Supplemental Feeding
Why Supplement?
Natural food production in a lake — insects, plankton, forage fish — can only support a limited fish population. Supplemental feeding allows you to carry significantly more fish per acre, accelerate growth rates, and produce larger, healthier fish in a fraction of the natural time.
For managed recreational lakes, supplemental feeding can reduce the time to catchable-size fish by 30–50%. It also makes fish more concentrated and catchable — enhancing the fishing experience for your members, guests, or community.
Feeding Programs
Automatic Feeders
Timed automatic feeders dispense floating pellet feed at regular intervals — typically twice daily. This consistent, predictable feeding routine conditions fish to gather at the feeder, concentrating them and maximizing feed efficiency. Solar-powered units are ideal for remote locations.
Feed Types
High-protein floating pellets (28–32% protein) are the standard for bass and bluegill programs. Catfish prefer sinking pellets. Koi and ornamental fish thrive on specialized koi pellets. Feed selection should match your target species and management goals.
Feeding Rates
A general guideline is to feed what fish can consume in 5–10 minutes, twice daily. Overfeeding wastes money and degrades water quality through excess nutrient loading. Underfeeding limits the growth benefits. We can recommend appropriate rates for your fish population.
Seasonal Adjustments
Fish metabolism slows in cooler water. Reduce or stop feeding when water temperatures drop below 55°F. Resume as temperatures rise in spring. In Arizona's mild climate, some species can be fed year-round, while others (like Bass) benefit from a winter rest period.
Ready to Start a Feeding Program?
Pat can recommend the right feed, feeding schedule, and equipment for your lake size and fish population goals.
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