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Fish Stocking
Fish Stocking: Bluegill, Grass Carp, Threadfin Shad
Applied Aquatics specializes in aquatic ecosystem management, offering lake and pond owners a diverse selection of pond fish species tailored to meet any stocking need. We provide services for both new ponds and established waters that require supplemental fish, and our expertise in transportation and handling ensures the highest survival rates. We strive to include delivery at no additional cost, although orders outside our standard delivery area or smaller orders may incur extra charges. Certain species, such as trout, shad, or hybrid striped bass, are available seasonally.
To support the unique needs of every pond and ensure a healthy, balanced, and thriving aquatic ecosystem, we offer fish in multiple sizes and varieties, perfect for effective lake stocking.
fish stocking options
Coppernose Bluegill Stocking
Bluegill are the foundation of a successful bass pond. Their high reproduction rates, fast growth, and willingness to feed make them ideal for forage production, recreational fishing, and long‑term pond balance.
Available Sizes:
- 1-3"
- 2-4"
- 3-5"
Grass Carp / White Amur
Grass carp offer a natural, long‑term solution for controlling submersed aquatic weeds. Their aggressive feeding helps maintain clear water and balanced ecosystems while minimizing chemical use. Stocking 10–12 inch fish is recommended in ponds with existing bass populations.
Threadfin Shad
Threadfin shad play an important role in pond stocking and lake management by increasing overall productivity and supporting bass growth. Feeding primarily on phytoplankton, they convert microscopic algae into a high‑quality forage source that helps maintain a balanced pond ecosystem. When stocked correctly, threadfin shad establish a dependable forage base that enhances fish health and fishing success.
Recommended stocking rate: 500–1,000 threadfin shad per acre, stocked in spring using spawn‑ready adults larger than 2 inches in April and May.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the backbone of recreational fishing and predator control in ponds. Properly stocked and managed, they help maintain balanced fish populations while providing exciting fishing opportunities. Stocking rates typically range from 35-50 bass per acre based on management objectives.
Species Available:
- F1 Hybrids (Tiger & Titan)
- Northern
- Florida
Redear Sunfish
Redear sunfish, also known as shellcracker, play an important role in pond management by feeding on snails and other invertebrates that host common fish parasites. This helps improve overall fish health while complementing bluegill populations. As a forage species for largemouth bass, redear sunfish support a balanced, productive pond ecosystem. They can grow larger than bluegill and are easily recognized by their red or orange ear tab.
Fathead Minnows
Fathead minnows are an essential forage fish for new pond stocking, commonly added with bluegill and redear sunfish. They provide an ideal food source for newly stocked bass, helping reduce pressure on bluegill and allowing forage populations to establish quickly. Although fathead minnows reproduce rapidly, they are typically consumed within the first year, giving ponds a strong head start toward a balanced fishery.
Recommended stocking rate: 25lbs fathead minnows per acre.
Golden Shiners
Golden shiners are a valuable forage fish that support bass growth and help maintain a balanced pond ecosystem. As a larger forage species than threadfin shad, they provide a high‑protein food source that improves largemouth bass size and fishing quality. While golden shiners may consume some fish eggs, this behavior can help prevent bass overcrowding and support long‑term pond balance.
Recommended stocking rate: 10-25 pounds per acre.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are a popular pond fish species, especially for children and beginner anglers. They fill a unique bottom‑feeding role, feeding on invertebrates and supplemental fish food, and typically coexist well with bass when properly managed. Because they rarely reproduce in bass ponds, careful stocking helps maintain balance and prevents competition as catfish grow larger.
Recommended stocking rate: 50–100 channel catfish per acre, depending on harvest goals and overall pond management strategy.
Crawfish (as Bass Forage)
Crawfish are a premium bass forage species and one of the most preferred food sources for largemouth bass. Their high‑protein nutrition supports faster bass growth, improved body condition, and increased overall pond productivity. Adding crawfish helps create a more natural, balanced food chain in well‑managed ponds.
Recommended stocking rate: 50–100 pounds per acre, depending on pond habitat, cover availability, and management goals.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout add seasonal excitement to pond fishing and are especially popular with children and beginner anglers. These aggressive fish stay active during cooler months when other species slow down, providing dependable action and extended recreational value. As a seasonal pond stocking option, rainbow trout support effective lake management by diversifying fishing opportunities through winter and early spring.
In Georgia’s Piedmont region, trout are typically stocked in November and provide quality fishing through April.
Recommended stocking rate: 50–100 rainbow trout per acre, depending on pond size, water quality, and desired harvest.
