Kentucky's Farm Fish Pond Program

Abstract

Kentucky has approximately 110,000 farm ponds, at least three-fourths of which are capable of producing good fishing. Since 1936 the Agricultural Extension Department of Kentucky reports the construction of 66,252 ponds. The Department further reports that the construction rate annually has remained constant at an average of 4800 in the last few years. Demands for the stocking of new ponds and the creation of good fishing in old ponds are increasing at a rapid pace. At present the Division of Game and Fish receives annually 3,000 requests for stocking. Success in establishing good fishing in unstocked ponds is directly related to methods, rates, species and sizes stocked. Swingle and Smith (1947) found bluegill (Lepomis machrochirus Rafinesque) and bass (Micropterus salmoides Lacepede) the most suitable species for stocking ponds in the southeastern states. During seven years many species, various rates, and different size fish have been planted in ponds in Kentucky. Some 250 ponds have been investigated for determination of balance and classification as fish ponds. Those which were offering good fishing and seemed to have approached a balance were inspected at least once and usually twice each year thereafter. In addition to personal inspection, many reports were made by conservation officers, sportsmen's clubs and fishermen regarding fishing success in ponds stocked. RATES AND METHODS OF STOCKING