I own a pond that is roughly 1/3 of an acre. Pond was dug in 2011 so it is an existing pond; I was told it was 20 ft deep in the deepest spot; so far I have drilled 5 holes and found 4, 6, 8, 10 and 10 for depth. I stuck my underwater camera down there and didn't see any weeds still alive. This pond was not stocked but was told there were fish in there from birds; haven't seen any yet. I plan on getting out tomorrow to scout some more. I don't believe the pond is fed by any stream or anything like that.

Few questions:
1. Suggestions on what type of vegetation to plant. I was thinking coontail; but just read something on here that coontail grows quickly and can be difficult to keep in check.

2. What types of fish should I go with? I was thinking fathead minnows for starters; then bluegill either this fall or next spring. I would like YP but unsure on them. LMB seems necessary to keep BG in check. I would love walleye but everything I read says walleye in ponds struggle and I have smaller pond so thinking gonna skip them.

3. Should I add golden shiners as well or will fathead be sufficient?

Thanks. Open to suggestions and look forward to being part of the pond community.

Welcome to Pond Boss!

Have you checked the water pH, alkalinity, and hardness? That should tell you a lot.

Are there weeds in the summer? Any pond built 8 years ago should have weeds by now. If not, something may be wrong.

I do like your stocking idea. Remember that walleye cannot control BG, it usually take largemouth.

Unsure. I just bought the place in November 2019. At that time my focus was on deer hunting.

I will look into getting the PH, alkalinity and hardness.

Correct on the controlling of BG; I didn't want bass originally but after research figured need something to control the BG. I really don't want catfish unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Thanks for your feedback.

Mine is right at 11 years old. It still hasn't grown much to speak of. From what im gathering on here (forum) is what's causing it might be the catfish. Mine stays so murky from the bottom feeders (catfish n koi). If the light isnt hitting the bottom stuff wont grow as easy. I only had catails growing and who wants those. Lol welcome to the forum. There could be some bottom feeders in yours (bullhead maybe) who knows? Throw a worm out over night on bottom and see if ya have any luck.

In Central Wi, if the pond is more than a few years old and there aren't any fish in it, I would make sure I had a winter aeration system in place to prevent winterkill before next winter.

1/3 acre, I'd recommend going with Hybrid fish to minimize reproduction. Make sure you had underwater weeds or a few brush piles in the deepest part of the pond and the shallowest for small fish protection.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Fathead Minnows or other small forage fish is what I'd think about stocking. Maybe 1/2 dzn. Hybrid Striped Bass for fun. You could always stock some trout in October if you are going to ice fish.

In my walks around the pond I have seen what I am guessing are bluegills; ranging anywhere from 2-4" long. I have an aeration system; but didn't run it in winter and am running 24/7 now. I am guessing there are anywhere from 50-100 of the little guys in the pond yet never could see in the winter with my underwater camera.

I have fathead minnows on order and am hoping they arrive soon; but unsure with the Coronavirus situation on when they will truly arrive.

My plan for this year is put in fathead minnows and that is it.

I have seen vegetation growing in the pond; unsure on what type as that I am not well educated on different types of vegetations.

Would I be better off getting YP from my neighbor's pond or through hatchery? He has HBG, YP, LMB in his pond. I don't want HBG so somewhat hesitant to say yes to him transplanting fish from his pond to him as I think he would transfer HBG as well.