I own a newly constructed pond. It is just over two years old. My goal is to manage for trophy LMB. We received above average rainfall after construction and water levels rose well after a few months. It was stocked with BG and FHM the first fall after construction and followed with F-1 fingerlings in the spring. I have recently caught and released some one pounders so the LMB seem to be developing ok. My concern is that the watershed is inadequate. There has never been outflow, even following torrential rainfall. There are huge fluctuations in the pool volume, going from 2 acres at greatest to less than one acre during natural winter drawdown. I worry that as the fish increase in size, they will be stressed by the low water levels. I am considering having an irrigation well drilled to supplement the water input. Anyone heard of this being used as a successful tactic? Would ph and hardness issues be expected? I would expect that could be minimized by keeping the levels relatively constant and avoiding a large irrigation influx. The pond is about 3 ft below max now. Advice appreciated.

Last edited by buzzman; 05/08/11 11:01 PM.