How soon should a new pond be stocked with trout?
A new pond should not be stocked too soon – at least a year after pond construction – for the initial decomposition of organic matter in a basin may eat up oxygen and produce gases toxic to fish. In addition, several months are required for establishing a natural food chain in a pond, and it is important not to stock before ample feed is available, either naturally or through supplemental feeding. It is a good idea to let the pond settle and to be able to determine the worst pond scenario (low water level, etc.) during the year before stocking. Depending upon pond characteristics, one species of trout may thrive nicely while another may not.
