Asked on Feb 18, 2015
Making a stocked pond
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I just recently bought 14 acres in the Ozark mountains near the Missouri-Arkansas border. I'd like to build a pond myself and stock it - nothing enormous...but enough to play in and stock with fish (bass? catfish? can we do both?). We are in the early stages of exploring this and wanted to feel around for what your best advice would be--tips, tricks? Thanks all!
5 answers
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Ponds can be great, they can also be a huge pain. Our pond had catfish, bass, sun perch, & "sterile" carp. The "sterile" carp were to keep the algae & plant life under control & an absolute must in my opinion. Our pond was 70' circumference, & aprox. 5.5' deep with 11 carp & who knows how many catfish, etc.... For many years it was beautiful & fun to catch & release fish right in our own backyard. Unfortunately the carp eventually died & the pond has now been taken over by invasive aquatic plant life, smothering out the remaining fish, & you can no longer even tell there is a pond there it has been taken over so badly by the plants! I worked for several months wading in the muck to clean it all out literally raking the pond & had it cleared out & looking like a pond again but alas once again it has been taken over. (hubby is an alcoholic & I just can't do it all myself) I would do some serious pond research & talk to others who have ponds before diving in, & you should also check with your local Fish & Game commission for stocking information. One other thing is you might need to have it fenced in for insurance purposes despite the fact that you are surrounded by 14 acres. So there are a LOT of things to consider before getting into it.
Katrina Warren
on Feb 18, 2015
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We also have a home in the Ozarks. Before you build a pond where water will flow in from a stream or creek you need to be aware that the Fish & Game Department and/or the Army Corp of Engineers may need to approve it. If the pond will be filled by rainwater you may not have to get the project approved but a neighbor told us about a rancher who built a livestock watering pond on his land and got in trouble for it. I'm unclear on details but it would be worth a few phone calls to make sure you're okay.
MaryStLouis
on Feb 19, 2015
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I agree...sometimes they are better left to pros. ...you need to know where to put it where it will recieve enough runoff to stay full...how deep to make it....some times they leak and will never hold water....or if damn and overflow is not done correctly for amount of water it can wash out....aLos need heavy equipment . .bull dozer.....might want to check with local government to see if they have any regulations on where you can put your pond....
Dianne
on Feb 19, 2015
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Best get your advice from a DIY pond specialist - one tiny leak will spoil your whole project.
Duv310660
on Feb 19, 2015
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Look at state resources such as Ag extension offices. I'm in Texas and we have a great agri-life extension office that offers advice on native grasses to oak tree wilt.
Mary Turnbull
on Feb 24, 2015
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