FATHEAD MINNOWS (Pimephales promelas) play an important role in supporting the larger fish you love to catch, like largemouth bass, black crappie and channel catfish. They provide a reliable food source, helping your predators grow faster and alleviating pressure on the bluegill population. Increased food availability reduces competition and can lead to faster growth rates for predators. 

ALIAS: Tuffy, blackhead minnow, minner

IDENTIFICATION: A small mouth, black midline running the length of the body and spot on the dorsal fin are indicative of the fathead minnow.

DIET: Zooplankton and phytoplankton.

SPAWNING: As fractional spawners, fathead minnows spawn throughout the spring and summer once water temperatures reach 64°F. Females spawn multiple times between spring and fall. Their reproductive rate makes them an excellent stocking choice.

TIPS: A twice per year supplemental stocking is recommended.

GOLDEN SHINER MINNOWS (Notemigonus crysoleucas) are stocked in lakes and ponds because they are hardy, fast-growing forage fish that can support the growth of predator species like largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass and channel catfish. 

Forage fish like golden shiner minnows, are the backbone of your lake or pond’s food web. Predatory fish rely on them for a steady food source; without sufficient forage fish, largemouth bass can face slower growth rates and poor body condition. 

ALIAS: Arkansas shiner, shiner minnows

IDENTIFICATION: Golden shiner minnows are deep bodied fish with small, upturned mouths that make excellent largemouth bass bait.

DIET: Zooplankton and phytoplankton.

SPAWNING: Spawning occurs multiple times during the spring and early summer once temperatures reach 68°F. They broadcast adhesive eggs over submerged structure; their spawn success can be increased by the addition of artificial structures.

FISHING TIPS: Shiners are excellent live bait, especially for largemouth bass and larger gamefish.

BROODER GOLDEN SHINER MINNOWS (Notemigonus crysoleucas) 

ALIAS: Arkansas shiner, shiner minnows

IDENTIFICATION: The brooder golden shiner minnow is a larger, more reproductively mature golden shiner minnow. Brooder shiner minnows are often used for forage enhancement, supplemental stocking and fishing for larger predators.

DIET: Zooplankton, crustaceans and small insects.

SPAWNING: Spawning starts in late April or May and continues through early summer. Females will deposit their eggs onto vegetation or artificial structure and then abandon the nest site. 

FISHING TIPS: Anglers often consider golden shiner minnows to be one of the most popular live-bait options when fishing for trophy largemouth bass.

BLUEGILL SUNFISH (Lepomis macrochirus) are stocked in lakes and ponds to provide a reliable food source for larger fish species like largemouth bass and channel catfish. They are popular due to their abundance, ease of fishing, and quick growth, making them ideal for recreational anglers. Their presence also supports a healthy food chain, ensuring sustainable fishing opportunities.

ALIAS: Bream, brim, sun perch, copperbelly

IDENTIFICATION: A deep sided fish with a small mouth, a long pectoral fin and a spot on the dorsal fin.

DIET: Insects, insect larvae, fathead minnows, small fish and commercial fish food.

HABITAT: Bluegills inhabit warm, freshwater environments like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, favoring shallow areas with rocky or sandy bottoms. They seek out vegetation and submerged structures for shelter and feeding. These fish thrive in moderately clear waters with a range of temperatures.

SPAWNING: May through mid-summer when water temperatures are 65-85°F. Nests are constructed in 1 to 4’ of water on firm sand and gravel bottoms.

FISHING TIPS: Live bait such as red worms, meal worms and fathead minnows on a small hook work great in catching these slab-sized fish throughout the spring and summer. 

LARGEMOUTH BASS (Micropterus nigricans) are a top predator in lakes and ponds, helping maintain balanced ecosystems by controlling populations of smaller fish. These fish are popular for their strong fighting ability, making them a favorite among anglers. Stocking largemouth bass in lakes and ponds enhances recreational fishing opportunities and contributes to a thriving aquatic ecosystem. 

ALIAS: Black bass, green trout, bucketmouth, bigmouth bass, widemouth bass

IDENTIFICATION: The large mouth extends past the back of the eye when the mouth is closed. A dark band runs along the side of the body from head to tail. Coloration is variable, but is usually a dark green.

DIET: Bluegill, frogs, insects, fathead minnows, golden shiner minnows and other small fish.

HABITAT: Largemouth thrive in freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, particularly in areas with abundant vegetation. They prefer warm, slow-moving waters and are often found in shallows near structures like logs, rocks, or weed beds. These conditions provide shelter and hunting opportunities.

SPAWNING: Late January or February when water temperatures reach 62°F. Males construct nests in 2 to 4’ of water on sandy or gravely bottoms. 

FISHING TIPS: Natural and artificial baits work well with casting or spinning gear. Best fishing months are May, June and July.

TRIPLOID GRASS CARP 8-10″ (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are commonly stocked in lakes and ponds to control excessive aquatic vegetation. Techniques to create sterile fish allow pond owners to effectively manage vegetation without risking the environmental harm that can come from an uncontrolled, breeding population of grass carp. 

HISTORY: Grass carp are a member of the minnow family. Though native to river systems of Asia, they have been introduced worldwide as a food fish and for aquatic vegetation management. They feed on vegetation in shallow waters and are highly tolerant of a large temperature range. These fish were imported to the United States in 1963 to aquaculture facilities in Alabama and Arkansas as a biological control for aquatic plants. Concerns over their impact on native ecosystems led to the development of non-reproductive fish. 

Sterile fish are developed by subjecting the eggs to heat or pressure. The stress causes the cells to retain a third set of chromosomes, instead of the normal two sets. This extra set of chromosomes renders these fish sterile. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tests fish from each lot of triploid fish to certify them as triploid. 

ALIAS: Sterile grass carp, triploid white amur

IDENTIFICATION: Triploid grass carp are an elongated, torpedo-shaped fish with a terminal mouth and no barbels. They are dark olive to brownish yellow in color and have large scales along the length of their body.

DIET: Aquatic weeds such as curly-leaf pondweed, coontail and duckweed.

SPAWNING: Triploid grass carp are certified sterile by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will not reproduce.

TRIVIA: Ohio legalized the sale of triploid grass carp in 1988.

Triploid Grass Carp (sterile) — used for aquatic vegetation control; requires a Texas Parks & Wildlife permit 

TRIPLOID GRASS CARP 12″+ (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are less vulnerable to predation from other fish than the 8-10″ variety. 

ALIAS: Sterile grass carp, triploid white amur

IDENTIFICATION: Triploid grass carp are an elongated, torpedo-shaped fish with a terminal mouth and no barbels. They are dark olive to brownish yellow in color and have large scales along the length of their body.

DIET: Aquatic weeds such as curly-leaf pondweed, coontail and duckweed.

SPAWNING: Triploid grass carp are certified sterile by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will not reproduce.

USE: Triploid grass carp have been stocked for decades as a natural alternative to chemicals for algae and aquatic weed control.

Triploid Grass Carp (sterile) — used for aquatic vegetation control; requires a Texas Parks & Wildlife permit 

TILAPIA (Oreochromis spp.)

ALIAS: Blue tilapia, Nile tilapia, St. Peter’s fish

IDENTIFICATION: This blue and reddish-pink colored fish is capable of achieving lengths of 21″ and weights up to 10 lbs. The long dorsal fin is indicative of this fish.

DIET: Duckweed, filamentous algae, blue-green algae and Chara are among the favorites of this herbivorous species.

SPAWNING: Spawning occurs in the summer in waters ranging from 68-92° F. The male guards the nest while the female keeps the eggs and fry in her mouth. They reproduce every 18-30 days. 

USE: Tilapia are stocked as an alternative to chemicals for algae and aquatic weed control. Their prolific reproduction helps feed the predators within the pond. Tilapia will not survive in water temperatures below 48° F.

• Tilapia can be stocked in private ponds and lakes only
• They cannot be stocked in public waters
• The pond must be a closed system — no risk of them escaping into natural waterways
• Texas divides the state into a “stocking zone” and a “conservation zone.” If your pond is in the conservation zone, written approval from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is required before stocking tilapia.

Our Swimming Pond Premier Stocking recommendation is very similar to the Angler’s Choice Stockings, but utilizes redear sunfish, or shell cracker, as the primary forage fish. The use of redear, instead of a bluegill sunfish, reduces the incidence of nibbles on swimmers’ legs and protrusions on the upper torso. The Swimming Pond Stocking also includes an aggressive stocking of certified sterile grass carp to help control submerged vegetation. The recommended fish will ensure compatibility with swimmers, reduce mosquito larvae and create a great fishing pond. 

Swimming Pond Fingerling Stocking recommendation is very similar to the Angler’s Choice Stockings, but utilizes redear sunfish as the primary forage fish. The use of redear, instead of a bluegill sunfish, reduces the incidence of nibbles on swimmers’ legs and protrusions on the upper torso. The Swimming Pond Stocking also includes an aggressive stocking of certified sterile grass carp to help control submerged vegetation. The recommended fish will ensure compatibility with swimmers, reduce mosquito larvae and create a great fishing pond for friends and family. 

BLACK CRAPPIE (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

ALIAS: Papermouth, speck, calico bass

IDENTIFICATION: Characterized by 7-8 dorsal spines, deep body, mottled head, back and sides, and upturned snout.

DIET: Insect larvae, fathead minnows, golden shiner minnows and other small fish. 

HABITAT: Black crappies thrive in freshwater lakes and rivers with clear water, vegetation, and submerged structures such as rocks, logs, or aquatic plants. These structures are crucial for providing shelter, feeding areas, and protection, especially for young crappies.

SPAWNING: When water temperatures are 60-65°F, black crappie broadcast their eggs onto shallow submerged structures.

FISHING TIPS: Live baits such as fathead minnows or small jigs tipped with fathead minnows work well. Target submerged brush and stumps.

RAINBOW TROUT (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

ALIAS: Steelhead

IDENTIFICATION: Black spots and silver body with bright pink band are indicative of the rainbow trout. At the time of stocking, trout generally weigh 1 to 2 lbs. each.

DIET: Insects, small fish and commercial fish food.

SPAWNING: Natural reproduction in ponds throughout the Midwest typically does not occur. Fish should be stocked and harvested in the spring and fall. Rainbow trout will not generally survive in waters greater than 72̊ F. 

FISHING TIPS: Fishing with spoons and jigs tipped with worms, fish eggs and fathead minnows are effective methods for catching rainbow trout.

**DELIVERY ONLY – 50 POUND MINIMUM ORDER**

Fish The Pond of Your Dreams

When managing for trophy largemouth bass it is critical to establish and maintain an adequate forage base. The initial fish stocking needs to have an abundance of forage fish (fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows) and the proper predator to prey ratio.  The predator to prey ratio should be approximately 1 largemouth bass to every 20 bluegill or redear sunfish. As largemouth bass grow in size, they will become less dependent on smaller prey.  Supplemental forage stockings should switch to just golden shiner minnows after the first or second year.  Golden shiner minnows are significantly larger than fathead minnows and offer a greater payoff to bass chasing down their prey.  It is important to emphasize that the primary forage species necessary to grow trophy largemouth bass is bluegill sunfish.  Golden shiner minnows should be stocked as supplemental forage, but it is vitally important to maintain an ample sunfish population.

THE SUPPLEMENTAL FORAGE FISH STOCKING includes a combination of fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows. Adding additional forage, such as fathead minnows and golden shiners, is essential when introducing more predators like yellow perch and walleye to your lake or pond. Increasing forage fish populations reduces competition among predators for food, helping to ensure that these sportfish have adequate resources to thrive. Without sufficient forage, predators may struggle to grow and develop properly, leading to an unbalanced ecosystem and potentially stunting the overall health of your fishery.

WHAT ARE FORAGE FISH? Forage fish are small fish species that play a vital role in pond and lake ecosystems. These fish, including species like fathead minnows, golden shiner minnows, and juvenile bluegill, serve as the primary food source for larger predatory fish.

BENEFITS OF SUPPLEMENTAL FORAGE STOCKING

• Faster Fish Growth: Increased food availability leads to faster growth rates for your game fish.
• Larger Fish Sizes: By reducing competition, your game fish can reach impressive sizes
• Improved Fishing: Bolstering your forage population means your waterbody can support more fish and creates a more enjoyable fishing experience.

BIANNUAL SUPPLEMENTAL STOCKING PROGRAM

Here’s how it works: Twice a year, we deliver a mix of fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows directly to your pond. These small forage fish play a huge role in supporting the larger fish you love to catch, like largemouth bass, black crappie, and channel catfish. Forage fish provide a reliable food source, helping your predators grow faster and stay healthier. Plus, when you sign up for our program, scheduling is hassle-free. Once you sign up, we take care of everything—no need to confirm delivery dates or coordinate with our team. You’ll receive an email notification a week in advance, but there’s no need for you to lift a finger—just sit back and let us take care of the rest. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about our program! 

The Angler’s Choice Premier Stocking recommendation includes a mix of native gamefish and fast-growing sportfish that thrive in the bodies of water found throughout the Midwest. The included species will excel in the hottest part of the summer and also tolerate the harsh conditions of winter. The recommended mix of bluegill and redear sunfish readily reproduce to support the predatory fish, including largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. In addition, a twice annual supplemental stocking of fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows will increase the growth rate of the predator population and help control insect larvae.

The Angler’s Choice Fingerling Stocking recommendation includes a mix of first year native gamefish and fast growing sportfish that thrive in bodies of water found throughout the Midwest. The included species excel in the hottest part of the summer and also tolerate the harsh conditions of winter. The recommended mix of bluegill and redear sunfish readily reproduces to support predatory fish, such as largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. In addition, a twice annual supplemental stocking of fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows will increase the growth rate of the predator population and help control the insect larvae. 

CHANNEL CATFISH (Ictalurus punctatus)

ALIAS: Spotted cat, fork tail, speckled, fiddler

IDENTIFICATION: Scaleless, slender fish with deeply forked tail, and barbels around the mouth. Back and sides are dark gray-blue; belly is white. Albino channel catfish are white to pale pink in color. Sharp spines in pectoral and dorsal fins. 

DIET: Crayfish, sunfish, small fish, commercial fish food and anything they can scavenge.

SPAWNING: Late-May to July when water temperatures are 70-75̊F. Nests are constructed in natural cavities and overhangs.

FISHING TIPS: Being a bottom feeder, catfish are often caught on nightcrawlers, chicken livers, sunfish, fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows. They feed most actively at night and in the early morning.

Adult catfish are available by delivery only. They average 1-3 lbs. at the time of stocking.

MOSQUITOFISH (Gambusia spp.) can help naturally control mosquito populations. These minnows feed on mosquito larvae and small invertebrates, and can adapt to a variety of water conditions. 

ALIAS: Skeeter eater

IDENTIFICATION: Mosquitofish are small in size, have a rounded-out tail and an affinity for the upper six inches of the water column.

DIET: Mosquito and invertebrate larvae.

SPAWNING: Mosquitofish bear live young and reproduce every three to four weeks.

USE: Mosquitofish have been stocked worldwide in an attempt to control mosquito larvae, especially in areas where malaria, yellow fever and West Nile virus are found.

HYBRID STRIPED BASS (Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops) are popular for stocking in lakes due to their fast growth and strong fighting ability, making them a favorite among anglers. 

ALIAS: Wiper, striper, white rock bass

IDENTIFICATION: Broken stripes run along the sides and back of this deep-bodied, silver fish. Appearance is a mixture of striped and white bass. 

DIET: Insects, bluegill, small fish such as golden shiner minnows and commercial fish food.

SPAWNING: Hybrid striped bass cannot successfully spawn; fish must be re-stocked over time.

FISHING TIPS: Crank baits and live baits such as nightcrawlers and baitfish are effective for hybrid striped bass. Since they are a schooling fish, bites often come fast and furious. 

ROSY RED MINNOWS (Pimephales promelas) are often stocked for their striking rosy hue. This bright appearance contrasts nicely in lakes and ponds. They’re also popular for their adaptability to a range of pond and lake conditions. 

ALIAS: Rosy reds, rosies, pink tuffies

IDENTIFICATION: A light-orange to pink color variation of the traditional fathead minnow that has a darkened midline running the length of its body, a small mouth and a darkened spot at the base on the dorsal fin.

DIET: Zooplankton and phytoplankton.

SPAWNING: Once water temperatures reach 64°F, rosy red minnows reproduce from spring until fall. This extended period of reproduction yields high numbers of offspring and provides excellent forage for the predators within the pond.

TIPS: A twice per year supplemental stocking may be necessary to maintain a population.

CHANNEL CATFISH (Ictalurus punctatus) are commonly stocked in ponds and lakes for recreational fishing due to their rapid growth, large size, and strong fighting ability, which make them popular among anglers.

ALIAS: Spotted cat, fork tail, speckled, fiddler

IDENTIFICATION: Scaleless, slender fish with deeply forked tail, and barbels around the mouth. Back and sides are dark gray-blue; belly is white. Sharp spines in pectoral and dorsal fins. 

DIET: Crayfish, sunfish, small fish, insects, commercial fish food and anything they can scavenge.

HABITAT: Channel catfish thrive in slow-moving rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with deep, soft-bottomed areas and abundant cover.

SPAWNING: Late-May to July when water temperatures are 70-75°F. Nests are constructed in natural cavities and overhangs.

FISHING TIPS: Being a bottom feeder, catfish are often caught on nightcrawlers, chicken livers, sunfish, fathead minnows and golden shiner minnows. They feed most actively at night and in the early morning.

REDEAR SUNFISH (Lepomis microlophus) are often stocked in lakes and ponds to help control mollusk populations, particularly snails. They are also popular among anglers for their strong fight and valuable size, making them a sought-after species for recreational fishing. 

ALIAS: Shellcracker, stump knocker, yellow bream, cherry gill, chinquapin

IDENTIFICATION: A deep sided fish with a black ear flap rimmed in red or orange. Specially modified teeth in the throat allow them to crack mollusk shells.

DIET: Snails and other mollusks are preferred, but diet also consists of crayfish, insects, insect larvae and fathead minnows.

HABITAT: Redear sunfish prefer freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers with clear water and sandy or gravelly bottoms. They are commonly found near submerged structures like rocks and vegetation. These fish thrive in areas with moderate clarity and temperatures.

SPAWNING: Mid-May through mid-summer when water temperatures are above 65°F. Nests are constructed in 1 to 4’ of water on firm sand and gravel bottoms.

FISHING TIPS: Live baits such as red worms, wax worms and fathead minnows work best.

SPECKLEBELLY SUNFISH (Lepomis spp.) are a great way to add diversity to your sunfish population. These sunfish readily take a commercial fish food, grow to large sizes and are easy to catch.

IDENTIFICATION: Specklebelly are deep sided fish a small mouth, a black ear flap rimmed in reddish orange and bluish vertical bars.

BIOLOGY: Specklebelly are an improved proprietary hybrid sunfish that does not use green sunfish in its cross. Populations of specklebelly are approximately 95-100% male. Restocking will be necessary to maintain a population over time. 

HYBRID BLUEGILL (Lepomis cyanellus x Lepomis machrochirus) thrive in freshwater ponds and lakes with plenty of food and cover, such as submerged vegetation. They grow rapidly, but have limited reproductive success due to a mostly male population, requiring regular restocking. These fish are often stocked in ponds with minimal competition and managed feeding systems.

ALIAS: Gill, bream, brim

IDENTIFICATION: Has a larger mouth than a bluegill with yellow margins along the pelvic and anal fins.

DIET: Insects, insect larvae, fathead minnows, small fish and commercial fish food.

SPAWNING: May to mid-June when water temperatures are 65-85°F. Nests are constructed in 1 to 4’ of water. Due to an excess proportion of males, minimal reproduction occurs.

FISHING TIPS: Live baits such as red worms, meal worms and fathead minnows on a small hook work great. Also, small artificial lures will often catch overly aggressive fish in the spring, making for quite the fight.