Submitted photo Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District’s environmental compliance director Sean McGuire, left, and agricultural specialist Blaine Winger prepare live fish for a fish sale pickup last year. This fall’s pickup will be Sept. 28 at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District is getting ready for its fall fish sale, which supports local pond and lake owners.

Orders for fingerling-sized fish are due to the district office by Sept. 22. Pickup will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Fish available for order are fathead minnows, white amur, Japanese koi, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish, hybrid bluegill and shell crackers. Also available are fish food, pond conditioner and pond maintenance books.

“Stocking ponds in fall is important to the health of the overall water environment,” said Kathleen Vrable-Bryan, district administrator. “The cooler temperatures make transport less stressful for the fish, many of which will provide fall and winter fishing. Other forage fish should also be introduced at this time to accommodate the spring introduction of the larger predator fish.”

Orders can be placed with the district office by phone at 330-740-7995.

Pick-up will require a container lined with a heavy-duty, unscented black trash bag filled with water from the pond where the fish will live. The bag needs to be large enough to be tied at the top.

The district staff recommends five to eight gallons of water per 100 fish. White amur must be placed in a container with a lid or liner large enough to be tied at the top. Five gallons of water is required for every two white amur.

For more information or pick-up recommendations, contact the district office.

The Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District advances best management practices for conserving land and water resources by providing education, technical assistance and stewardship. Established in 1950, the district is staffed by a small team of environmental professionals who lead efforts in community and school outreach, stormwater control, watershed protection, pond management and more. The district is governed by a five-member volunteer board of supervisors and maintains offices at 850 Industrial Road in Youngstown.

More information is available from the Mahoning County Soil & Water Conservation District website.

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