Yes, a pesticide applicator license is required for the purchase of rotenone in Texas. I purchased a gallon of 5% (labeled Panfish toxicant)from a local chemical supply for $75, and applied it with a hand sprayer.
The concentration varies depending on the target fish. Generally. a gallon will treat 3 to 6 acre feet of water. The treatment was pretty effective. Literally thousands of dead small green sunfish were visible along the pond edges.
I've seen alum applied to ponds with a trash pump from the pond edge. It should be a manageable task for ponds of 1 acre and smaller, but hiring it done would probably be more practical for anything larger.
Curiously, have you tested the alkalinity and hardness of your pond water ?
