Thanks for the advice guys,
I have a drain, that can drop the level about 7'; the 17' deep hole would still be 10' deep, but could be treated... After 3yrs of very hard work, I don't know if I could take the heartbreak (And I have a pond-side graduation party in a month for my eldest daughter). As to refilling, at full design height I am still overflowing by about 80gpm (which sounds good to some except for $$ to dye the clear water which runs down the drain).
I have a 100'sandbar that separates the main section from a smaller one (approx 80' dia), that is where we see them the most. I set up fenceposts and some of that fine black deer/bird netting across the sandbar with the bottom swept toward the smaller pond. I've seen some in there, but am not sure if they figured out how to go back. May try laying a net on the sandbar with guys on both ends ready to draw it up when they try to cross...
Or, maybe I should get a mini tournament going and get some real fishermen out here... It's hard to manage a pond when you are on the road! Hoping for a late, late spawn.
