Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Empty pond for the winter????

Here is a quote from "Pond Fertilization and Zooplankton Management Techniques for Production of Fingerling Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass" by James G. Geiger and Charles J. Turner.

Pond Filling: If the water for the ponds comes from cool groundwater and is essentially sterile, the ponds should be filled about 10-14 days before anticipated stocking with larvae. If the source is a reservoir or stream that is warmer than well water and has an abundance of zooplankton, it may be necessary to fill it only 3-7 days before stocking.

Sorry about the lack of clarification. I guess it really "just depends" as BCody and Ewest often say. Ultimately, if you want the pond fired up quickly, make sure the water is amply warm and there is a source of appropriate species of zooplankton present for innoculation.