Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Hi,I'm Eddie

Been reading this off and on when I get the bug to do something about my pond the last few years.

Made what i'm pretty sure were mistake's,but ready to actually make a plan now.

My pond is approx. 1/4-1/3 acre and was existing when I bought our property.
There were catfish,crappie/bluegill and some small mouth bass in the pond originally-everytime I casted I caught something.

I have since drained the pond and killed the fish with plans to dig out the muck.
The rental place talked me out of it,and now it's filled back in and grown up.
I am saving to have it dug by a company,but want to help as much as possible to prepare (keep costs low also).

I wish to make a swim pond/fish pond,with some landscaping etc.. to make it complement and of course raise the value of our property.
The main reason though,is a place for all the kids and family to get together and have a great time.

I am currently prepared to build a siphon to drain the pond.
Just need to get to my scamp boat the kids forgot to put up.

Here's some pics,I have lots of questions also.





Any idea what my first step would be?
I want to drain before clearing overgrowth so as not to clog the siphon.
And to allow more time for it to dry(shoulda started a couple months ago I know).
The dam is also seeping through,which means I can't mow our roadside due to getting stuck.

I'm looking at a few months before being able to pay someone to actually do any digging.
I've checked with the local Ag/fisheries gov place and they were no help.
I don't wish for any grants or gov stocking since I would like to keep it private.

Bump for some expert opinions.

I think the first step would be to get your contractor lined up and involved. The good ones usually have a backlog, so it'd be better to get on the waiting list now.

Start the siphon now. Put the end in a bucket with a bunch of holes drilled in the bucket. That should help with clogging. It will be easier to clear around the pond with it down. The more you can keep water off of it the better when the equipment gets there.