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Common Pond Fish in Indiana

Indiana's large freshwater lakes and rivers provide a wide variety of marine life, but fish populations that can survive in smaller local ponds face specific obstacles to growth and re-population. Although many ponds require management and restocking to provide sufficient populations for fishing, certain fish are able to thrive in Indiana ponds. Certain pond fish populations can thrive following initial stocking, while other types of fish require replenishment from commercial fish hatcheries.

Fish and Oxygen
- Pond fish often face challenges receiving enough oxygen for survival. While other freshwater fish thriving in lakes and rivers receive enough oxygen from water mobility, sunlight and plant life, pond water is often too stagnant and lacking in depth to provide adequate oxygen for many types of fish. In Indiana, winter storms that freeze pond surfaces, as well as hot mid-summer days with little wind, can severely deplete the oxygen level in the water. Most fish require 5 ppm (parts per million) of oxygen for survival. Lower levels can cause stress that will inhibit reproduction. Levels lower than 1 ppm can be catastrophic.
Warm Water Fish
- Warm water fish such as Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, and Catfish can thrive in Indiana ponds, particularly in the southern portions of the state. Catfish provide an optimal warm water population as their omnivorous feeding does not threaten the well being of other fish populations. Bluegill, a type of sunfish that can grow over six inches in length, survives particularly well in warmer southern Indiana ponds.
Cold Water FIsh
- Ponds with greater depths, gravel beds, and a higher frequency of cool, windy days can house a well-stocked population of Trout. Small-mouth Bass and Walleye Pike also do well in cold water ponds but may require continual restocking. These fish also may not grow to a similar size as their larger freshwater counterparts.
Diseases and Problem Fish
- Indiana pond fish face a variety of diseases that can affect their populations and regrowth. Black-spot disease, Yellow Grub flatworms, and certain types of fungi can diminish an entire pond's population. Vegetation in ponds is deemed optimal at 20 to 25 percent, with excessive vegetation leading to the prevalence of disease and overfeeding. Certain types of pond fish, such as Carp, Bullheads, Buffalo, and Suckers, tend to overpopulate by competing for food and oxygen with desired fish. These fish also thrive in lower oxygen levels. Indiana's average pond fish crop is about 320 pounds per acre, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

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