Hello all!
I'm a new subscriber, and I've tried to scavenge the forums as much as I could before I ask a question that I'm sure you've all answered a thousand times before...
I'm the pround owner of a 1.25 acre pond that was dug this summer in south central MN. It's fed by runoff and seepage, with a max depth of roughly 12'. I don't have anything in it for structure yet. I'm hoping to get some of that in place next summer, when I put in the riprap on the "people side" (and finish the beach for the wife).
My goal is a combination fishing and swimming pond, with minimal maintenance. Water clarity will be a big deal since my wife's a city gal
I'm thinking LMB, BG, FHM, and shiners will be the way to go, with some crayfish just for the heck of it. The frogs found their way to the pond before it was even finished and they seem happy enough.
Here's where I start getting nervous:
There currently isn't ANY plantlife. Should I transplant before stocking? If so, what?
Also, should I unload some gravel on the ice when I'm home in January for a spawning area? What depth should I shoot for?
There's also a catch to all of this. I'm currently in Iraq, and will be over here for another year. Can I stock shiners and fatheads in May, and then leave them unattended for a year?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Z
