Stocking a Pond

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Selection of Fish for Stocking Mississippi Farm Ponds

Sport Fish Suppliers and Stocking Guidelines for Stocking Mississippi Ponds

Stock ponds at recommended rates with fish from reliable fish hatcheries to eliminate the introduction of undesirable fish species, parasites, or diseases. To obtain game fish for stocking purposes please consult MDWFP's list of licensed commercial fish hatcheries

Stocking Rates and Sequences

Determining the number of fish to stock depends upon species combination you select for your pond. Fishes should be stocked at these rates according to the following sequence: channel catfish stocked in the fall; bluegill and redear sunfish (commonly called bream) stocked in the fall or winter; fathead minnows with bluegills in the fall or winter; largemouth bass stocked the following spring.

Stock channel catfish first to ensure enough growth to prevent predation by bass. Until channel catfish reach a length of about 18 inches, they will be in direct competition with bream for food. Stocking more than 50 channel catfish per acre may suppress growth of bream. Bluegill and redear sunfish fingerlings stocked in the fall and winter will spawn the next spring. Largemouth bass fingerlings are stocked in the spring to coincide with the first bream spawn. They feed on the small bream, thus preventing an overpopulation of bream. Fathead minnows provide abundant forage for largemouth bass during the first year of growth but are of little benefit thereafter.

If you cannot stock the pond in this sequence, consult a fisheries biologist to discuss an alternative stocking strategy that might work. Since all situations are different, there is no single recommendation that can easily be applied to all cases.

After you complete the initial stocking of fingerling fish, do not add any fish to the pond except on the recommendation of a fisheries biologist. The practice of adding additional fish, including catfish, to the pond year after year can lead to overcrowding and stunted fish. This practice has ruined the fishing in many ponds in Mississippi.

With proper management, a correctly stocked pond generally results in a balanced fish population and will ensure good fishing for years to come.

Specific Fish Stocking Information

• Bass and Bream
• Catfish
• Hybrid Sunfish