Fathead Minnow

Fathead Minnows provide excellent forage for most game species, averaging just 1-3 inches in length at adulthood. It is recommended that they be stocked on a regular basis to insure proper feed ratios for game fish. To observe minnow populations, check around your pond in early spring. Minnows will school in warmer water at the edges of a pond looking for feed which primarily consists of algae and plankton. Spawning occurs when the water temperature reaches 65 degrees F and continues throughout the summer as many as 5 or 6 times. Flat stones or boards which have been propped up facilitate spawning and provide cover and therefore should be added around the edge of your pond in 1-3 feet of water. Males, usually darker in color during spawning, will pick up and deposit eggs on the underside of flat surfaces with hatching occurring in 5-6 days. Minnows make excellent bait and will help to control mosquito populations as well. Approximately 200/lb.

NOTE ON SHIPPING FISH: If you would like us to ship your fish directly to you, you must be within the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. Fish will only ship during the available season. Shipping is calculated at checkout and only offered via UPS overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pounds of fathead minnows should I stock per acre?

For new ponds we recommend up to 20 lbs of fathead minnows per acre; established ponds with existing predators can take up to 50 lbs per acre. At roughly 200 minnows per pound, that is a dense forage base that spawns repeatedly through the season. Restock regularly to keep feed ratios right for your game fish.

When are fathead minnows available and when should I stock them?

Fathead minnows are available April through November (we do not transport fish in July-August due to heat). Stock them before or alongside your predators - they begin spawning once water hits 65°F and can spawn 5-6 times through the summer.

What fish do fathead minnows feed?

Fathead minnows are excellent forage for most game species - largemouth bass, trout, catfish, and crappie. Adding flat stones or propped boards in 1-3 feet of water gives them spawning surfaces that keep the food chain producing. They also help control mosquito populations.

How do I get live minnows from Mid-Atlantic Stocking?

Three ways: free pickup at a scheduled delivery-route stop (routes run roughly monthly, April-October), UPS Next Day Air shipping every Wednesday (order by Tuesday 5 PM) to CT, DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA & WV, or direct-to-pond delivery by quote. Fish are packaged with water and pure oxygen.

What if some minnows do not survive the trip?

All our fish are certified disease-free, and we replace any mortality over 5% - in transit, or within 48 hours of introduction when the acclimation directions are followed. Document losses with photos and file a Mortality Report on our website.