Do Bass Need to Be Fed in a Farm Pond?

Starting a farm pond for bass fishing can create a recreational opportunity. It might also be a way to generate extra income from your property. Once started, a common question is whether you should feed the bass stocked in your pond.

  1. Facts

    • Bass are predators and do not typically feed or live well on supplemental feed, says Tyler Wright of Oklahoma's J.A. Manning State Fish Hatchery. You can enhance your farm pond by stocking minnows or shiners for bass to feed on.

    Features

    • Wright also suggests creating a pond that contains multiple fish types; bluegill and catfish can help bass thrive in a pond. Channel catfish are also a good addition because they will eat supplemental food floating on the surface. This might lead bass to also eat this food.

    Considerations

    • The quantity of feed is difficult to determine. Factors such as season, water quality, size of pond and the number of fish can affect supplemental feeding. Pond aeration is also a factor. Wright suggests feeding only what the fish eats.