Hello all, long time lurker, first time poster. I finally was able to raise the funds to have a little 1/3 pond dug behind my house. It's oval shaped, steep sided with a depth of about 12 feet in the center.

I plan on stocking it with channel cat, bluegills, and fhm whenever it fills for starters and I'm looking for advice on what kinds of structure/habitat would be best to put it prior to filling.

Thanks in advance.

About 3 or 4 cedar trees should suffice. If you're going to fish from the bank, make sure the trunk end is facing the shoreline.

That should be easy, I have plenty cedar trees around. How about boulders or PVC type things?

I like the idea of big rocks in a couple of spots for CC.

The BG will prefer the fluffy stuff. Especially since algae will form on it.

The PVC porcupines are OK but I think cedars are better.

My place is outside of Bowie. I have plenty of cedars but not as much as you.

That sounds like a plan to me. I really appreciate the advice.

Ok, with three cedar trees, about two dozen cinder blocks and about 2 wheel barrows crammed full of broken bricks from my house I think I have a decent start. Any suggestions on a what depths and where in the pond would be the best placement?

JLS

Congrats on both your first post and your new pond!

You're right in thinking structure right now prior to any rains that may fill it making placement arduous.

Bob Lusk recommends placing your structure in depths of 3-6' - this water is used most of the year by your fish. Bob also recommends keeping structure limited to 10-20% of your pond. Too much structure can spread out the fish, and also make fishing difficult.

Some guys love cedars, some prefer pvc trees/bushes/globes. It's a personal thing - pvc lasts forever and can be easily moved if you need to. However, pvc requires assembling. Cedars are more difficult to move as they become waterlogged and heavy and will decompose over 5 years. However, cedars are obviously free and there's no assembly required.

I agree with DD2 and would chose 3-4 locations and place your shallow structure there. Maybe use one tree/globe/bush/cedar in each location. Your BG will find protection there from your LMB and CC, and will also act as a concentration point for BG fishing.

I would suggest stocking your FHM this Summer yet, and don't forget to add spawning structure for them. I have used wooden pallets with great success - simply tie them to shore. Keep them shallow and watch the population explode.

I recommend using your rock/bricks to create ambush points for your LMB. Stacking them and making points or piles will always concentrate LMB for fishing.

Do you have any pictures of your pond? We love pics!

Welcome aboard again JLS!

See this for ideads - lot of info here

http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92463#Post92463

Will you be feeding? The CC will not control the BG #s.

teehjaeh57-Thanks for the pointers. I'll get some pics up in the next day or two.

So all of my structure (trees, bricks and cinder blocks should all be in 3-6 feet?

Ewest- thanks for the link. Yes I plan to feed. Any pointers on frequency, time of day and quantity?

thanks again

Are you stocking any predator other than CC? As Eric said the CC won't control the BG population and they will overpopulate and stunt. LMB are typically added to your current mix. You could also include a bonus fish in the way of HSB.

If you only want a panfish/cc pond I'd recommend going with Redear Sunfish rather than BG as they will only spawn once annually and their numbers are controlled more easily.

Thats really good info teehjaeh, I guess I really didn't have much of a plan.

I'll prolly just shoot for the CC, RS mix for starters.

Next thing I need to figure out is my areation system.