Why Can’t I Stock Crappie In My Pond?

Everyone loves to eat crappie and channel catfish so they top stocking lists for many ponds.  Unfortunately, most farm ponds aren’t compatible crappie habitat.

Our leader, Pond Boss Bob Lusk, doesn’t recommend stocking crappie in lakes smaller than 15 acres.  They’re sporadic spawners.  Some years are productive.  Some years there’s no reproduction.

One fact that’s generally accepted, sooner or later, crappie that make their way into small ponds overpopulate, compete with bass for valuable forage, and ultimately experience stunted growth patterns.

If you’re a die-hard crappie lover, an innovative fish hatchery in Arkansas is attempting to become your best friend.  Those folks are striving to breed a hybrid crappie for small waters.  They’re learning more each season.  We’ll keep you posted.