How to Feed Pellet Fish Food to Your Bluegill Fish

Many pond owners supplement the natural food sources in ponds by feeding their fish high-protein pellets. Pellet fish food boosts growth rates; for every 2 lbs. of pellet food that you provide, the fish will collectively gain 1 lb. Well-managed ponds typically double their production of bluegills if you feed them pellets as a supplement. Since pellet food results in higher metabolic waste, you should not feed bluegills in a pond in excess of 20 lbs. of pellet fish food daily, per surface acre.

Things You'll Need

  • Floating pond pellets
  • Automatic feeder
  • Pond feeding ring
  • Pond aerator
  • Piece of thin rope, approximately 25 feet long
  • Pond thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a floating fish pellet that contains between 28 and 32 percent digestible protein. Ensure that the main ingredient is fish meal.

    • 2

      Position and secure a directional automatic feeder at the edge of your pond, or on a jetty overlooking the water. Automatic feeders that operate on solar panels are an alternative to battery powered units.

    • 3

      Feed your bluegills by hand as an alternative to using an automatic feeder, if you wish. Feed at the same location and at the same time each day.

    • 4

      Place a pond feeding ring on the surface of the water and secure it with a piece of thin rope tied to a tree or to your jetty. Throw the floating pellets into the ring; this prevents the wind from blowing them into reeds or against the bank. Obtain a ring from your aquatic dealer.

    • 5

      Feed only during daylight hours. Don't provide food before sunrise or after sunset, as the fish will not come to the surface and the uneaten food will pollute the pond.

    • 6

      Install a pond aerator, as supplementary feeding causes bluegills to produce additional metabolic waste. This waste consumes oxygen when bacteria in the water breaks it down.

    • 7

      Feed only when the water temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a floating pond thermometer to measure the temperature. You can continue to feed during the fall provided the temperature doesn't drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 8

      Feed the fish twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

    • 9

      Feed only an amount that the fish will eat within 10 to 20 minutes.

    • 10

      Check the automatic feeder periodically, if you are using one, to ensure that it is in working order.

    • 11

      Store the pellets indoors and at a temperature below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.