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Freshwater Consultants, LLC
fISH sTOCKING
wHERE TO sTART
When looking to stock fish into a pond or lake, it is imperative to check the state of the body of water first. In Vermont, the only fish that are allowed to be stocked in private ponds are brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, which typically only survive in cold water. Different types of fish have different requirements for things such as temperature and dissolved oxygen, making it important to check those measurements before putting them in fish. When repairing a pond, stocking fish should be one of the final steps once the pond meets the requirements of dissolved oxygen and temperature. For more information about fish stocking rules in Vermont, click here.
Why trout?
Trout have been fished in Vermont for hundreds of years, making them a perfect candidate to be stocked in ponds. Brook trout is the only native stream-dwelling trout in Vermont and also happens to be one of Vermont’s state fish. Rainbow and brown trout were introduced to the US in the 1800s and have become naturalized to Vermont water bodies. The ideal conditions to have in a healthy pond are also good conditions for trout to thrive, making them a perfect match to promote a diverse and healthy ecosystem. For guidelines on fish size and season, see below.
Why Not other fish?
Over the years, other species of fish, like koi and goldfish, have become a popular choice to introduce to ponds because of their attractive appearance. Although they may look nice, the damage that these species can cause to a pond ecosystem can be detrimental and costly over a long period of time. Both are considered invasive and can be a nuisance to all other aspects of a pond. Goldfish can grow surprisingly large and have habits like digging up the bottom of ponds and uprooting plants, which can destroy pond liners and affect water quality. Their populations can quickly multiply, making their effects on a body of water exponential if they aren’t dealt with quickly. Koi have large appetites, which can cause them to eat an excessive amount of aquatic plants. Over time they can demolish a food source that other animals rely on. They also have habits of disturbing sediment and plant roots at the bottom of ponds, which makes the water murky and of poorer quality. There are also a few forms of harmful bacteria that tend to thrive in Koi environments. One of these is Aeromonas hydrophilia, which can cause gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections if exposed to the bacteria for long enough. Later down the line, the bacteria that thrive in and around Koi can cause long-term health complications to anyone exposed to it for long enough.
Works cited
Dan. “What Species of Fish Should You Stock in Your Pond?” Harrietta Hills, 22 Mar. 2018, harriettahills.com/fish-stock-pond/.
Staff, 10TV Web. “This Is What Can Happen When You Release Your Goldfish into the Wild.” 10tv.Com, 13 July 2021, www.10tv.com/article/life/animals/this-is-what-can-happen-when-you-release-your-goldfish-into-the-wild/530-12bda6a6-54ac-4c26-a0fd-c4b391ba158f.
Staff, Savage, MN. “What Happens If You Release Koi or Goldfish into a Pond?” News, www.cityofsavage.com/Home/Components/News/News/446/1089#:~:text=Koi%20and%20goldfish%20will%20eat,with%20native%20fish%20for%20food. Accessed 26 June 2023.