Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Renovating a Pond or Lake? Big Pond with large fish - Small pond with fathead

Hey there folks. It has been almost forever since I last checked in. Since I put in my first pond, I put in a second one next to it that is about 5 to 6 ft deep and really just a large Koi and Baitfish pond (all natural) What I am finding is that a Mink gets in every so often and eats my sons Koi and Goldfish because it is too small for them to escape far. He does not want me to open a passage between the ponds because he does not want the Bass or Large perch (16 inch perch and 25 inch bass) to get into his pond. He already has some sunfish that made their way to his pond in a spill over.

My question is to all the big brains on here, Is there something like a tube of a certain size or a one way door that would allow the fish to escape should a mink or Heron try to attach but not let the bigger fish into the smaller pond? I tried catching the Mink and we keep the herons off generally but it is a losing battle.

Thanks in advance

- Eric

Eric!!!!

Welcome back!!

I don't have a solution but wonder how best to get you and your son on the same page as to goals.

Is trapping the mink an option?

We have some excellent trappers on the forum that could help you solve the problem in that manner.

We have different ponds for different uses. Thus we actually are on the same page but need to find a way to protect his fish from the Mink primarily. I was thinking a pipe between the ponds that is only like 4 inches or less in diameter and that would at least keep the bigger fish out but give a way for the smaller to escape to the larger pond in case there was a need. But that then goes by the way side when we think of the fry.

Love to hear more. I have trapped the mink and brought them 20 miles away but there are so many in the area that they show back up again. I have put nets on his pond and fence around it but they always find a way through or under it.

How about a funnel set up place inside a larger pipe, somewhat like a half of a cylindrical minnow trap?

If it were me, this is what I would try. Some 3 or 4 inch plastic with a funnel at the top end would be an inexpensive piece to experiment with.

Thanks that sounds like a good idea. I just wish there was a way to let the fish both in and out of the large pond Better yet I wish there were no Herons or Mink!!!!!!