LEARN ABOUT THE KINDS OF FISH TO STOCK YOUR POND
Most ponds in the area are considered warm water ponds, having a depth of 8-12 ft and will support any of the warm water species listed. A cool water pond is likely larger and deeper. while a cold water pond is a spring-fed pond deeper than 12 ft with good water exchange.
Stocking suggestions are per acre and based on space, oxygen, and availability of food.
Stocking suggestions are per acre and based on space, oxygen, and availability of food.
Fish Haven Farm sells 10 different species of freshwater fish, available at varying times of the stocking season.
Click on each name to read about that species or scroll down through.
Click on each name to read about that species or scroll down through.
Availability: April & August
Breeding: yes Life span: 5-6 years |
Hybrid Bluegill
The hybrid bluegill is produced by combining the male bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) with the female green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). This process yields high numbers of male fish, leading to less overpopulation than with other bluegill species. The hybrid bluefill will also grow larger reaching 1.5 - 2 pounds. The hybrid's large mouth combined with its aggressive feeding makes it easy and fun to catch. Bluegills spawn when water temperatures reach 67°F. Shallow, saucer-like nests are made and guarded by the males 
Warm water fish
Eats insects, invertebrates, minnows, and pellets |
Availability: April & October
Breeding: yes Life span: 7-9 years |
Black Crappie
The black crappie is a popular panfish throughout the US and prefers quiet, weedy waters. They will typically reach 8" by the second year and average about a pound. Crappie readily spawn in lakes or ponds in the spring or early summer months in 1-3 feet of water, forming saucer-shaped nests near aquatic vegetation. Traveling in schools, crappie are easily caught in late spring and through the ice. 
Cool water fish
Eats invertebrates and other fish |
Availability: April-August
Breeding: possibly, with structure Life span: up to 12 - 20 years |
Channel Catfish
The channel catfish is distinguishable from other catfish and bullheads by its forked tail and the presence of black spots on its side. They do not muddy a pond like bullheads. Channel catfish will strike bait or lures and are considered excellent eating. They average 2-5 pounds in optimal settings. Spawning will occur when the water temperature reaches 70° F, usually in crevices or burrows under banks and rocks. Typically in a pond setting, catfish need some sort of artificial breeding structure to reproduce successfully. 
Lives in a wide range of water temperature
Eats some algae, insects, fish and pellets |
Availability: April-October
Breeding: yes Life span: 1-2 years |
Fathead Minnows
Fathead minnows are excellent forage for game fish and a recommended component for balanced ecosystems. Fatheads are preferred over other types of shiners or chubs because they breed in a pond and do not compete with other species. They can be restocked often to ensure proper feed for game fish. These minnows average 1-3 inches in size. Spawning occurs when water temperatures reaches 65°F, five or six times during the summer beginning in late May. Flat stones or boards, which can be added around the pond edge, facilitate spawning and provide cover. Pond edges can be surveyed in the early spring to determine if a minnow population exists and is reproducing. 
Hardy fish in cold-warm water conditions
Feeds on algae, invertebrates and food pellets |
Availability: April-October
Breeding: no (sterile) Life span: 8-10 years |
Triploid Grass Carp
The grass carp is one of the largest members of the minnow family. Native to China, grass carp were originally raised for food but are now primarily used for weed control. The grass carp is not a bottom feeder like the local carp species and do not muddy a pond. Only sterile (triploid) grass carp are allowed in our local waters and require a special stocking permit. Fish are federally inspected before being transported and sold. Plant varieties preferred by grass carp grow through the water column. Pictures and names can be found on the links below. 
Wide variety of water temperature.
Feeds on pond weeds and some algae. Will eat food pellets but not encouraged, as to concentrate on weed problems |
Please place an order before picking up grass carp and bring the permit with you.
- Grass Carp Information NYS DEC
- NYS Grass Carp Application (pdf) and your regional NYS DEC mailing address
- Pennsylvania Grass Carp Application (pdf)
- Pond Weed Identification and Grass Carp Preference
- More Pond Weed Examples (courtesy of Chemung Co Soil & Water)
- Grass Carp Information NYS DEC
- NYS Grass Carp Application (pdf) and your regional NYS DEC mailing address
- Pennsylvania Grass Carp Application (pdf)
- Pond Weed Identification and Grass Carp Preference
- More Pond Weed Examples (courtesy of Chemung Co Soil & Water)
Availability: April - October
Breeding: rarely Life span: 20+ years |
Koi
Koi, also referred to as Japanese carp, originated in Japan over 200 years ago. Carp were stocked in rice paddies and raised for food, and sometimes appeared to have color mutations. The colored carp were crossbred to produce multiple colors. These beautiful fish can grow to 4 feet in length but average to 20" in our region. Koi prefer warmer water ranging from 50-75°F but will survive northeastern winters in normal ponds provided the pond is at least 6 feet deep, does not freeze solid, and maintains a constant supply of oxygen. Koi may spawn in a pond, usually on soft plants in shallow water. However, many other species of fish eat koi eggs or the fry if hatching does occur. As of March 2015, koi are classified by the NY Dept. of Agriculture and the DEC as a regulated invasive species. They are legal to possess, sell, buy, propagate, and transport but cannot be knowingly introduced into a free-living state (public waters or connected to public waters). 
Prefer warm water but survives NE winters provided water is 6 ft deep,
doesn't freeze solid, and maintains an oxygen supply Eats insects, invertebrates, some algae and weeds, as well as food pellets |
Availability: April - September Breeding: yes Life span: 10 years |
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is a notable warm water sports fish providing excellent eating. Bass will reproduce in their second or third year and can potentially reach 8-10" by the second year. In the northeast, bass grow to an average 2-4 pounds. They are voracious predators and this should be taken into consideration when added to a pond's ecosystem. Spawning begins about mid-May when pond temperatures reach 62-65°F. The male prepares the 1-2 foot circular cleared nest area in about 2 feet of water. One or more females will deposit several thousand eggs and hatching occurs in 8-10 days. The male will guard the fry for about 2 weeks and then will feed on them. About 1 in 1000 will reach adult size in natural conditions. 
Warm water fish
Eats insects, invertebrates, other fish, food pellets |
Availability: Apri l- June, Sept. - Oct. Breeding: no Life span: 5-6 years |
Rainbow Trout
The Kamloop, a rainbow trout strain originating in British Columbia, is known for its quicker growth rates compared to the native rainbow. Rainbow trout need water that remains relatively cold with a high oxygen content, so it is recommended they be stocked in ponds at least 10-12 feet deep with natural springs or running water. Rainbow trout fare better in a pond environment than brook or brown trout because they are able to tolerate higher temperatures and a wider pH range. In a pond these trout may grow to a maximum of 6-8 pounds reaching 10-12" by the second year. Rainbow trout do not breed in ponds so to provide continuous sport fishing, restocking is recommended. Spring and fall are the best times to stock rainbow trout. 
Cold water fish
Eats insects, invertebrates, minnows, and food pellets |
Availability: October
Breeding: no Life span: 12-15 years |
Walleye
The walleye is the largest member of the perch family. Walleye do better in larger bodies of water so it is recommended they be stocked in ponds of at least one acre and 10 feet deep. They prefer cooler temperatures and gravel bottoms. There must be an adequate amount of forage fish for walleyes to grow. The walleye will reach 12-15" by the third year. This species can be added to a pond to help control concerns of panfish overpopulation. 
Cool water fish
Feeds on fish |
Availability: October
Breeding: yes Life span: 9-11 years |
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch also known regionally as the striped perch or jack perch, will reach 8 in. by the second year and potentially weigh up to 2 pounds. Perch readily spawn in lakes or ponds when the water temperature reaches 45-50°F. The females deposit a gelatinous mass of eggs over weeds or brush in several feet of water. Perch travel in schools, tending to stay in deeper water in daylight and move toward the shallows at night. Fishing for perch can be done at all times of the year, including ice fishing. 
Cool water fish
Feeds on insects, invertebrates, minnows |
Availability: June - July
Breeding: yes Life span: 3-8 years |
Crayfish
The crayfish provides excellent forage for most game species. They conceal themselves under rocks and logs and are most active at night. The crayfish average from 1-3 inches and reach adult size in 3-4 months. In the northeast, breeding occurs in their second year in the late summer, with eggs being carried then hatching in the spring. Effective Jan 2015: To counteract the effects of invasive crayfish species, the transport of crayfish is banned in PA 
Hardy and lives iin a wide variety of water temperatures
Eats both dead and living plants, insects, invertebrates |
- Large order delivery charge of $2.00 per mile, one way.
- Inquire about large quantity discounts.
