I had a pond dug on my property about 6 years ago. It's about 1/5th of an acre. Up until June the pond was for swimming and ice skating. Naturally, frogs and crayfish found the pond.
In early June, I stocked it with fish. Perch, catfish, bass -- about 25 each -- several hundred blue gills and minnows. The pond seems to be thriving. About every other day I scatter a small coffee can, or less, of catfish pellets in the evening. The minnows swarm to it, and in the last two weeks the perch and catfish have caught on. I don't think I've seen a bass come up yet.
My question is: Should I be feeding the fish at all? I suppose it will make them grow faster, but I wonder if it's somehow disturbing the natural balance. Or maybe there isn't such a thing, and it varies by pond, anyway. Any thoughts are appreciated. Also, if the fish were 4" to 6" going in, when can I start fishing?
In early June, I stocked it with fish. Perch, catfish, bass -- about 25 each -- several hundred blue gills and minnows. The pond seems to be thriving. About every other day I scatter a small coffee can, or less, of catfish pellets in the evening. The minnows swarm to it, and in the last two weeks the perch and catfish have caught on. I don't think I've seen a bass come up yet.
My question is: Should I be feeding the fish at all? I suppose it will make them grow faster, but I wonder if it's somehow disturbing the natural balance. Or maybe there isn't such a thing, and it varies by pond, anyway. Any thoughts are appreciated. Also, if the fish were 4" to 6" going in, when can I start fishing?
