Cold Water Fish

Cool Water Fish

Warm Water Fish

Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout

Walleye
Yellow Perch

Hybrid Bluegills
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
Fathead Minnows

Cold Water Fish

Rainbow Trout

The most popular trout for pond stocking. They grow rapidly, often gaining an inch per month spring through fall, somewhat less in the winter time.  They feed well on natural food and on pellets. They can withstand temperatures up to 70-72 degrees for brief periods but do the best in the 50-65 degree range. They can be stocked with other trout or with cool and warm water fish.  They are moderately cannibalistic.  Pond raised rainbows often reach 23-30 inches in length and up to 10 pounds in weight.

Brook Trout

They are usually associated with small streams but do quite well in ponds also. They usually grow somewhat slower than rainbows or browns, but will reach 16-20 inches in length and often weigh 3-6 pounds when mature. They feed readily on pellets but are moderately cannibalistic on small fish also.  They are usually considered to be "tops" in taste. Brooks can be stocked with other trout or warm water fish species. Ideal temperature range is 50-65 degrees.

Often considered to be the river trout but do well in ponds also. They have more of a tendency to "stay put" when stocked in rivers and streams. They grow rapidly on natural food or pellets but are considered the most cannibalistic of the trout species. They can also be harder to hook because of their shy nature. Generally they can withstand somewhat warmer temperatures than other trout, even 70-75 degree ranges, provided the oxygen level is not too low. Browns often reach 20-24 inches in length and weigh 5-8 pounds in pond raised conditions.

Cool Water Fish

Walleye

The most sought after fish for their delicious taste! They are strictly cannibalistic in their feeding habits and do not feed on commercial pellets. When stocking with other cool or warm water fish they help keep down the number of small fish which enhances growth rates. They do well with yellow perch, hybrid bluegills, and bass. Walleye seldom spawn in small ponds.

Yellow (Jumbo) Perch

Also sought after because of their delicious taste. They are school-running fish and are often fished near the bottom of lakes and ponds. They feed on small fish, insect life, and will feed readily on commercial diets. They can be very prolific and should not be stocked alone or in small ponds. Jumbos can reach 12-14 inches in length if food is sufficient. They can be stocked with most other species, especially hybrid bluegills, large mouth bass and catfish.

Warm Water Fish

Hybrid Bluegills

A cross between two of the sunfish families: the bluegill and the green sunfish. Generally males are the predominate offspring, accounting for 85-90% of the young. They grow rapidly and often reach 1 1/2 pounds in 2-3 years' time. Many reach 8 1/2 to 10 inches in length, 12-18 months after being stocked as 2-3 inch fingerlings. They thrive in warmer water, 70-85 degrees being very suitable. They are not sterile as many think, but because of the high male ratio, are much less prolific than regular bluegills, and much faster growing. They do well when stocked with trout, large mouth bass, channel cats, and perch.

Channel Catfish

Often thought to be relative to Southern states only, but actually do very well in Michigan, especially in ponds that get warm in the summer months. They do great in 70-85 degree waters and feed on minnows, insects and commercial pellets, often growing from 4-6 inch fingerlings in springtime to 12-14 inches by fall. They can reach 25-30 pounds and are very good eating. They do well when stocked with hybrid bluegills, large mouth bass, walleye, even trout. Catfish will spawn in warm water ponds.

One of our best predator fishes for controlling the number of small fish in a pond or lake.  They put up a real battle when caught by hook and line. They are often stocked with hybrid bluegills, channel catfish, perch, and walleye. Care should be taken to stock predator fish before your lake or pond becomes overrun with small or stunted fish, which is a difficult situation to reverse without killing off the entire pond.

Commonly called the tuffy or blackhead, they are a very important bait minnow for fisherman, but also provide forage for larger fish. They generally reach 2 1/2 -3 1/2 inches in length and have a life span of 2-3 years. They are very hardy and tolerate considerable handling. Spawning starts when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees and spawn repeatedly until cold weather comes.  They are prolific, laying 200 to 500 eggs per spawn. Stocking fatheads with game fish can greatly increase the growth of the game fish.