In addition to the large pond I'm building, I'd like to build a small pond for raising minnows as forage for the larger pond. The goal would be to have a self-sustaining minnow population in this small pond. I'd sometimes trap small numbers for bait, and periodically seine out large numbers to replenish the forage base in the big pond. I'd have no other types of fish in this pond, and a flat bottom with no structure other than some wooden pallets for spawning. This will hopefully make seining easier.
My questions are:
--What minimum depth do I need to allow minnows to survive through the winter in NE Oklahoma?
--What minimum surface area do I need to produce enough minnows to make a dent in replenishing the forage needs of a 3-5 acre LMB/BG/CC pond?
--What species of minnow would be best for this purpose? FHM?
--Any thoughts on how often I'd have to seine and dump?
Thanks!
