Why Stock Trout in Your Pond?

[Melody]

The Alberta Government encourages such an endeavor with an article covering the economics and other benefits of stocking trout in your pond.

In Alberta you need a license (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/general/progserv.nsf/all/pgmsrv112) to keep trout and several other species in your pond, but it's only $10. Note that you cannot obtain the fish or eggs from the wild. Check your respective provincial regulations for further information.

Why Stock Trout in Your Pond? (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/div12658)

[Soggybottom]

I think the flushing rate of the pond should dictate stocking levels as much or more so than the size of the pond. I read in regards to freshwater shrimp that without adequate fresh water flow through the pond, the critters tend to taste a bit "muddy". I think the same would apply to fish. Just a thought for anyone considering aquaculture for food...

[Melody]

{Collective gasp from hobbyists} :laugh:

That's interesting, but I suppose it makes sense. Can what they eat effect their taste?

[Catahoula Ranch]

I am considering putting some 6-8 inch trout in the pond, a guy in Silverdale sells them for a 1.50$ each, seems reasonable. My only concern is, I wonder if they will eat the smaller Koi. I would really like to go fishing in the pond.
::D:

[Melody]

How could you make sure you caught the trout and not the Koi?:wideeyed:

[OldMan]

What they eat definitely affects the flavor Mel. I never fish right after I see them stock a river because I know the fish won't be worth eating. A day or two later, the ones that are left are well worth trying to catch.

[Melody]

Deer that eat apples have a nicer meat, so it makes sense that it applies to other creatures.

I think I would taste like chocolate :laugh: .

[Catahoula Ranch]

How could you make sure you caught the trout and not the Koi?:wideeyed:
I figured I would use a "trout" lure.

[Melody]

What if someone forgot to tell the Koi it's not supposed to lure them? :eek: You should put out a memo or make a sign or something. LOL OK, I'll stop.

[Catahoula Ranch]

http://www.catahoularanch.com/pond/trout.jpg

[Melody]

You're going to scare them all away with that one :laugh: .

[jewels]

My only concern is, I wonder if they will eat the smaller Koi.

Depending on the size of the involved parties --- you had better believe it !!!
We stock Rainbows in our pond. They are VICIOUS predators.

I have never seen a frog or grasshopper swim more than three feet in the open water---not in twenty years.

[Malibu]

Well, it makes sense that fish would taste different depending on what they eat. I know from experience that chicken, for example, that is grain fed lay eggs that taste much different than those that are fed fishmeal (ever eat a store-bought egg that tastes kind of fishy?) That said, free-range chicken eggs can have a variety of flavours - including pine :err:

[Catahoula Ranch]

We do enjoy observing the Western Toads swiming with the Koi, we also have Mudpuppies that are natural in the pond and they can always been seen out at night, I'm sure they wouldn't last too long either. We are enjoying the pond the way it is right now with the Koi an all the other lifeforms. For now, I guess I will not be fishing at home.

[Gobies et al]

How about some pictures and let us enjoy the site, too! :yes: After all, the last we saw it was still half covered in ice.

[Catahoula Ranch]

Depending on the size of the involved parties --- you had better believe it !!!
We stock Rainbows in our pond. They are VICIOUS predators.

I have never seen a frog or grasshopper swim more than three feet in the open water---not in twenty years.
Just wondering, would they eat a slug?

[jewels]

No slugs in Southern Alberta.
Winters are ugly, and summers , , , well lets just say you do not want to be a slug in the desert.

Nice fat night crawler and you are in business.:wink: