The Redear Sunfish is a popular choice for pond stockings because it can grow to a large size, it tends not to overpopulate, and it eats snails, which are the intermediate host of several fish parasites. However, they are not native to Wisconsin, and severe winters in the upper Midwest may kill them in certain water bodies.
Redear Sunfish Advice:
We generally only stock this species in ponds and lakes that have deeper basins that will prevent extremely cold winter water temperatures, which commonly occur in small shallow ponds. Also, Redear Sunfish tend to do best in water bodies with vegetated shorelines and clear water, probably because this is preferred environment for its primary food sources, which is insect larvae & snails.
When stocking to control snails, we introduce as many as 500 per surface acre in the spring. When stocking to add diversity to a water-body, 100 per surface acre is a more typical amount.
WI & IL Customers only, Sorry, but we do not sell fish outside of WI or IL at this time.
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Stocking Recommendations If you are unsure what to stock, complete the questionnaire on this page.