Spring is an excellent time to stock fish in recreational ponds. However, stocking with a species of fish without knowing if they are appropriate can be disastrous. A fish kill can result either immediately or in the future without an understanding of specific pond and fish species characteristics.
Rainbow trout are a preferred species by pond owners in Western North Carolina.
However, many people stock trout only to later discover the pond is not appropriate. Water temperatures exceeding 70 o F for more than a few hours can be lethal to rainbow trout. F due to inadequate water flow. Adequate water flow and an understanding of water temperatures in the Summer are a necessity in selecting an appropriate fish species. In ponds known to exceed 70 o F in the Summer months, two options are available.