Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Newby-Lots of Questions

Hi Everyone
I am currently looking at some property to purchase for hunting and fishing.

The pond was built in 2005. It is fed by a small stream with variable water flow. I assume it also has springs because the volume of water flowing over the drain pipe is more than the stream volume. Pond is about 1/3 acre. Owner says there are springs too.

Here are my questions:
1. What maintenance will need to be done?
2. Should I aerate the pond? If so, what aeration options are there?
3. Fish were stocked in 2008. They seem healthy. What things need to be done to help the fish thrive?
4. Will I need to dredge? How can that be prevented?
5. What questions haven't I asked? I am trying to decide to buy the place and just making sure I cover my basis.


Thanks
HFL

Welcome to PB.

This may sound strange but ...

Don't worry about the small stuff at first (your questions above).

Think in larger terms now. Do you like the land and location ? Can the pond be enlarged? What about the trees , and possible features (pier , beach , picnic area , cabin site , roads and trails etc.). Your neighbors - check on them. Power lines , gas pipelines , future public roads. Do you own the minerals under the land?

Fish and pond mgt can be adapted to meet your needs after the big questions are answered.

yep, your questions are pretty easy ones compared to the decision of buying a property. At first glance the pond sounds A OK. If you want to be 100% sure, have David Beasly with Solitude Lake Management come on out for a consultation!

Thanks, everyone.

Since my last post, I have asked our local Extension Agent who specializes in ponds to do a consult. I have also asked Solitude to look at it. Both are supposed to visit the pond this week.

I went our yesterday and got some depths and actually waded some of it. Deepest spot is 10' with some 8's and 6' near the drain. The pond is 1-4 ft near the creek mouth. Lots of sediment and silt on the bottom.

Anything here raise a red flag?

Keep on keepin on. Sounds like you're on you way....

Does that mean the pond sounds good? Should I be concerned the entire bottom is soft and silty and thick muck?

I wouldn't be that concerned about the "bottom is soft & silty & thick muck" - this is going to be the case with every pond at one time or another. I wouldn't let that influence my decision to buy/not buy, if that was my only concern about the property.

Hey Trever see you made it. You will enjoy the forum. Many here have lots of great info to help you with your pond questions. Every time I have one I see the answers before I have to ask.