Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Beginner Advice

As you can tell from my prior posts, I just bought a property that has a 1/4-1/2 acre pond. I've never owned a pond before. Since I'm green at this, I was wondering if you guys can give me some pointers on what I should and shouldn't do. Here is my best description of what I have. I'll post pics later. It's spring fed with an inflow pipe of 4 inch PVC pipe capped off with holes drilled in it to let water through. The outflow is also a PVC T. As far as fish, I know I have LMB and Catfish. I've also seen two huge snapping turtles. One was caught and being made into soup as I type. Upon removing the turtle, there were leeches present on the turtle. I'm pretty sure the other turtle was a female. I think she laid her eggs in the pond and then moved on. I haven't seen her lately. I have very, very, little algea if any. It's very clear and looks very clean. I'm looking for suggestions on maintenance I should be doing and also any suggestions on what else should be done if anything. Again, I think the pics will help once posted. Oh, and I almost forgot. I also have a zip line that is a ton of fun! Thanks for any help in advance!

Depending on your temps, and the surrounding ponds/BOW's, you might look into stocking some RES or PS.

Do you have any type of panfish in the pond? What size are the LMB and CC?

What are your goals for the pond?

No panfish. The LMB range from 6 to 15 inches. The CC's range up to 20 inches. Goals would be to swim and I was thinking about stocking trout, but would need to make sure all the variables (temps, levels, etc) are perfect to do so. Which my research is showing is rarely the case. And of course, I could only stock bigger trout with reproduction being minimal at best. I would love to stock other fish that aren't so common, but haven't decided what yet.

Trout would be strictly a put and take fishery, they don't spawn in ponds. Most likely, stocked in late Sept. to mid Oct and all out by late May.

Do you mean a zip-line that ends at the pond? WOW! If so, you are gonna need to post a picture of THAT!

I don't have any pics, but I have a video, however, there is some adult language on the vid. Can you post vids on this site? If so, I'll remove the audio from the vid and post it.

Not sure if you can post it here or if you would post it somewhere else like Youtube and then just post a link here, but yes please remove the audio - I bet my kids would get a kick out of it, too.