Channel catfish in fee fishing ponds usually are fed only a maintenance diet. Few operators attempt to promote fish growth in the pond. Fish are fed 1 to 2 percent of the estimated weight of fish in the pond, two or three times per week. A commercial catfish ration is usually fed. Marketing other species Other fish such as rainbow trout or hybrid striped bass are marketed through fee fishing facilities.
Rainbow trout require an abundant supply of high quality cool water.
Trout fee fishing operations generally are limited to locations at which summer water temperatures do not exceed 70 F. General operating procedures at trout fee fishing facilities are similar to those described for catfish. Because of increasing demands for high quality water and restrictivewater use regulations, it is difficult to locate or purchase undeveloped sites appropriate for trout fee fishing operations. In many areas of the southern United States pond water tempera-tures are less than 70 F for four to six months of the year. Fee fishing facilities in these areas could sell rainbow trout seasonally. Trout are active and feed well when catfish are sluggish and not biting.