Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations New pond in LA

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Here's a start of our new pond...the island's too big, and the pond too small, but we called our dirt guy back to fix it. Can you tell me the smallest size for bass? Our lot's 219' wide, and I think that cute kid standing on his island would just love to catch one. My husband fishes salt water, but having a pond may change his tackle box. Thanks, Helen

Helen,

Welcome to the Forum.

Can't tell how large the pond is...do you have dimensions or know in acres?

One of the problems with LMB (largemouth bass)in small ponds is their tendency to overpopulate. This tendency often results in stunted fish. This problem can be minimized by removing sufficient LMB young every year. The problem is that most folks do not do that for various reasons. If you desire to grow large LMB then you probably need 1 acre minimum and lots of forage.

Now, I have successfully raised LMB in a 1/4 acre pond, as have others. In my pond that size, you will only see one bass grow to much size. But, you can have a lot of small bass...up to about 25 pounds of LMB total in 1/4 acre is very achievable. To do that you need good forage. Bluegill (BG) is the basic forage for LMB.

When your pond is finished and gets some water this fall, stock BG and fathead minnows. Next spring, then add the LMB, if you decide to go that way. Small LMB in a small pond can be fun. It isn't trophy fishing but it is still fishing and fishing is better than not fishing.

There are other options for a small pond, should you decide that LMB are not for you.

Lots of folks on here will be glad to discuss those options as well as voice their opinions on LMB in a small pond.

One thing I have learned on this Forum is that just about every possible option has been tried by someone and for just about every option you will find someone who disagrees with it and someone who agrees with it.

In the end, you have to decide for yourself what best fits your objectives. Again, welcome and stay with us if you like interesting discussions of ponds and the fish that reside in them.

Thanks, Meadowlark! My husband is staking the pond in the morning to give direction to the dirt guy to re-do it. We don't know how big it is, but we wanted it an acre...we'll be glad to have half an acre...seems he has no place for all the dirt. Another question...there's a fire break ditch dug on our property line which fills when it rains. Should we connect it to our pond, or just let the rain fill it? This is LA and although the pond is less than a month old, it's already half full today, being clay. Thanks, Helen

Helen,

One thing I've never heard any pond owner say is "I wish we had made the pond smaller"

If the ditch is free of any unwanted fish, I would connect it to the pond. Just an additional supply of water..and probably some mud bugs over there which LMB relish.

Hi & thanks again! We measured and staked about 100' minus the small(er) 20'island. It's sort of a rounded triangle. We need to go ahead and plant Bermuda to stop the erosion, and we'll overseed it w/ Rye later. Three acres of dirt doesn't seem too inviting to move our trailer to come winter, but it's our plan..Helen