I was wondering if there is a rock to dirt ratio in a pond. My intent is to provide a rock shoreline so to create a natural wind airation. I went to LL bean and saw their pond and it seemed to have a very rocky bottom. They have trout in it for their fly fishing classes.
Thanks
Phil

Welcome to the forum. It is always good to see first posts from new members.
I am not sure if I can answer your question or not, so

I have used rock (rip rap) to reduce erosion. It is only mildly successful. I would guess there is a minor bit of aeration as the water spalshes on the rocks, the wind blows almost every day and I often have a 4" splash line. My pond is sandy clay and there was not a rock any where on my property, I brought all of them in. So I don't think there is a ratio. My rocks are cemented in place, I started out just stacking them, but the rain washed them into the pond, seems sandy clay is very slippery.
I am going to guess that whatever you put on or near the bottom would depend on you pond goals, is this going to be a kids pond? trophy trout?
Read the previous posts that look like they might pertain to your goals and you will get a better idea of where you are headed and maybe tailor your questions to more specific areas that concertn you. There are many many qualified people here, yours truly not included, who will be more than willing to help you. The more information you rpovide the more you will receive in return. Good luck.

Phil, I can't think of any reason not to rock (rip rap) the edges to create aeration. It will also add hiding places for small micro organisms and fish fry. For the rest, the bottom, I guess it depends on why you would want to provide a bunch of rocks. From a fish attractant standpoint, it can be overdone and actually wind up distributing fish.

Some say that you should provide no more than 20 to 25% structure. However, I believe that, if strategicaly placed prior to impoundment, you can go up to 40%. However, it should be planned like a fish highway and not just random.

A consideration might be size of pond and types of fish and other residents.

Rad,
Nice pond you seem to have a tropical theam going there. Is that your normal water level?
I,m takeing a differant approach by useing large and small rocks more of a vertical edge. Currently everthing is covered by snow and ice but I will post some pics. when thing thaw.
Dave,
Thanks for the input on the rocks that is whats happening at the edges big rocks front small rocks behind to help hold the gravel. These are making side habitat.
The second reason for the rock walls is I hope to reduce the amount of time that the canadian geese spend in it. (they leave alot of batteries if you know what I mean)
I hope to start stocking this year.
Phil

Phil,
Looking at the photo you can see a water mark, just below the plant of the bank on the right, which is my June through December water level. January starts the hot drier season and I will lose 2 or 3 feet before rain starts in May.
When I did the rocks without cementing them I had a great deal of erosion. The rain washed the soil away and the rock slide down the bank. I have sandy clay which may have contributed to the problem.