Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site How big n where should I seek a WE, SMB, HSB pond

Those species will work in one acre of 16-18 ft deep. All sides do not have to be 2:1 slope, some can be 2:5-3:1. One ledge 3-6 ft deep would be good enough as habitat. A "flat" wider slope or deep ledge 8-12 ft deep for rock piles - PVC structures would be good for WE, YP, RES. When you make them shallow they often become infested with FA and not very fishable. Plan for some stretches of shallow rock lined shores for crayfish - small fish habitat; downwind side works good. When you reduce size you reduce amount of fish grown to be harvested. If fed, HSB will grow large and not be a major predator influence due to their welfare status assuming well fed fish. For a fishery with strong harvest goals, I would add RES as a snail predator to reduce fish-flesh parasite problems, unless you have good control of visiting waterfowl. A good northern strain (important) of RES should survive winters in a deeper Iowa pond. Northern strain survive well in northern OH & IN. Dr Willis notes that he has never seen RES overpopulate. This planned fishery combination would be a good test of his experiences. Good luck and keep us advised of the progress of your dream.