NeMason,

You didn't ask me \:\( , but since I love this topic I'm going to tell you what guidelines I follow for density in a small pond. Then Ed can chime in and we can compare.

I go by the rule of about 12 lbs of trout per gpm of inflow of fully oxygen saturated water. Ponds are about 1/10 acre (90 by 45 feet). However, my flow is constant from April 1 to November 1 (on really cold days early on I may shut off the flow -- as in right now highs are in the low 30's and lows in the 20's with no need to run the well). I pump in about 41 gpms which comes out to close to 500 lbs. of trout upon harvest. I try not to go over 500 lbs. but have slighty with no problems. Keep in mind there is some nitrification going on in the bottom soil along with any plants you have. Of course if your flow is less constant, or temps are higher -- your carrying capacity may be lower.

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.