At what point does a lake in your opinion start to produce the healthiest, largest, all around best size and number of fish? I am of course referring to ponds or lakes that have been recently created and stocked. I know that this depends on forage etc. but there are a couple of ponds, both private and public, around here that have recently been stocked within the last few years. When I fished them last spring I caught a lot of dinks every time I went and was just wondering how soon they might be ready to produce. I seem to remember hearing at one point that around the 10 year point it would be best, but I could be wrong. Just wanted some opinions.

It takes awhile usually to get a healthy spawn, forage and vegetation system to get going lol

They say that a new lake reaches it's first peak at between 10 and 12 years.

Down here in the warm zone ( we also have cold zones because of height above sea leval ) 7-8 years.

Ok, so I guess I heard right. Thanks.

If the lake is new, new dam flooding lake bottom that has been groomed for sustaining bass and planted with good balance forage fish and bass as fingerling's; look for very good bass fishing in 4 to 6 years and peaking at 8 to 10 years.

Tom

Does lake size make a difference?

Four years at a minimum , you should start to see some size.

Does lake size make a difference?

Yes. You can't compare a large deep structured reservoir to a small pond in regards to bass numbers and growth potential. A small pond located in a warm climate with ideal forage could be excellent, however located in a cold region could be void of bass due to freezing for long time periods or poor forage. The large deep structured reservoir would have favorable conditions regardless where it is located within the bass range.

Tom