RAH - This is a portion of my post from the link that JamesB provided above. ""After working with them (SMB) for over 20 years, SMB should do fine in your pond, and if you have a patch of pea gravel and or larger gravel(1"-2") (in 2-4ft of water) they will very likely spawn especially if crayfish from the creek invade the pond. Crayfish are impt but not necessary for successful SMB spawning.""
This assumes that LMB are not present in the pond with the smallies. I've never seen smallies spawn in a pond when LMB were present.

A depth of 12' is deep enough for SMB in your pond. I've had them spawn in a pond just 7' deep. Water quality (no low DO) is more important for SMB than depth and cool water. SMB will easily tolerate water 90F. For several indepth articles about raising SMB in smaller midwest ponds see the link for copies of my 5 articles about SMB that were published in Pond Boss magazine.
http://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/growing-smallmouth.html

Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/26/12 10:27 AM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management