About 3 months ago I bought 35 acres of land with 1.75 acre pond on it. I'll be looking to y'all for renovation/expansion ideas as well as stocking help.
I have a ton of information from my local Conservation Biologist and will be putting together a detailed thread together once I found out how deep it is.
Welcome Travis! Got your PM, email me sometime happy to help phone is much easier. Starters: Need to know age of pond, species present, eutrophication level [muck buildup, water quality issues, etc.], species of vegetation present...anything invasive, trees on dam, muskrat/beaver issues, maximum depth and average depth of pond. Spend some time and map it all out and keep detailed records of all these items. Renovation may not be necessary, might be the best course of action, or instead invest the capital into building a new pond up or downstream. Lot's of options on 35 acres.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
pictures in the body of the reply are really nice, convenient. Welcome aboard!
I cringe every time someone spells 'dam' as 'damn' as I never understand why the need for all the strong language in the posts. But it comes with the territory here in that all things pertaining to building and maintaining dams can lead one to think vile thoughts.
Can't wait to hear more about the history of your pond.
Mature trees apparently on the dam face suggest this pond has likely not benefited from routine maintenance historically. Good start, keep up the documentation. You'll likely learn a lot more once you get a depth finder and john boat on the pond.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Know the area well and have a few friends East of Derby that own ponds.
Perfect! Hopefully, you, or your friends know of some reputable pond/dirt companies that can help me out. It'll save me the time of getting a dozen bids.
deepening the pond at a minimum. but possibly expanding it. i am almost complete with putting together my thread, just gotta get it all right before i start.
not yet. i am borrowing a jon boat next sunday to get a better feel for the depth. i went out there today and cleaned out the concrete spill way and unplugged the 4inch pvc pipe that maintains the levels.
Reason I asked is you should probably determine max and average depth prior to planning on excavation...
yessir! hopefully i stay dry on sunday while doing it! my former boss has a flat bottom boat w/ a live well, trailer, and a trolling motor that he is letting go for $500. no leaks