Maintaining a continuous stock of quality broodfish is a crucial step in producing the caliber of fish on which Mt. Parnell Fisheries has built their reputation. Broodfish are first chosen when they are one year old and are culled several times before they are placed in a spawning pond. Less than 0.01% of the fish harvested at Mt. Parnell are considered as future broodstock.

More than three acres of ponds are covered by wires and surrounded by fencing to protect these broodfish from the many animals seeking an easy meal. Some of these predators include birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, raccoons, and mink.