Texas Pond Stocking Questions

Which Bluegill Should I Stock?

Native and coppernose bluegill reproduce and provide forage for bass. The right choice and stocking balance depend on your pond’s conditions and existing fish. Ask Lake Master Pros which bluegill suits your plan.

Are Minnows Important?

Fathead minnows can help establish a food supply in a new pond. As a bass-bluegill pond matures, a reproducing bluegill population helps sustain predator fish.

What Is a Forage Base?

A forage base is the food supply available to predator fish such as bass, crappie, and catfish. It can include bluegill, fathead minnows, crayfish, and shad. The mix should suit the pond and the species you want to grow.

Your Lake Master Pro Representative in Texas

BILL KELLEY

Bill has helped pond and lake owners manage their lakes with over 20 years of experience.

Texas Pond Stocking & Fish Delivery

Lake Master Pros helps Texas pond and lake owners plan fish stocking around their water, fishing goals, and existing fish population. We offer largemouth bass, coppernose and native bluegill, hybrid bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, redear bream, fathead minnows, and grass carp.

Request pond delivery or truck pickup. Pond delivery requires an $800 minimum fish order. View scheduled fish truck stops, or call (800) 433-2950 to discuss your pond. For grass carp, review Texas permit information before ordering.

Stocking an Existing Pond

Stocking numbers should reflect the fish already in your pond. Keep records of the species, sizes, and weights you catch, along with the pond’s history and your fishing goals. These details help us tailor a stocking plan. If the population is unclear, ask about a pond assessment.

Should I Feed My Fish?

Supplemental feed can support fish growth, although not every species eats pellets. Choose feed and quantities for your fish and water conditions. Avoid overfeeding: uneaten feed can reduce dissolved oxygen. Ask us about a feeding plan.

Do I Need an Electrofishing Survey?

An electrofishing survey samples fish to help evaluate species, size distribution, and condition. Combined with catch records and pond history, it can guide stocking and harvest decisions. Fish are measured and returned to the water, and the assessment provides recommendations. Lake Master Pros works with Pond Master Pros for electrofishing services.

Explore pond assessments or learn about water testing before planning treatments or stocking.

STOCKING AN TEXAS POND WITHOUT A CURRENT POPULATION CAN BE DONE A FEW WAYS.

HERE IS A BASIC GUIDELINE POND AND LAKE STOCKING FOR A 1 ACRE POND.

New Pond, No Current Fish Population:
100 Largemouth Bass
100 Black Crappie (Optional)
750 Coppernose or Native Bluegill
200 Redear Bream
100 Channel Catfish
10 lbs Fathead Minnows
Grass Carp (Pond Assessment to determine how many to stock)

Also keep in mind that fishing pressure on your pond or lake can change how the lake is stocked. For example, if you have a lake that will receive very little fishing pressure can be stocked lighter

CUSTOMIZED STOCKING

Stocking ponds to your liking can be handled in a number of ways. For example if you want primarily Channel Catfish or Black Crappie, we can come up with a customized stocking plan especially for you and keep the pond as healthy as possible.