Stocking fish of the right size and species, at the best time of year, in ponds that have the most favorable conditions for their survival, only makes good sense--from both a practical and a financial point of view.
Establishing a fish stocking pond is not an overnight proposition; it requires knowledge, thought, planning, funds and ongoing maintenance and supervision.
Fish of all different types live in a variety of habitats and conditions. Some thrive, while others are at risk. If you want to stock fish in a private pond for personal enjoyment, or as a business, you must consider the habitat, pond management, long-term maintenance, and the health of the fish. What fishery managers and state fish and game departments have learned can be of benefit to anyone who contemplates a fish stocking pond on private property. There are also numerous regulations in place, on federal, state and local levels, to protect both pond owners and the public and to ensure that the environment is conducive to fish health and growth. Luckily, there is a wealth of information available from various public and private sources as well.
Fish Kills
Fish can get sick and die for any number of reasons. Climatic conditions, storms and manmade disasters, disease, lack of oxygen, toxic substances, and overstocking or overfeeding are only some of the primary causes. If you encounter an unexplained fish kill, the best course of action is to contact fish specialists in your area to help you determine the cause and determine the proper response that will allow you to move on.
If you see signs of disease in your fish population, or notice unusual growth of algae or weeds, a noxious odor or changes in water quality, it is wise to collect water samples, and any dead or dying fish. Freeze the fish and take care to preserve the samples for future analysis. Make note of conditions at the time you notice the first signs of a problem and maintain a journal of conditions for as long as it takes to determine the cause and resolve the situation.
A comprehensive discussion of fish kills and the resolution of such occurrences has been prepared by the Water Resources Research Center at Purdue University, available for free download.
