I'm not sure this is the correct forum; I apologize if it isn't. We built a new .75 acre pond one year and 5 months ago. It was dug on high ground with absolutely no run off feeding it. We did this on purpose so that the water would be nice and clear (our big, old reservoir pond is often muddy). At full pool the new pond will be only 8 feet deep with a single small trench area of 10 feet deep. Unfortunately, the pond is still about 2 to 2.5 feet below full pool. We haven't been receiving much precipitation this month and the pond will ice over soon.
My question is will my fish survive under the ice if the water is only 6 feet or so deep? I've already stocked LMB, BG, YP, FHM and GS six months ago and they have grown nicely. It would be a tragedy to lose them and start over.
If necessary, it is possible to borrow water from the big old pond and pump it uphill to the new pond. But it's expensive and time is running short before the ice covers both bodies of water. If I don't have to pump in water, I would rather not do it.
I'm including a photo of the new pond and a photo of a young LMB from it. As always, I really appreciate the help!
