The brook trout is a popular choice for stocking ponds.
Adult largemouth bass are predators for smaller fish and require forage fish in the pond.
Bluegill reproduce easily and small bluegill provide food for the larger bass.
Fish Stocking & Management
The following resources cover how to stock and manage fish in your pond.
Resources
Farm Pond Fish Management on the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation website includes information on licenses and permits required for stocking your farm pond, and provides links to the appropriate forms. It also includes links to private fish hatcheries where stock can be obtained.
Fish Management in NY Ponds. This Cornell Department of Natural Resources website details how to stock fish and solve common pond fish problems. It includes resources on pond habitat assessment (temperature, water quality, clarity & depth), fish management for cold or warm water ponds, vegetation management, permits required for pond construction, frequently asked questions, suggested publications, and a large selection of links to other pond topics. (Cornell Cooperative Extension).
Fish in Ponds & Lakes: Making Good Management Choices, by Clifford Kraft, Cornell Dept. of Natural Resources, covers habitat, pond depth, water quality, spawning, fish choices, balancing your pond, and permit requirements.
Farm Pond Fish Management. This NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation site covers how to get a farm fish pond license, obtaining and stocking fish, and a brief review of possible problems.
Inland Fishes of New York. An online archive of fish images developed by (NYS DEC) and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Placing Artificial Fish Attractors in Ponds and Reservoirs, from The Ohio State University Cooperative Extension, provides guidance on the introduction of artificial structures in your pond that can concentrate fish and increase angling success.
Contact
Brett Chedzoy
Senior Resource Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Regional Director for the CCE Master Forest Owner volunteer program, Forest Manager for Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest
bjc226@cornell.edu
Last updated July 26, 2019
Soil & Water Conservation
Contact your county NYS Soil & Water Conservation District office and ask about a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. Find local offices HERE.
NYS DEC
The NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation provides extensive information on fishing in New York State and provides permits for farm ponds and stocking.