If you’re looking for fish to stock a pond in Texas or Oklahoma, Pond King now makes it easier to research your options, see current availability, place your order and schedule a pickup—all online.
Whether you already know which fish you need or want help developing a stocking plan, you can use our website to move through the process at your own pace. Here’s how to purchase pond-stocking fish from Pond King and choose the right ordering option for your pond.
Where Can I Buy Fish to Stock My Pond in Texas or Oklahoma?
Pond King sells freshwater fish for stocking private ponds and lakes. Fish can be ordered online for pickup at our location near Gainesville, Texas, during one of our designated Fish Days.
For larger stocking projects, professional fish delivery may also be available within our service area.
Depending on the season and current inventory, species may include:
- Coppernose Bluegill
- Hybrid Bluegill
- Redear Sunfish
- Fathead Minnows
- Channel Catfish
- Black Crappie
- Native Largemouth Bass
- Florida/F1 Largemouth Bass
- Triploid Grass Carp
- Tilapia (Spring only)
Fish availability can change from week to week throughout the stocking season. Visit our Fish Pickup Order page to see what is currently available.
Can I Order Pond-Stocking Fish Online?
Yes. Pond King’s updated online ordering process allows you to choose your fish, reserve a pickup appointment and pay for your order before arriving.
How to Order Fish Online from Pond King
-
Visit the Fish Pickup Order page.
Go to pondking.com/collections/fish-pickup-order to view the species and sizes currently available. -
Choose your fish.
Select the species, size and quantity you need for your pond. -
Choose an available pickup time.
Select an appointment on one of our designated Fish Days. Scheduling an appointment allows our Fisheries Team to reserve fish for you and plan accordingly. -
Pay for your order online.
Complete checkout to reserve your fish and pickup time. -
Pick up your fish.
Come to Pond King at your scheduled time. Our team will prepare your fish for transport and provide instructions for safely releasing them into your pond.
Online pickup ordering is intended for fish orders totaling $1,000 or less. Larger orders should be submitted through our professional fish-delivery process.
How Much Do Pond-Stocking Fish Cost?
The total cost of stocking a pond depends on several factors, including:
- The size of your pond
- Whether the pond is new or established
- The fish already present
- Your fishing and management goals
- The species and sizes selected
- Whether you will pick up the fish or need professional delivery
Our Freshwater Fish Pricing page allows you to compare the species and sizes we commonly offer. Pricing and availability may change throughout the stocking season and can vary by Fish Day.
For the most current purchasing options, check the Fish Pickup Order page.
How Many Fish Should I Stock per Acre?
There are many factors to be considered before we answer that question.
A new pond without an established fish population will usually require a different plan than an older pond containing bass, bluegill, catfish or other species. Fishing pressure, aquatic vegetation, forage availability and your long-term goals can also change the recommended quantities.
Before ordering, you should know the approximate surface acreage of your pond. If you do not know it, use our free Pond Size Calculator to outline your pond on a map and estimate its acreage.
Once you know the pond’s size, visit our Fish Stocking Guide page to help you develop a starting recommendation. There you'll find a calculator which considers:
- Pond acreage
- Whether the pond is new or established
- Your primary fishing goal
- Expected fishing pressure
- Existing fish species
- Forage needs
- Aquatic vegetation concerns
A calculator is a useful starting point, but some ponds require a more customized plan. If you have an older pond, an unbalanced fish population or a specific trophy-fishing goal, contact our Fisheries Team for guidance.
What Fish Should I Stock in My Pond?
The right combination depends on what you want the pond to provide.
A balanced sport-fishing pond will often include forage species, such as bluegill and minnows, along with predators like largemouth bass. Channel catfish can provide an additional fishing opportunity, while tilapia may provide seasonal forage and help with certain types of vegetation. Since Tilapia are a warm-water fish, they are only stocked during the Spring season.
Triploid grass carp may be recommended for some submerged aquatic plants, but they are not the right solution for every vegetation problem.
Before selecting fish, consider:
- Whether the pond is new or already contains fish
- The species currently present
- Whether you want general recreation or trophy bass management
- How frequently the pond will be fished
- Whether the pond has a healthy forage base
- Whether aquatic vegetation is present
If you need help, begin with our Fish Stocking Calculator or call the Pond King Fisheries Team at 940-340-5621.
When Is the Best Time to Stock a Pond in Texas?
Spring and Fall generally provide the best conditions for stocking freshwater fish in Texas and Oklahoma.
Pond King’s typical stocking seasons are:
- Spring: March through June
- Fall: September through November
The exact timing depends on weather, water temperature and availability from our hatchery partners. Extreme heat or cold may affect Fish Days or temporarily limit the availability of certain species.
Some fish, including tilapia, are seasonal. Because availability can change quickly, check our online inventory regularly during the spring and fall stocking seasons.
Do I Need a Permit to Stock Grass Carp in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a valid TPWD Triploid Grass Carp Permit before triploid grass carp can be stocked.
To save time at pickup, you may upload a PDF or photo of your permit while placing your order. If you have trouble uploading it, you can bring a physical copy with you instead. Your permit is required when you pick up the fish.
You can learn more about permit requirements through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
If you're stocking a pond in Oklahoma, you do not need a grass carp permit.
Grass carp primarily feed on certain submerged plants. They are generally not an effective biological control for filamentous algae or emergent vegetation, so identify the vegetation in your pond before ordering.
Can Pond King Deliver Fish to My Pond?
Professional fish delivery may be available for qualifying orders over $1,000 in North Texas and Oklahoma.
Delivery minimums and mileage requirements vary depending on your location. Because fish delivery is part of our professional pond-management service, it is generally limited to properties within a few hours of Gainesville, Texas.
Professional delivery may be the better option when:
- Your order exceeds $1,000
- You are stocking a larger pond or lake
- Your order includes a high volume of fish
- You need help developing a stocking plan
To get started, submit a fish delivery request. Our Fisheries Team will review your location, pond and stocking needs.
How Do I Transport Live Fish From Pond King?
Live fish should be transported directly from Pond King to your pond. Minimizing travel time and protecting the fish from extreme temperatures will help reduce stress.
Before your appointment:
- Know the approximate travel time from Pond King to your pond.
- Plan to drive directly to the pond after pickup.
- Make enough room in your vehicle for the fish bags or transport containers.
- Each bag is roughly the size of a 5 gallon bucket.
- Bringing along totes or coolers to help keep the bags from rolling around is recommended.
- Keep the fish shaded and protected from excessive heat.
- Avoid leaving fish inside a parked vehicle.
- Bring your Triploid Grass Carp Permit if your order includes grass carp.
- Follow the acclimation and release instructions provided by our team.
Because fish are live animals, proper transportation and timely release are important.
Ready to Order Fish for Your Pond?
If you know what your pond needs, view our current availability and reserve your pickup appointment online.
If you need professional delivery for a qualifying order, submit a fish delivery request.
If you are unsure which species or quantities to choose, start with our Fish Stocking Calculator or call the Pond King Fisheries Team at 940-340-5621.
Pond King makes it easier to choose the right ordering option for your pond.
We'll see y'all down at the pond!
