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Aquaponic species questions #922912

Asked December 16, 2025, 3:23 PM EST

We are a Willamette valley seedling nursery with a certified organic area using aquaponic production of ornamental fish for a nutrient source for plant production. We would like to move to edible warm water fish, not to sell but to provide a food benefit to employees. Our ponds are circulated and bio-filtered and are approximately 30,000 gallons each. Can you advise on species options, stocking rates, permitting with ODFW etc.??

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello:  I received your question.  I am not an expert on fish species that ODFW allows to stock in ponds and the permits required; therefore, I just shared your message with 3 colleagues in that agency.  I don't think they are in the area of permitting fish stocking in ponds, but I am sure they know someone who does.  As soon as I hear back from any of them I will let you know.  In the meantime, I would consider rainbow trout as the best possible option, particularly if the water is never warmer than 18 C.  They are native to Oregon and permitting should be relatively straight forward, there should be several authorized suppliers and you end up with a very desirable fish to eat.

Given the time of the year, people may be off work and their responses may be slow to come.  Email me at <personal data hidden> to follow up. I am going to close this chat then because it is way better to communicate directly by email.  I hope I can have some good advise for you in a few days.  Sincerely,

Dr. Guillermo Giannico

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 19, 2025, 5:08 PM EST

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