Stocking Your Pond

A reliable fish stocker wants your fish to do well when they are in your pond. Taking the time to observe your pond and prepare the answers to the questions below will help you and the fish grower make the best decisions for a healthy, thriving pond ecosystem.

Know Your Pond

Before contacting a fish raiser, gather as much information about your pond as you can. The more your supplier knows about your water conditions, the better advice they can offer on species selection, stocking density, and timing. Here are the key questions to consider:

• How deep is your pond? Depth affects water temperature, oxygen levels, and which species will thrive. Shallow ponds warm quickly in summer and may not support cold-water species like trout.
• What is the water temperature in July? Midsummer temperatures are the critical factor in determining whether your pond is suited for cold-water or warm-water fish. A simple thermometer reading at the deepest point tells you a great deal.
• Is the depth consistent year-round? Ponds that lose significant water in dry spells may stress fish. Spring-fed ponds tend to maintain more stable levels and are preferred for trout.
• What color is the water? Clear water usually indicates good quality, while murky or green water may signal excess nutrients or algae blooms that affect oxygen availability.
• What is the pH? Most fish prefer a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Acidic ponds (common in areas with pine forests or peat soils) may need lime treatment before stocking.
• What is the water source? Springs, streams, runoff, and groundwater each have different characteristics. Spring-fed ponds are typically cooler and more stable, while runoff-fed ponds may carry sediments and nutrients from surrounding land.

Cold-Water Ponds

If your pond stays cool throughout the summer, with water temperatures remaining below 68 degrees Fahrenheit even in July and August, you may have an excellent candidate for trout. Cold-water ponds are typically spring-fed, relatively deep, and located in shaded or northern exposures.

Trout are the most popular cold-water species for New Hampshire ponds. Rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout all thrive in clean, cold, well-oxygenated water. Brook trout are native to New Hampshire and are well adapted to the state's streams and ponds. Rainbow trout grow quickly and are excellent for recreational fishing. Brown trout are hardy and can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures than other trout species.

For trout to survive the winter, your pond must be deep enough that it does not freeze solid. In New Hampshire, this generally means a minimum depth of six to eight feet in the deepest section. Adequate dissolved oxygen under the ice is also critical; aeration systems can help in ponds with borderline conditions.

Warm-Water Ponds

Many New Hampshire ponds are warm-water environments, particularly in the southern part of the state and at lower elevations. These ponds support a different set of species that tolerate or prefer warmer temperatures.

Common warm-water species for New Hampshire ponds include:

• Largemouth Bass: A popular sport fish that thrives in warm, weedy ponds. Bass provide excellent recreational fishing and help control populations of smaller fish.
• Bluegill: Often stocked alongside bass, bluegill provide forage and are fun to catch on light tackle. They reproduce readily and help create a balanced pond ecosystem.
• Brown Bullhead (Hornpout): Native to New Hampshire, bullheads are hardy bottom-feeders that tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are excellent table fare.
• Golden Shiners: Primarily stocked as forage fish for bass and other predators, golden shiners help sustain a healthy food chain in your pond.
• Crawfish (Crayfish): An increasingly popular addition to New Hampshire ponds, crawfish help control aquatic vegetation and provide a unique harvest opportunity.

Benefits of Stocking Your Pond

A well-stocked pond offers multiple benefits to the landowner and the surrounding ecosystem:

• Food production: Fresh fish from your own pond is a satisfying and sustainable source of protein. Trout, bass, and bullheads all make excellent eating.
• Recreation: A stocked pond provides fishing opportunities right outside your door, for family and friends to enjoy year-round.
• Pond balance: The right combination of species helps maintain ecological balance. Predator and prey fish, bottom feeders, and forage fish each play a role in keeping the pond healthy.
• Property value: A well-managed, stocked pond is an attractive feature that can increase the value of rural property.
• Wildlife habitat: Fish ponds attract a variety of wildlife, from songbirds and waterfowl to turtles and amphibians, enriching the natural habitat around your property.

Licensed NH Fish Raisers

New Hampshire requires that fish sold for pond stocking come from licensed fish raisers. The following farms are licensed by the state and offer a variety of species for pond stocking throughout the region.

Cold-Water Fish Farms

Warm-Water Fish Farms

Getting Help

If you are unsure about what species are best for your pond, reach out to NHAA or one of the licensed fish raisers listed above. They can visit your property, evaluate your pond, and recommend a stocking plan tailored to your goals and water conditions.

UNH Cooperative Extension is another valuable resource. Their aquaculture specialists can assist with water testing, pond evaluation, and management planning. Contact J-J Newman at the Durham, NH office: (603)-749-1565.