Stock Your Pond the right way
Turn your pond into a fishery worth bragging about.
Every great fishing story starts with the right fish, the right quantities, at the right time.
Whether you're stocking a new pond or an established one, Pond King is here so you don't have to guess.
30 Years of Building Better Fisheries
Pond King has stocked ponds and lakes across Texas and Oklahoma for 30 years. Combined, our fisheries biologists bring decades of hands-on stocking experience to every plan we build -- which means the ratios, sizes, and species we recommend aren't guesses. They're based on what actually works.
What Will Your Pond Become?
Stock it right, and you're not just filling a pond with fish -- you're setting up the pond for long term success. Here's what that looks like.
Your Kids' First Fishing Hole
The pond where they catch their first fish.
Bluegill, sunfish, catfish, and small bass stocked at the right density mean fast action and easy catches.
Trophy Bass Water
Where every cast has a chance at a personal best.
Start with the right mix of predator and forage fish, and trophy-sized bass show up in years, not decades.
Find the Right Path for Your Fish Stocking
Whether you already know what you need or want a little help building the right plan, we’ll help you get there.
I Know What Fish I Need
Choose your species and quantities online, then reserve your Fish Day pickup time.
Notify Me When Fish Are AvailableHelp Me Choose My Fish
Use our fish stocking plans and calculator to find the right mix of fish species based on your pond size and goals.
See Fish Stocking PlansI Want to See Fish & Pricing
Browse available freshwater fish, sizes, pricing, and stocking options before you order.
View Fish & PricingNot sure what to stock? Don't worry, we got you...
Call in the Fish Guys!
Fish Days Are Coming Soon
It’s almost Fall fish stocking season! As soon as fish are available, you'll be able to order your fish online, choose an available Fish Day, and we’ll have everything ready for pickup at our Gainesville, Texas Fish Barn. Not sure what you need? Our fisheries team can help you build the right plan for your pond.
Spring & Fall Are Fish Stocking Seasons
Fish stocking is seasonal for a reason. We schedule most of our Fish Days during the spring and fall, when moderate temperatures provide better conditions for safely transporting and stocking live fish. Extreme summer heat and winter cold can put unnecessary stress on fish.
How to Choose Your Fish Stocking Plan
The right stocking plan depends on your pond, what’s already in it, and the kind of fishing experience you want to create.
How big is your pond?
Start with your pond’s surface acreage so we can scale the recommended fish quantities correctly. If you’re not sure of your acreage, use our free aerial pond measurement tool below.
Is it new or established?
A new pond and an existing fishery need different stocking strategies, species, and fish sizes.
What’s your fishing goal?
Trophy bass, family fishing, catfish, or better forage — your goal helps determine the right stocking mix.
Not sure how many acres your pond is?
Pond acreage helps determine how many fish your water can support. Use our free Pond Size & Acreage Calculator to find your pond on an aerial map, trace the shoreline, and instantly estimate its surface acreage.
How Many Fish Does Your Pond Need?
Tell us about your pond and your goals, and we'll calculate a recommended starting point for stocking or improving your fishery.
Tell Us About Your Pond
Your Recommendation Will Appear Here
Enter your pond acreage and tell us about your pond to see recommended quantities.
From Stocked Fish to Trophy Bass
The right stocking plan is about more than putting fish in the water. It’s about building a balanced fishery that can produce better fishing and bigger fish for years to come.
Pickup or Delivery: What’s Right for Your Order?
How you receive your fish depends on the size of your order. Smaller orders can be reserved online for pickup during a scheduled Fish Day, while larger stocking orders may qualify for professional delivery directly to your pond.
Reserve Fish for Pickup
Order your fish online and choose an available Fish Day. We'll have your fish bagged with water and oxygen and ready for you at our Gainesville Fish Barn.
Professional Fish Delivery
For larger stocking orders, our fisheries team can coordinate professional delivery directly to your pond. Delivery availability, minimums, and costs are based on your location and order size.
Let’s Build the Right Plan for Your Pond
Every pond is different. If you’re unsure what fish species, sizes, or quantities you need, tell us a little about your pond and your goals. Our fisheries team can help you build a stocking plan that makes sense for your water, your budget, and the kind of fishing you want to create.
What Our Customers Say
Pond King was very helpful in answering all my questions up front, addressing my change request during the process, plus coordinating delivery of my fish. All the species they delivered were healthy and full of life. I am a satisfied customer for sure.
We chose Pond King for stocking with bass and for water maintenance based on reviews. When the time came to install a floating dock and fountain, we also chose them. It is the best decision we could have made.
About to release 8lbs of minnows & sixteen grass carps into our one acre tank. Great staff at Pond King & very helpful!!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fish should I stock per acre?
The number of fish you need depends on your pond size, whether the pond is new or already established, and your fishing goals. Our stocking calculator can give you a starting recommendation based on your pond’s surface acreage. For established ponds or ponds with an existing fish population, we may recommend a more customized stocking plan.
What fish should I stock in my pond?
For a balanced Texas or Oklahoma pond, a stocking plan typically includes a combination of forage fish and predator fish. Bluegill, redear sunfish, fathead minnows, channel catfish, and largemouth bass are common choices, but the right mix depends on your pond and what you want to accomplish. If you’re unsure, our fisheries team can help you develop a stocking plan.
When is the best time of year to stock fish?
Spring and fall generally provide the best conditions for transporting and stocking live fish. That’s why Pond King holds our Fish Days primarily from March through June and September through November, weather permitting. During Fish Days, you can reserve your fish online, choose an available pickup date, and pick up your order at our Fish Barn in Gainesville, Texas. Extreme summer heat and winter cold can put additional stress on fish during transport, so Fish Day dates and fish availability vary throughout the year.
What is the best forage-to-predator ratio for stocking a pond?
The standard ratio is 10 forage fish for every 1 predator - for example, 10 bluegill for every bass.
Is there a minimum order for Fish Day pickup?
No. There is no minimum purchase required for Fish Day pickup. Online pickup is designed primarily for fish orders of $1,000 or less.
How far can I transport fish after picking them up?
Because live fish are transported in bags with water and oxygen, travel time matters. We recommend Fish Day pickup for ponds located within approximately 2.5 hours of Gainesville, Texas. If your pond is farther away, contact our fisheries team to discuss your options.
Does Pond King deliver fish to my pond?
Professional fish delivery is available for qualifying larger stocking orders, generally over $1,000 to parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Delivery availability, minimums, and costs depend on your location and order. Contact our fisheries team for a delivery quote.
Does Pond King ship fish?
We are unable to ship fish.
Do I need to bring anything when I pick up my fish?
We bag your fish with water and oxygen for transportation. You’ll want enough protected space in your vehicle or trailer to safely carry the bags and should plan to travel directly to your pond after pickup. If you're transporting them on a warmer day, you'll want to do your best to keep them out of direct sun as much as possible during the trip. Our team will also explain how to acclimate and release your fish when you arrive.
Can I add fish to a pond that already has fish in it?
Absolutely, but established ponds should be stocked differently from new ponds. The species, sizes, and quantities you add depend on the fish already present and the goals for your fishery. In some cases, a pond or fish population assessment may be helpful before stocking.
What if I don't know what fish my pond needs?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Start with our Fish Stocking Calculator for a general recommendation, or contact our fisheries team for help developing a stocking plan based on your pond size, current fish population, budget, and fishing goals.
Can I stock fish in a muddy pond?
Yes, you can stock catfish in a muddy/unclear pond, since they feed by scent, not by sight.