Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Future plans on pond(s)?

I'm currently a medical resident but will be finishing residency next year. At that time I will be planning to buy some land to build a pond. I've been contemplating this for sometime and would like to get some input on my plan from people much more experienced with pond building. So here are my goals.
1. I would like to have LMB, channel catfish, bluegill, redear and possibly wipers as a bonus fish.
2. I am looking at building one 10 acre pond vs the possibility of maybe two smaller ponds.
3. Location will probably be in Kansas around Wichita or Nebraska around Lincoln probably within 50 miles of either. Currently I have no land but have been watching real estate but won't be buying any land for about 1 year. Just trying to get all my homework done so to speak.
4. I would like to raise as large of fish as possible.

So for the goals of multiple species of large fish am I better off having two seperate more equal sized ponds with possibly catfish the primary predator in one and LMB the other or one larger pond with all the species present. Or maybe one fairly large pond with all species and a much smaller pond that I could use for rearing. I would greatly appreciate any input. I know that land will be a large factor in what can be built but since I have not purchased any this could greatly influence what I am looking for. Thank you for any input.

Swanny, I don't see why a 10 acre pond can't give you everything you're looking for and more. Also, it's just a hunch, but I think that if you go with smaller ponds, you will regret not going as big as possible. The only problem with size, is that you'll need to find a perfect piece of property if building new. Terrain and watershed are critical, you'll definately need topo maps and probably legal advice. Be prepared to spend sizeable $$$. Search the board...we have discussed costs in other posts.

I agree with Eastland go as big as you can. A 10 ac lake would be awsome!

I might though as you suggested prefer to have two 5 - 6 ac ponds with LMB in one & Cats in the other if you are serious about growing big fish.
It would be easier to acomplish.

I can see the merits of both such as a house located between 2 ponds but would prob. prefer one large lake.

Feeders should be part of the plan also.

Nice chunk of land for sale and perfect for what you want to do, I live at the end of that road and the local pond digger lives next door.
http://www.jefflangere.com/Auctions/blumgren.htm

If you end up west of Lincoln let me know. I may be able to help with the land and I may be able to help with aquiring a job.

If you want email me at doc4backs@yahoo.com

Swanney,
Eastland could not be more correct!! I am STILL haveing difficult with my lake I just built. I have been at this for 5 to 6 years now! Still no success lakes and pond are VERY tough...to top it off the CORE can be a big enemy!!
Please!! do your home work!! Make SURE your do you Arithmetic and everything makes logical sense, a ten acre lake would worth much more than two 5 acre ponds, but a ten acre pond is extremly tough to build..

I'm no expert, but if I had the resources and the property for 10 acres of water I would:
1. Have a 9 acre pond focused on producing quality lmb and bg.
2. A small one acre pond primarily for cats.

This would allow as much water as possible for lmb management without the competition or problems of cats. Cats are fun and easy to catch when managed in large #s in small ponds.

I like that idea Coach.

Thanks for all the input. The more I think about it the more that I think I like the plan of a smaller 1 acre lake for cats and a larger 9 acre lake for the rest. I'm not sure that 9 vs 10 acres visually will make that much difference anyway. Further that way I could build the smaller pond first and hopefully make most of my mistakes with that one.

The idea of feeders is important and I think that starting out stocked with fatheads with the addition of Shad years down the road is probably what I will do.

Big Pond sorry about your hardships. I certainly hope that I can avoid some of those difficulties you have had in your quest for a 10 acre lake. Sounds like you are making out pretty well regardless.

That does look like a nice piece of land Haus unfortunately still not sure which place Nebraska or Kansas that I will find a job. As for the help of a possible jobs/land in Nebraska NEDOC I'll email you for further info.

Thanks for all the responses. This site really is very useful.
Jeff

If you try to build a 9 acre lake and a 1 acre pond from a 10 acre lake sight you will end up with two ponds that are both smaller than 1 and 9 acres...you will have about a 7 and .7 acre pond.
Becarfull! make sure you shoot ALL your elevations right and make your measurements right for your dam. Remember, the dam takes up space as well...

Check with Bruce Condello.
He's a dentist in Lincoln Neb., frequent contributor to this forum, outdoor writer, and aquaculturist.

Swanny:

I'm in a position where my lake gets bigger each year. How ya say...well I have an active gravel pit and each year these darn "pit guys" pay me each month to build my lake.....remove sand and gravel and leave behind surface water!!!!! In 2002, when I bought it was approx. 17 acre, today it is approx 19 acre and at the end of the year hopefully it will be 20-21 finished acres. As I sit and dream I wish it could be bigger still, so listen to the guys and go as big as you can with the watershed you may have....you will not regret it in your later years as you enjoy it more with your future wife and growing children and true friends. A small pond may be good to suppliment your bigger lake with the minnows, bluegill etc that you require for your "lake goals" to help those predators get to your desired sizes....... From a mid aged baby boomer....

Rowly