In time, a new producer will gain the management experience that allows higher stocking rates. Fingerlings can be stocked at any time during the year. The best time to transport fingerlings is when the water is cool, so that stress on the fish is reduced. Fingerlings are trained to accept feed faster when temperatures begin to moderate, usually during February and March. Before stocking, eliminate all wild fish, such as bream, minnows, and bullheads, that might eat food intended for the catfish.
Wild fish can also carry diseases.
If possible, eliminate wild fish from the water supply. Saran screen with 40 meshes per centimeter can be used to filter out unwanted fish and fish eggs. Largemouth bass fingerlings can be stocked with the catfish at a rate of 50 per acre. Bass will eat small wild fish, preventing a rapid increase in their numbers. Bass do not tolerate low oxygen as well as catfish.