Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose 3.5 acre pond

Hi I have about 60 acres of wetlands with a couple ponds. The furthest pond is about 3.5 to 4 acres and the deepest area is only 8-10 feet. I was told it is spring fed by the previous owner. Until the winter of 2013-14 there were mostly bluegills in the pond. They were mostly very small and easy to catch. I did catch one bass that was about 8-9 inches long. After the very cold winter I dont' think there is anything left in the pond. I tried to fish a bit but nothing seems to be left.

Because I'm about 1/3 mile from my house I put up a double bellow windmill from American eagle windmills. He states that it should be enough for up to 4 acres with 2 aerators.

Now I need to figure out what to put in there. I was thinking the easiest would be bass and bluegill? I just want something that is fun to catch and eat. I like perch but it seems like they may be more difficult to manage.


I also have a closer pond that is a little over an acre. This one the previous owner had stocked but the fish died. He said that the water was too acidic and needed aeration prior to stocking the pond. What do you think? This one might be nice to try some perch.

[img:center]https://www.dropbox.com/s/v5n4vl17ouycm0z/Plat%20overlay.JPG?dl=0[/img]

Edit: I don't know what all the abbreviations are for the fish. Is there a post somewhere that explains?

Welcome Mike!

Did you see a bunch of dead fish this spring in that 3.5 acre? FWIW IMHO I would be reluctant to declare a pond dead because I'didn't catch any fish in what must still be very cold water.

I am not a pro, but I bet one will be along to offer some experienced advice.

Again welcome!

Bill D.

I guess I don't know for sure but I fished several times last summer and didn't catch anything. I did see some dead fish on shore.

I did find the abbreviations post. Lot easier to decipher these posts now.

For some reason I can't embed my dropbox picture. This is the pic of my land and the 2 ponds I'm talking about. The pond in the middle is only 50% on my land.

Welcome Mike

If the previous owner said there was a problem with the water I would take a sample and have it analyzed first to see what you are dealing with. Before adding any fish. I agree with Bill about your fish or not fish.


Pat

Who do I take the water to? How can I be sure there is no fish?

Thanks!

-Mike

Mike I took mine to the fish hatchery near me. Maybe someone in your area will answer this for you.

I agree with Pat. From what you have described, if they were my ponds, my very first step would be a thorough water analysis interpreted by a pro.

You can get a general idea with swimming pool test strips. But, it really doesn't compare to having a thorough analysis.

Electrofishing survey is one option. Or get 50 of your closest friends and relatives and fish it really hard. Small jigs and a nightcrawler should entice most fish.

Ok. So I have a sample kit that I will be taking from both ponds. They charge for everything separately. I'm assuming I want hardness, pH, alkalinity. Anything else? I was going to bring them a dissolved oxygen sample too for the front pond. They have a special flask for it.

Anything else I should be testing for?

-Mike

Mike, you said you caught "very small" BG and one 8-9" bass. My first thought, in a pond that was probably not fished or managed, is that the fish are badly stunted and over populated. There may be a couple really large fish, but difficult to catch because food is so plentiful for them.

Try using night crawlers and minnows with small hooks and a variety lure sizes. It would be shocking if all fish died in even a large winter kill.

I've talked to 2 different fish farms. They both said that nearly all ponds my depth/size had 100% fish kills in the winter of 2013-14 in our area. Although they do benefit from selling me fish. Yes I believe the stunted growth of the BG in the back pond is the result of it not being fished for quite some time. There were an overwhelming amount of small BG in there. My concern is the front pond. Hopefully I will know more after I have the water tested. I will probably test the back pond while I'm at it.

I'll be obtaining my sample in the morning. Any thoughts on what else to test for?

-Mike

Hey Mike,

IMHO Nitrates and phosphorus levels may provide insight.

Bill D.

Mike...can't say I ever heard of a 100% fish kill unless it was about 4' thick ice. Did you happen to drill any holes? IF it is spring fed, the springs should warm the water and thin the ice also, if there was water flow from them. 8-10 feet is on the edge of the minimum depths needed for your area.

Maybe get a cast net from Walmart, bait some traps and see if you catch anything....