Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction 1/5-1/4 acre pond

Hello!

I recently purchased property with a pond that is about 160 feet long and 75 wide at the widest. Man made with rock bottom and has an overflow. I was told it is 8 foot deep. I haven't measured the depth yet. IT is full of Hangry green sunfish and frogs. looking to grow some LMB add a stream and or a waterfall. Water level has dropped significantly over the last month since we haven't gotten any amount of precipitation. Going to have a well soon and plan on keeping her topped off. Water is clear from all the weeds that I plan on thinning out.

[img:center]https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=5A83D8A2[/img]

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=5A5395F7

Welcome! Good to see another Wisconsinite on the forum. Where are you in the state? I'm near Manitowoc.

Do you plan on removing the GSF? LMB would grow great in there as long as there are no winter/summer kills. I like your idea for a stream or waterfall and that could to some extent replace aeration but I think an aerator would be the best choice in winter.

A dense number/ac of LMB will quickly reduce the numbers of GSF. Then you can start reducing the LMB numbers to get them to larger sizes if that is your goal. Spend some time minimizing the shoreline plants and algae which are hiding places for the GSF. Reducing the cover will help the LMB more quickly get the GSF under control. I don't recommend stocking fingerling LMB as they will have a hard time competing with all sizes of GSF. Start by stocking LMB at a minimum size of 7"-8"; 15-25 if possible . Each larger LMB 8"+ could eat 150-200 GSF per year. If possible add a few LMB in the 12"-14" size group to also 'put the hurt' the larger GSF. When GSF are common to abundant they will eat lots of bass fry and small(1"-1.5") fingerlings as evidenced by the mouth size of the GSF in the pic of your second link above. If it will fit in their mouth they will eat it.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm not going to get rid of the GSF but try to reduce the population a bit. I will start with some bigger LMB because the 6" GSF are vicious! Also add some BG and pumpkinseed fish for some diversity. I'm going to end up adding a point well to keep the pond topped off and definitely add circulation and aeration to better the water quality.

I don't plan on getting rid of the GSF. They are fun and aggressive. I just want to diversify and improve the condition of the water /plant life.