Fish Stocking FAQs

The two main fish stocking seasons in Texas are in the Spring, and in the Fall – when the weather is not too hot, and not too cold. “Fish Days” are typically March – June and then again around September – November. These dates are always subject to change based on Mother Nature. Keep an eye on our Fish Stocking pages for updates and availability.

The short answer is, no. The types and sizes of fish we sell require a significant amount of water and oxygen for transport and we just haven’t been able to find a cost-effective way to ship fish with an acceptable mortality rate.

Pond King offers two options for purchasing live fish. Smaller orders of $1,000 or less can be ordered online and picked up during a scheduled Fish Day at our Gainesville, Texas, location. Orders over $1,000 may qualify for professional delivery, with minimums and mileage varying by location. If you’re unsure what species or quantities your pond needs, use our Fish Stocking Calculator or contact our Fisheries Team at for help.

No, there is no minimum for fish pick-up. You'll place your order for fish on our website and schedule your selected date and time for pickup.

You don’t need anything. We bag up your fish in large plastic bags similar in size to a five-gallon bucket. We fill the bags with water and air, and you are on your way. Some customers like to bring 5-gallon buckets, tubs or coolers to place the bags in to keep them from rolling around.

We recommend keeping the fish in the bags no more than 2-3 hours and inside the vehicle when the weather is extreme. If you have longer travel times we recommend delivery or renting an aerating tank.

See our Fish Price List for a complete list of the fish we offer along with their pricing. We don’t always have all fish in stock at all times. The website will have live inventory numbers and appointment times listed when there are fish available during Fish Days.

Yes. Larger orders of fish may be eligible for bulk discounts. Contact us for a quote.

Yes! We offer several fish stocking packages, and can customize a fish order specifically for your goals and budget.

If you are a Texas resident you need a permit to purchase Triploid Grass Carp. The permit is available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and takes approximately 2-3 weeks to obtain. We recommend requesting the largest number of fish allowed on the permit. You don’t have to purchase them all at once. Click here to begin the application process. If you are a Texas resident, by law we cannot sell you Grass Carp unless you have your permit.

As of 2021, the TPWD also requires permits to stock tilapia in some Texas counties. To check to see if you need a permit, and to apply, please use this link.

While Pond King does copy each permit and retain the records for the state of Texas, it is necessary that each customer bring their original permit each time they purchase grass carp. When you place your order online, you'll be required to upload the pdf of your permit.

During delivery Pond King staff will take the time to acclimate your fish to the ph. and temperature of the pond water. If you are putting the fish in yourself, we recommend placing the bags in the water for around 30 minutes. Follow that step by mixing in some of the pond water in with the bag and slowly releasing the fish into the pond. Acclimation is an important part of stocking fish and failure to do so can result in fish kills.

Fish of different species thrive in different waters. These factors can include but are not limited to, size, location, and temperature. Our Fish Stocking Request form will walk you through the questions we need answered to best advise you for the correct fish for your pond or lake.