TQ, I have one, though just in the beginning stages. I put 10 lbs. Shiners, and 10 lbs. of fatheads in, last June. I put in no spawning structure...BUT, the pond had receded some. Smartweed had sprung up around the edges. It rained and brought the level back up some, flooding the smartweed. I've had a wonderful increase so far. Not saying that once the smartweed rots away totally that wont change.
When the water temps hit the 70's the spawn should be on. You may think of ways to create spawning structure that is easily removed.I've read that plywood sections or flat styrofoam works well. Instead of seining you can just float some minnow traps with milk jugs. I've done that in the years past with the traps. You can get a bunch with little effort, unless you're planning to mass produce them, that should work for you.
I'd dig it out, considering your ice thickness for your area. Do the fountain for aesthetics mainly, not saying it wouldnt be good but not necessary. Fatheads survive with low dissolved oxygen levels. But if you have a fountain laying around why not?
Last edited by JamesBryan; 04/09/12 08:44 PM.
