Bill makes some excellent points regarding Harv's questions on fish managment in small ponds. I too have some expertise in this area, but it is limited to Missouri and Texas. Therefore, I can't give any specific advice on year-round trout fisheries. Here in TX, we generally stock trout in the winter, termed a put-and-take fishery. They'd better get caught by April, or they're toast anyway.
Anyway, to Harv's question about largemouth bass. As Bill points out, they are a predatory fish. The first thing I would recommend is contacting your local (California, isn't it?) fisheries office to determine suitable stocking rates and sizes of forage fish. In Texas, for example, with an existing predator population, I would recommend that only adult sunfish larger than 5" be stocked. I would also recommend placement of two or three brushpiles (hardwood or Christmas trees) in 4-6' of water to enhance survival of young bluegill. With proper cover, and the correct predatory and forage fish species, a pond should be self-sustaining. Likely, Harv's die-off was due to low dissolved oxygen combined with low water levels. For best results, ponds should be at least 8 feet at the deepest point, 12 is better.
Bill can carry a lot more fish through the year with feeding and aeration, so those of us that are unable or unwilling to put out that kind of effort cannot expect the same success. I applaud his efforts.
