I visited some property I own in New York for the first time this spring to find that beavers had built a dam across a stream flooding about 1 1/2 acres. I have decided to let the critters stay for now because of the flock of wood ducks who have also taken up residence and the new fishing opportunity.

Trying to determine how many fish the dam can support. As I mentioned the water covers about 1 1/2 surface acres. Appears to average about 3 feet, the area around the dam about 41/2 feet and the stream channel around 5 feet. A lot of underwater structure from the fallen/flooded trees.

Looking to stock bass, bluegill, and forage fish. Never dealt with fish stocking before. Any suggestions or thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Generally a beaver dam forms on a stream that crosses a property boundary. Before stocking any fish a call to the local F&W Department should be made to make sure it is legal to introduce fish. I believe here in Vermont that would be illegal.

If it is a stream that supports brook trout, You should just let nature take its course. You would be surprised how big brookies will grow in a beaver dam.

CI: I do have to get a permit to stock but was curious about what I can plan on getting and supporting.

Old Timer: The creek is supposedly a trout stream although in 10 years I've never seen one. If they appear awesome!! But thinking because of usual summer flow and the fact that more sun light = warmer water I'm going with bass and bluegill. But I am wondering about pike and pickerel.......

I would go with the gills and a few bass. Those species will do Ok with the warmer water. If you put in pike that's all that will be there. Like OT said the brookies if they are in the parent stream will go to the dam and get big. With a beaver dam I would be more interested in how big it can get. Sooner or later they can get unmanageable and take over the land if you allow that. Mother nature can also remove the dam with high water which if the dam is large enough can be bad down stream. I have seen whole roads washed out from a large dam that breached with a large rainstorm dumping several inches in a short time. Good luck with the dam though..it can be a great place to watch wildlife.

I would not put pike in that water unless you don't want anything else, they are wolves with gills.