Fish Information
FORAGE FISH
FATHEAD
MINNOWS, commonly called the tuffy or blackhead, are a very
important bait minnow for fishermen, but also provide forage for larger
fish. The generally reach 2-1/2" to 3-1/2" in length and have a
life span or two to three years. They are very hardy and tolerate
considerable handling. Spawning begins when water temperatures
reach 50 - 55°F and repeats monthly
until waters cool in the fall. They are very prolific, laying 200
to 500 eggs per spawn. Stocking fatheads with game fish can
greatly increase growth of the game fish.
COOL
WATER FISH
WALLEYE
are a most sought after fish for their delicious taste! They
are strictly cannibalistic in their feeding habits and do not feed on commercial
pellets. When stocking with other cool or warm water fish they help keep
down the number of small fish which enhances growth rates. They do well
with yellow perch, hybrid bluegills and bass. Walleye seldom spawn in
small ponds and should be stocked in ponds only one acre or larger.
YELLOW
(Jumbo) PERCH are also sought after because of their delicious taste.
They are school-running fish and are often fished near the bottom of lakes and
ponds. They feed on small fish, insect life and will fee readily on
commercial diets, if trained. Jumbos can reach 12" - 14" in length and 10
- 12 pounds if food is sufficient. They can be stocked with most other
species, especially hybrid bluegills, largemouth bass and catfish.
COLD
WATER FISH
RAINBOW
TROUT require water temperatures no higher than 60 - 68°. They
also require higher oxygen levels than other fish. Aeration may be
required even in cold water! Trout feed readily on commercial pellets, bug
life and small minnows. They grow rapidly and can grow to 30" in length
and 10 - 12 pounds in ponds. Do not over feed them in warm weather when surface
temperatures are extra high!
ORNAMENTAL FISH
JAPANESE
KOI - These bright, decorative fish are commonly found in parks, zoos
and ornamental ponds because of their high visibility. We have found Koi
to be helpful in controlling algae, duckweed, elodea and other weeds.
These fish are not to be confused with the weed eating fish called white amur,
which are illegal to stock in Michigan. Japanese Koi can reach lengths of
24" and can reproduce in ponds. Most offspring from Koi are usually eaten
by other fish and birds because of their bright colors. The Koi industry
recommends to quarantine new Koi when adding to your present Koi population.
WARM
WATER FISH
HYBRID
BLUEGILLS (Sunfish) are a cross between two of the sunfish family:
the bluegill and the green sunfish. Generally males are the predominate
offspring, accounting for 90 - 95% of the young. They grow rapidly and
often reach 1-1/2 pounds in two to three years' time. Many reach 8-1/2" to
10" in length, 12-18 months after being stocked as 2" - 3" fingerlings.
They thrive in warmer water, 70-85°F being very suitable. They are not
sterile as many think, but because of the high male ratio they are less prolific
than regular bluegills and much faster growing. They do well when stocked
with trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish and perch. (Yes, hybrid bluegills
do spawn).
CHANNEL
CATFISH are often thought to be relative to Southern states only, but
actually do very well in Michigan, especially in ponds that get warm in the
summer months. They do great in 70-85° waters and feed on minnows, insects
and commercial pellets. They can often grow from 4" - 6" fingerlings in springtime to
12" - 14" by fall. They can reach 25 - 30 pounds and are very good eating.
They do well when stocked with hybrid bluegills, largemouth bass, walleye, and
even trout. Catfish will spawn in warm water ponds, when spawning
containers are available. Great predators.
LARGEMOUTH
BASS are one of our best predator fish for controlling the number of
small fish in a pond or lake. They put up a real battle when caught by
hook and line. They are often stocked with hybrid bluegills, channel
catfish, perch and walleye. Care should be taken to stock predator fish
before your lake or pond becomes overrun with small or stunted fish, which is a
difficult situation to reverse without killing off the entire pond.
BLACK
CRAPPIE are a large sunfish, although not as big as the largemouth
bass. It can grow up to 16" long and can weigh five pounds, but they are
usually much smaller. The back of this fish is greenish, the sides are
silvery with black markings that don't continue to the belly. Black
crappie live in warm ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs. They are
schooling fish, so they like to stay in groups. Spawning occurs in May and
June in water three to eight feet deep with a sand or gravel bottom. The
first year they will grow two to four inches. The young will eat
zooplankton and as they get bigger they move on to larger foods. Adults will
eat small fish, insects, crayfish, tadpoles and just about anything else that
will fit in their mouths. They feed most during the evenings. They
like water with plants and underwater structures. Predators include any
larger fish such as bass and catfish.
