Private Pond Stocking

Our Regional Fisheries Manager, Jim Fredericks, will evaluate the location of your pond and the associated risk to local fish populations from your proposed species of fish, crustacea, and amphibian stocking.  In some cases, if there is risk to local fisheries from your stocking, he will require only sterile (non-reproducing) fish, only or he may only allow fish from a certified disease-free facility.  He may also require only crustacea from a near-by source known to be disease-free or of a native variety.  In the case of bull frogs, they are classified as an invasive species and would probably not be approved for stocking in your pond. Prior to ordering fish for a private pond, it is a good idea to contact the local Fish and Game Office and work with the Regional Fish Managers to identify allowed species and sources of fish/wildlife.  After all, you would hate to be responsible for introduction of a species of fish that caused damage to a local fishery.