Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Newbie to Pond Construction

Good Afternoon,

I currently own a little better than 3 acres that I live on. I would like to put in a small pond that I would stock with some bluegill, small mouth, etc. for my son and I to fish in. My question is, how large on a area do I have to have to maintain a pond like this. I have a small area that I was thinking about, but don't know if it is big enough. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Even a small pond can be a great source of enjoyment and recreation. Smaller ponds, of course, cannot hold as many fish as larger ones, but as the owner of one 0.9 acre pond (with a second smaller pond apx. 1/3 acre in the works for later this year), I think they give you more "bang for the acreage" than bigger ponds.

One good approach to planning your pond would be to examine the topographic maps of your property. Going over them with your local NRCS office (if applicable and cooperative) or online on the forum here would help define what size pond is suited to your land. Then by comparing the probable pond size's suitability for different fish species, your location, the time and money you can expend in managing the pond, and your goals and interests in fishing, you can decide what stocking scheme to pursue.

Thank you Theo. I don't think that I will even have the .9 acres you mention. I will probably be in the 0.1-0.25 acre range. Can fish survive in a pond this small?

gosh darn it, where is that frankenbruce pic when i need it..!..?

cw, you can grow awesome quality fish in a quarter acre pond. where are you located? smb require special stuff to be successful long term.

i did a quick search for "0.1 acre" on this forum, i suggest you do the same and review some of the old threads on small ponds, you will find great pics and great stories.....here is the one i found in about 2 minutes....on dial up!

smaller ponds = nice fish

Thanks Dave. I am located in northeast Iowa and I went out and measured my proposed location and I would do something close to 50 X 100, but I think in a U shape. I do have the problem of long, cold winters (although it is 72 today!) so I would plan on going around 15 ft. deep too. I will do a search for 0.1 acre on the forum and see what I get. Thanks again for all of the help.