Minnows in Ponds as Fish Food
Minnows as a food source can be critical for the healthy growth of all inhabitants within a pond. Countless times throughout a year, minnows produce hundreds of offspring, which provide food for game fish such as bass, crappie, panfish and trout. Minnows range in different sizes, and there many different species of minnows, such as the fathead, rosy red, bull and chub. Stocking minnows within a pond is essential, especially for new ponds and for commercially run fishponds. Within very little time, stocked minnows will create enough food to sustain a pond community.
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Fathead Minnow
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Fatheads normally mature to three inches in length. The spawning cycle of this species of minnow is every two weeks throughout the summer. Fathead minnows spawn in shallow areas and lay eggs that attach to rocks, weeds and on the bottom foliage of ponds. Fatheads are important for the survival of a pond, as these minnows provide feed for game fish in the early and adult stages of their lives. The fathead is considering a must stocking fish within any pond, according to the Zetts Fish Hatchery website. Game fish in a pond will thrive and grown bigger when significant amounts of fathead minnows are stocked. A pond owner should stock at least 1000 fathead minnows as a supplement food source for large game fish. The stocking of fatheads enhances the diets and allows fish such as bass, perch, crappie and catfish to increase in size and weight.
Rosy Red Minnow
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This minnow's name comes from the red stripe that extends from its gills to tail. It grows no larger than three inches in length and is a very prolific spawner. Rosy reds spawn throughout the spring, summer and fall. When rosy red minnows are introduced into a pond that holds largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and/or trout, these species grow fast. As a stockfish, this minnow adapts well to harsh water conditions and is good for mosquito control.
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Bull Minnow
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The bull minnow is named for the shape of its mouth that is likened to a bull. Bull minnows are natural survivers and can live in a pond amongst game fish. This minnow normally grows no longer than three to four inches. With small size comes speed, as bulls can quickly dart within the plants and rocks of a pond. They cruise near the shore and rarely travel into deep water, where big fish lurk. Bull minnows are a favorite of crappie, panfish and yellow perch.
Chub Minnow
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Chub minnows are cylindrical and stout in appearance, with large scales and large mouths. There are numerous categories of chub minnows, such as horney-head, river and creek chubs and fallfish. Generally, chubs are found in small streams; however, they make their way into rivers, lakes and even ponds. Some chubs can grow up to 10 inches long, and some anglers keep chubs for food. Normally, chub minnows range three to five inches in length. Chubs appeal to game fish; they supply a good source of feed within a pond. During spawning time, male chubs build nests from gravel. Adult male chubs defend the nests while females lay eggs. A female chub can produce up to 200 offspring, throughout the summer months.
Stocking Minnows in a Pond
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Stocking minnows is recommended in two situations, according to the Zetts Fish Hatchery website. In a new pond, owners need to stock approximately 1000 adult minnows per acre and stock 5000 in a pond larger than an acre. This amount is adequate for a pond stocked with 50 adult bass or less. Additionally, 1000 adult minnows will supplement the food chain, until stocked sunfish/bluegills spawn and produce young offspring. The second situation is for commercial ponds where species of fish are raised such as trout, striped bass and catfish. Stocking 1,000 minnows per acre every month throughout the year can help these fish add pounds and grow fast.
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