Fish Species

These are the primary species that we recommend stocking in Texas. For proper ratios and sizes, go to the Stocking Calculator.

Largemouth bass
The largemouth bass is the most sought after game fish in North America today. This is attributed to its ready acceptance of artificial baits and acrobatic fight when hooked. . The Northern strain is known to bite more aggressively but the Florida strain grows much larger. The F1 cross of these two is considered to be the best choice for most lakes and ponds.
Hybrid striped bass

The hybrid striped bass is a cross between the white bass and the striped bass.  Reaching large sizes relatively quickly and being more of an open water fish, this species can utilize gizzard shad which can be over abundant in many lakes. Of all the sports fish available today for stocking, this one grows the fastest. They fight harder and longer than any fish you have ever caught.

Blue catfish

The Blue Catfish is known for its ability to attain large sizes and it's great sporting qualities.  These fish are vicious fighters at the end of an angler's line, readily strike artificial lures and will jump out of the water when hooked. The Bluecat readily accepts commercial food, and grows rapidly (as much as 2-3 lbs. per year if fed regularly).  They attain very large sizes (over 100 lbs.) and mature after four years

Bluegill

The bluegill is very versatile, serving both as a sport fish and a forage fish for bass, with the latter being its main role.  In order for a lake or pond to develop and maintain quality bass populations, bluegill must be present. The bluegill provides tremendous benefits because it produces multiple spawns of young during both seasons of the year. It commonly reaches weights up to one pound but a variety known as the coppernose can grow as large as two pounds.

Fathead minnows

These fish are used specifically as a forage species to promote rapid first year growth of predator fish. This is due to the fact that they are small and slow swimming, making them easy prey for catfish and small bass . Annual spring and fall introductions of fatheads in bass ponds or lakes can help bridge the gap between very small prey such as plankton and insects and larger prey such as bluegill or shad. 

Threadfin shad
Second to the bluegill sunfish, the threadfin shad is the most important native forage fish in many Texas lakes and ponds. It’s relatively small size, lack of spines, high oil content, soft flesh and high visibility in the water make the shad very desirable prey for largemouth bass. They also have very high reproduction rates and add weight to bass more effectively than any other type of forage fish.