Based on your photos and location, it is almost certainly a Johnny darter, which is one if not the most common darter species. It is most common in stream habitats, but can adapt to ponds, especially those that are clear with rocky/sand bottoms. I have experimented with a closely related eastern relative, the tessellated darter.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/17/1510:58 AM. Reason: spell correct
This is good to know. Our pond edge is all rock. There is about 12 feet of rock on the slope. The pond is really clean as it is only four years old. The shallow edges are the only places we have FA now. I am beginning to think some FA is a good thing. There is so much life in it and the young crayfish just love to eat the stuff.
Ask me next year what I think of FA with more nutrient load in the pond.
This was the first time I have been in swimming and the minnows are nipping at you. I have learned I can't get small walleye until fall.