond already has fish that are capable of consuming or out-competing fingerling bass and bluegill. Under this option, all three fish species are stocked the first year — the bass and bluegill during the spring and channel catfish either in the spring or fall. Catfish should be restocked every 2 or 3 years to maintain their numbers, depending on the amount of angler harvest. Stocked catfish should be at least 6 inches long the first year and 10 inches long in later years to reduce their chance of being eaten by largemouth bass. Simply stocking a few adult fish to populate a new pond is risky and not advised. Production of young fish from these adults in the first year is unpredictable. Bluegills may spawn more successfully than bass and the pond can immediately become out of balance (see page 48). Fishing quality will become poor quickly, and will likely stay that way. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a high-density bass population the first several years following initial stockings. For sand pits, quarries, and other steep-sided waters, the stocking recommendations are the same. Pits with very little water less than 4 feet deep may need supplemental stockings due to limited reproduction by bluegills and largemouth bass. New sand pits are usually infertile and will not be able to produce as many fish as a new farm pond. Coldwater Ponds For ponds able to support trout year-round, the suggested stocking rates are 100 adults, 8 inches or longer, per acre or 150 to 200 fingerlings, up to 5 inches in length, per acre. Smaller fish are cheaper and easier to transport. In ponds where large predators are established, only adult trout should be stocked to reduce the likelihood that the stocked fish will be eaten. Trout ponds will need to be restocked every 2 to 3 years, depending upon the amount of angler harvest. Ponds that only support trout on a seasonal basis can be stocked using 8-inch or larger trout at 100 per acre in the fall, when water temperatures stay below 70 degrees. Trout can be fed with commercial trout food, if desired. Trout Stocking Recommendations Species Number Per Acre Length (Inches) When to Stock Rainbow Trout 100 8 or Larger When Water Temperature Is Below 70 Degrees Rainbow Trout 150-200 5 or Smaller When Water Temperature Is Below 70 Degrees