Hi Guys,

I just bought a 65 acre farm with my parents that will serve as their retirement home and my hunting paradise. We are all really excited and just closed on the property. I've read the Pond Boss books and have already started talking to the DNR/NRCS about building ponds.

There is a large portion of this property in wetlands and the state of Wisconsin typically does not want you messing with them. These wetlands get very wet in Spring and if I tried any stocking program the fish would likely escape or die during the winters in the existing pond. I am planning on digging out a pond just northeast of the buildings on the property since the water table is high and using the dirt as a shooting backstop.

According to NRCS, ponds need to be at least 15' deep in WI to avoid freeze kills or must be aerated. I'm thinking a 15-20' pond that is around 1 acre would be a good fit in this spot. Soil is sandy loam so I'm sure the water level will fluctuate frequently. What do you think?

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If 15 foot deep is a minimum, I'd plan as deep as 20 or more just to allow for low water levels and the inevitable silting in of the pond as it ages. You have a very exciting looking place to work with, real nice!

The pond is also close enough to a building as a power supply for an aerator. Do both 18'-20' and aeration and most any fish will survive well even yellow perch, smallmouth bass or walleye. Trout will likely not make it in the hottest summers, but would survive Oct to Jul and grow from 8"-10" to 2.5 to 3 lbs in that time.

After the NRCS does what they do, be sure you understand the best water source, and the size of your watershed. Next, take a look at subsoils. That's your next step toward feasibility.