I have a pond that needs major work. Been researching things for over a year and finally started the process. Thanks to all of you for your posts and offering advice. To say that this site, the magazine and books are a good resource would be a HUGE understatement.
For those that are interested: the pond was made about 50 years ago. It's spring fed and about 2 surface acres. The deepest part was less than 6 feet due to silt/muck accumulation and leaks. The water level was never within 3 feet of the top of the drain pipe (which was plugged and broken). There was muskrat and beaver damage and large trees all over the dam structure. I had a major watermeal problem as well as a major fish kill this past summer. (Turns out the prior owner had stocked crappie and catfish along with the bass and bluegill).
After searching for a contractor (there aren't many near me) and getting the NRCS and PA Fish & Boat permits I finally started the project by draining the pond and clearing all of the trees from the dam. The beavers and muskrats were trapped in the winter. The plan now is to let it dry out until early fall and then the contractor will clean out the silt/muck and reseal the dam. I hope to have a maximum depth of 12-14 feet and most areas will be 4 feet deep.
I will be restocking with fatheads, bluegill and LMB. I am planning fish structure using PVC 'trees', rock piles (broken concrete blocks from a nearby manufacturer), ditches and humps. I am leaning towards using Agri-Drain's in-line water level control structure. To help discourage beavers and muskrats I will be lining the dam with 5 foot galvanized chain link fence. I will have it buried about 1 foot below the dirt.
By using the vast amount of knowledge here I am hoping to avoid mistakes. Thanks to all here for you help.
Here are a few before and after pictures:
Before. Dam is off to the left.
After draining.
Before draining, standing on dam, near drain pipe:
After draining, standing on dam, near drain pipe.
Looking into pond through cut dam:
I hope to post more pictures as the project progresses.