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.