SIDNEY — The Shelby Soil and Water Conservation District is currently holding the annual fish fingerling sale. We will be taking orders until noon, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. The fingerlings will be picked up at the District office, 822 Fair Road, Sidney, at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 20. You are asked to bring a container filled with fresh water from your pond. A 5 gallon bucket with a lid will transport 100 fingerling fish.

If you’re stocking a new pond for the first time, or are considering restocking an older pond, this is an ideal time of year as the water temperature drops. To maintain a balanced population, species recommended by the OSU Extension and the Ohio Division of Wildlife include: 100 largemouth bass, 500 blue gill or red ear sunfish (shellcracker) and 100 channel catfish per surface acre of pond.

If the size of the pond is unknown, staff may be able to estimate the surface area from aerial photos. Depending upon the pond, yellow perch, black crappie, white amur (often called grass carp) and minnows may be added.

For details about the sale and recommendations for your pond, call the office at 937-492-6520, ext. 3. An order form can be sent or emailed, picked up at the district office at 822 Fair Road, Sidney, or found on our web site at www.shelbyswcd.org. An order form is also available on Facebook. Payment is needed with the order.