Fall Fish Stocking Best Practices

As the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, we see signs of Autumn all around us. Though it’s common for lake and pond maintenance priorities to take a back seat as we spend more time indoors, fall is a key transitional season for stakeholders to set their fisheries up for success come spring AND maximize them during the winter months. This is particularly relevant for trophy fisheries with fish stocking plans.

Stocking ponds with fish is an important strategy for many fisheries management programs. Fall provides an excellent window to introduce a variety of cool- and cold-water fish species that are ideal for stocking, which should be introduced when temperatures range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During this period, water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels are most consistent throughout the waterbody, helping fish to acclimate as successfully as possible.

Fish pond stocking programs can differ based on stakeholder goals. Before stocking any fish in a lake or pond, professionals often complete electrofishing surveys to identify existing fish in the waterbody. During an electrofishing survey, Fisheries Biologists introduce a mild electric current to the water using a boat with specialized equipment. Fish in the vicinity are temporarily stunned and float to the surface, allowing biologists to evaluate species composition and the overall health of the food chain. With this information, they can determine optimal fish stocking strategies based on the stakeholder’s desired outcome.

If the goal is to grow bigger, better trophy fish, Fisheries Biologists may introduce several forage species to fuel Largemouth Bass, Titain Bass, and other predator fish over the winter months. Some of the most popular forage pond fish species include Bluegill and Golden Shiners.

In some cases, stakeholders want fishing fun to continue after summer ends. Fisheries Biologists can stock a wide array of cool- and cold-water fish depending on the region and local fish stocking regulations. Cool-water fish like Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch are commonly stocked in northern latitudes and can be exciting catches throughout the fall months.