Semi-Annual Fish Sale
Order Deadlines
Grass Carp: March 27th
All other fish: April 10th
Each spring and fall the Peoria County Soil and Water Conservation District holds a fish sale for pond stocking. We generally offer hybrid sunfish, bluegill, redear, channel catfish, black crappie, large-mouth bass, fathead minnows and grass carp. We will take orders over the phone, but payment is due when the order is made. Our supplier is Herman Brothers Fisheries, located in Peoria County. they will bring a truck with the fish to our office at 6715 N Smith Rd. Edwards. MOST FISH WILL BE BAGGED!!! If you order catfish, you will need to bring water, recommendation is 35 gallons per 100 catfish. For all other fish, bring a tote big enough to hold your bags. do not stack the bags on top of one another as that will squeeze the oxygen out of the bag. If you order $750 or more of fish, Herman Brothers will deliver to your pond for free. If you would like the fish delivered to your pond and your order is less than $750 you can pay $95 to have them delivered. See the order form below to order your fish.
STOCKING RECOMMENDATIONS.
The fisheries Biologist with the IL Dept of Natural Resources recommends the stocking rates for ponds with no fish are:
750 Bluegill; 250 Redear; 100 Channel Catfish; 100 Bass
All rates are per acre of water surface and are fingerling fish (1-3"). By initially stocking the correct numbers of fingerlings, a lake will produce sport fishing in less time and without stunting, than by releasing smaller numbers of adult fish.
HAULING TIPS FOR GETTING YOU FISH HOME SAFELY!
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Remember - only Catfish need water brought to pick-up. 35 gallons of water per 100 Catfish. Pond water is best for hauling fish, well water is acceptable but does not contain much oxygen. DO NOT bring city water, the chlorine in city water will kill your fish. Collect the water on delivery day to ensure sufficient amounts of oxygen.
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For all other fish bring containers large enough to hold bags. (A five-gallon bucket will hold one bag)
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Go directly to your pond and put your fish in. Bagged fish should be kept out of sunlight. You may need to acclimate the fish before releasing them by floating the bags to get the water the same temperature as you pond.
Pond Products and Services List
Please call the office if you are interested in any of these services or items.
Pond Dye: this can be used to limit sunlight penetration and help limit algae and vegetation growth. Recommendation: 1 quart of blue and 1 quart of black per acre. This is meant to be applied in the springtime and then again around mid-summer as needed. $22 per quart.
All Seasons Blend Bacteria: This is used to reduce the level of nutrients in the pond which are the primary culprit of excessive algae & vegetation growth. This product aids in the nutrient reduction process which leads to more manageable nutrient levels. Recommended: 4 pounds of bacteria per acre per month from April - October. $10.50 per pound.
Triton High Protein Fish Food: 45% protein (fishmeal based) fish food that can be fed to fish to increase growth rates and enhance the overall health of the fish. 50# bag - $50
Texas Hunter Automatic Fish Feeder: The premium fish feeder available on the market. This fish feeder is operated by a programable timer and powered off a 12-volt battery and solar panel, all of which is included. $1070
Electrofishing Surveys: These are conducted in existing ponds to determine fish population dynamics and provide recommendations for corrective or supplemental stockings. Services included in the survey include, but are not limited to electrofishing (fish survey), vegetation/algae analysis, water quality analysis, depth analysis, etc. $975