Ponds are very much like gardens in that the best time to introduce new specimens is generally spring or fall. The moderate temperatures and typically higher oxygenation levels give your new fish a chance to get settled in before the stress of seasonal extremes. It’s possible to stock during the summer, but your fish will take longer to acclimate, and wintertime should be avoided except in the mildest regions.
If you’re stocking an established pond for the first time, it’s a good idea to start by conducting a sample census to see what kinds of fish have already taken up residence and to assess the health of the current population. Poor health or an imbalanced population may uncover problems that need to be corrected before you spend money on expensive stock. You’ll need to consider the current population when you’re choosing how much stock to add, since overpopulation could lead to costly fish loss. When you do choose your stock, aim for a ratio of about three prey fish for each predator fish. This gives some variety to their diet while also giving each prey species a fighting chance to survive. Aeration is also an important factor when adding fish to a pond. More fish will take up more oxygen while producing more waste. Aeration can help replenish oxygen levels and decrease toxic gasses, which in turn help support beneficial bacteria that keep your pond water healthy and balanced. Stocking a pond is an exciting step as you picture catching a trophy weight bass next summer (unlikely!), but it requires careful planning and some basic preparation to ensure that your money is well spent and those bass reach trophy weight in quick order.
