Two hundred and twenty-five randomly selected Georgia ponds stocked with bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from state hatcheries in 1975-1976 were surveyed 1 year after stocking largemouth bass to determine the state of balance of their populations and the key factors associated with unbalanced ponds. The same ponds were examined again 4 years later. The percentage of balanced ponds 1 year after stocking, from analyses of seine catches in 205 of the ponds, was 31%; 4 years after stocking it was 37%. These two percentages were not significantly different. Poor physical features and improper fertilization practices were significant factors in unbalanced ponds. Time of stocking was significant for ponds in temporary balance. Recommended improvements in the state's pondstocking program included stocking at the unfertilized rate, performing pre-stocking evaluations, improving the quality of information recorded on fish applications, stocking ponds earlier, and providing more information to owners about proper pond construction.