Dig it in a paint roller design, it makes it easier to seine it and remove the fish. There are a number of things you can do to encourage GSH to spawn. I do not see any reason why it wouldn't work. Check the archives and utilize the search function to look up spawning needs of GSH. It has been thoroughly covered. You really don't need to drain it each year. Seine the vast majority of fish out each fall, allowing a few to be your brood stock. GSH are low DO tolerant and will do fine in a 5' pond in winter in low numbers. Come spring your GSH will be ready to spawn... You can lower to water a little in early spring to plant rye along the edges and then allow it to fill over the rye in time for spawning season.
