The Fathead Minnow is native to much of North America. They have a heavy spawn early in spring and are most commonly stocked at the same time as bluegill in new ponds and lakes. Stocking rates are fairly consistent with bluegill (500-2000 per acre). The primary benefit of fathead minnows in ponds is to help the initial growth rate of largemouth bass and relieve initial pressure on the bluegill. The fathead minnow population is usually consumed within the first year of stocking largemouth bass.
