We got our pond finished August 27, right ahead of Isak. Since then, we've had nearly 15 inches of rain. It's a good acre surrounded by trees and is 14 ft at its deepest. There is a really good watershed into it, and already it's half full. Since it's that full, I went ahead and stocked 5 lbs of fatheads, 250 RES, and 250 HB. Next fall, I plan on adding the predators--LMB and possibly a few WE as a bonus. Later, I'll add a few CC and BC. Does this sound like an acceptable plan?
I've also been collecting tires, pallets, cedars, and concrete to use as structure at various depths. With the pond half full already and stocked, should I go ahead and add some shoreline structure or wait till spring when it's fuller and the water line's pretty well established--and the water's warmer? I'll definitely have everything added in advance of the spawn. Without any finned predators (we have had a heron visit), I didn't know if the fish in it now actually needed cover, but I also suppose such cover could be growing a nice coat of algae. By the way, I love the site and have learned an awful lot. Got my first magazine in the mail yesterday.
