Hybrid Bluegill (Lepomis cyanelles x Lepomis macrochirus) are a cross between female green sunfish and male bluegill. Hybrid bluegill are 80-90% male, have a larger mouth and are thicker across the back than bluegill. Because this species is mostly male, more aggressive and cannibalistic, it is easier for a pond owner to manage the population. Hybrid bluegill grow rapidly and can reach 1 to 1 1/2 pounds in just 2-3 years. The entire bluegill family feeds on insects, zooplankton and very small fish. They will also feed readily on commercial fish feeds. The bluegill family are nest builders and begin their spawning cycle when water temperatures near 60°F. Spawning occurs in a 65° – 85° water temperature range. Hybrid bluegill do well when stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow perch and even rainbow trout.

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and other bass species are in the Centrarchid (sunfish and bluegill) family. These fish put up a real battle when caught on hook and line! The primary difference between largemouth and smallmouth bass is the mouth. The mouth of a largemouth bass extends to behind the back of the eye, whereas the mouth of a smallmouth bass reaches only about halfway below the eye. Like bluegill, bass are nest spawners. Spawning begins when water temperatures reach near 60°F and occurs from 60° – 70°F. Largemouth are aggressive predators and commonly used to control bluegill populations in ponds. Bass can overpopulate, requiring pond owners to actively manage their population. Bass feed on small fish, minnows, frogs, insects, crawfish and readily accept a pelleted diet. They do well with bluegill, catfish, crappie, perch and walleye.

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are another predator species and a great way to add some diversity to your fish population. Channel cats grow rapidly and can reach 30+ inches in your pond. They are slender with a deeply forked tail, unlike bullhead which do not have a forked tail. Channel cats have chin “whiskers” for sensing prey in the bottom sediment. Avoid their 3 sharp spines, located at the front of the dorsal fin and both pectoral fins. Overpopulation by catfish is rarely a problem in ponds. They are “hole spawners” – wanting to go inside something to lay their eggs when water temperatures are in the 72° – 78°F range. In the wild, holes in the pond bank are the most common location. Spawning habitat can be added if a pond owner wants them to spawn. Contrary to popular myth, catfish do not eat muck and weeds. They do not “clean” your pond. Catfish will consume live fish, crawfish, clams, snails, etc. They do well with bluegill, bass, crappie, perch, walleye and trout.

Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) are both panfish (prey) and predator species. They can be found in ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs. Crappie relate strongly to weed lines and drop-offs, suspending at different depths at different times of the year. Crappie spawn at temperatures of 59° – 66° F, building nests or broadcasting their eggs over structure. They do not readily eat pelleted feeds. As adults, they consume minnows and small fish. When young, they eat zooplankton, insects, tadpoles, small minnows, crayfish, etc. Black crappie are available in mid-late October only. ADVANCE ORDERS ARE REQUIRED by late September.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) are one of the most popular Great Lakes Region gamefish … they’re fun to catch and they’re delicious! Perch are a schooling fish and are often fished near the bottom and in weed beds. They relate tightly to structure. Perch begin their spawning cycle when water temperatures are in the high 50’s and peak/finish in the high 60’s to low 70’s. They lay their egg ribbons high on structure to allow the wind and waves to aerate the eggs. Yellow perch will eat a pelleted feed as well as minnows, leeches, worms, insects, etc. Like crappie, larger perch are considered a predator, eating other small fish. Perch can be stocked with just about any other fish.

Walleye (Sander vitreus) is another Great Lakes Region favorite of anglers and restaurants. Walleye prefer larger ponds (> 1 acre) with deeper, cooler water and relate well to drop-offs and structure. Walleye can be stocked with most species, including yellow perch, hybrid bluegill and largemouth bass. They do not consume pelleted feed but prefer small fish, minnows, leeches and worms. Walleye spawn by broadcasting their eggs over clean small rock and gravel when water temperatures are in the 42° – 52°F range. Due to their spawning habitat requirements, walleye do not spawn successfully in ponds. Walleye are available in mid-late October only. ADVANCE ORDERS ARE REQUIRED by late September. Walleye are typically 5″ – 8″ in length. Seasonal water temperatures and length of growing season affect actual size. See chart above for more detail on sizing.

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the only trout species at Stoney Creek Fisheries. Trout require colder water and higher oxygen levels than our other fish. A pond capable of holding rainbow trout year round must stay below 70°F, especially during the heat of summer. For this to happen, the pond would need an input of cold (spring) water to the point there was a constant outlet all summer long. Sometimes deep-water quarry ponds can support trout without a water flow. Since they require cold water (40’s) and clean, rocky stream beds for spawning, trout never spawn successfully in static ponds. Rainbow trout will feed aggressively and thrive on high quality pelleted feeds. Natural food includes minnows and insects (aquatic and terrestrial stages). Avoid feeding floating pellets during hot weather.

Assorted Goldfish, like koi, are bright and colorful and often used in water gardens by themselves or mixed with koi. Common goldfish, Comets, Sarassas, Shubunkins and Fantails are some of the many varieties. They will readily consume commercial feed pellets as well as grazing on algae and other plants; they thrive in ponds with ample weed cover and will freely spawn in most ponds.

Koi are bright, decorative fish commonly found in parks, zoos and ornamental ponds because of their high visibility. Koi are helpful in controlling algae, duckweed, elodea and other weeds. Do not confuse with the weed eating fish called grass carp, which are illegal to stock in Michigan. 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. You should quarantine new Koi when adding to your present population. Sizing depends on availability.

Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) provide natural forage for pond fish. Generally reach 2″ to 3″ in length and have a life span of two to three years. Fathead minnows prefer woody structure. Spawning begins when water temperatures reach 50º – 55ºF and repeats monthly until waters cool. They lay 200 to 500 eggs per spawn. Stocking rate of 2-4 gallons per acre. Assume 1800 – 2000 minnows per gallon.