Stocking
- MDC Private Lake Fish Stocking Policy - In most cases, in ponds and lakes with established fish communities, fish stocking is not necessary. However, in new or renovated ponds there are several options for a landowner. The Missouri Department of Conservation will provide fish free of charge to landowners for ponds that meet certain criteria [link to MDC Private lake fish stocking policy].
- MDC Pond Stocking Application - If your pond fits the criteria and you would like it stocked by MDC you can fill out the pond stocking application and mail it to the nearest regional office.
- Fish Stocking Combinations For New Ponds and Lakes - If you decide to stock your pond on your own, there are a few things you might consider. There are certain fish species that are better for a pond than others.
- Pond Area Estimator - You will also need to estimate the size of your pond before you purchase fish from a commercial fish dealer.
- Commercial Fish Dealer Directory - This document can help you locate the nearest local commercial fish dealer in you area once you have determined the size of your pond.
- Missouri Pond Handbook - You may also want to read through the Missouri Pond Handbook to help you through the process.
- How to Produce Bait Minnows in Ponds - An increase in the amount of fishing in recent years has increased the demand for bait minnows. With proper planning and care they can be produced without great effort.
Fish
Population Management
- Fathead Minnows in New Ponds - Whether you have an established pond or are just getting started there are things to keep in mind when managing a fish population. The addition of fathead minnows into a pond before stocking can help boost the growth of your newly added fish.
- Good Record Keeping - As with your checkbook, record keeping is very important in keeping track of your fish population.
- Managing Ponds for Trophy Bass/ Managing for Large Bluegill - Ponds can be managed with a little effort to produce trophy bass or large bluegill.
- Managing Crappie in Small Impoundments - Many people want to stock crappie in their ponds but there are a few things you should consider first.
- Stockpiled Bass: A Common Pondowner Complaint - Quite often people struggle with stunted or “too many small bass” in their body of water.
- Fish Attractors - The addition of brush piles is one of the best things you can do to improve your fish community.
- Fishing in a Barrel: A Guide to the Design and placement of Fish Attractors - There are a few important things to keep in mind when adding fish cover to your pond or lake.
- What is Bugging My Fish? A guide to Parasites in Fish (4.1MB) - Another common question from pond owners deals with fish parasites in the meat of their fish.
- What is lake turnover - Many people are confused about the concept of lake turn over and it is a fairly complicated process.
- Fish Kills in Ponds and Lakes - A fish kill can be a devastating experience for a pond owner.
- Aeration System Suppliers - Most often fish kills are caused by a low oxygen problem. You may want to consider purchasing an aeration system if deepening the pond is not feasible.
- Fish Farming: What You Should Know Raising Catfish For Food & Fun - In some cases people might want to get in to fish farming or strictly the production of channel catfish in their ponds.
- Missouri Pond Handbook - The pond handbook is an excellent source of information for pond owners.
For more information on managing and maintaining a private body of water, call the St. Louis Regional office at (636)441-4554 and ask for the private pond biologist.
