As some of you know, I purchased this place February of 2012. Tried to find solutions for an excessive BH problem, had multiple discussions on stocking and how to move forward.
Well, I got my wish... I can now start from scratch. When the pond thawed out in January, I had a winter kill that finished off 99% of all life in the pond. The only things that may be left are the ones that have buried themselves in the mud.
As you can see from the pictures, this drought has hit us hard, the last time my area had 1" of moisture was during September. From visiting with my neighbor, this is the lowest he has seen it in 25 years. His pond has never been dried up before and it has not had water since September. Mine is at the water table and has been stable since September at the level you see here. However, over the last few weeks it has dropped an inch or so, I am guessing it is from the water table fluctuations.
My current plan is to first find a way to drive a sand point well near the pond in order to keep it at a stable level to support fish in the event of this type of drought. Next I plan to put in a home built Aeration system, similar to the ones people have put together on here using the ecoplus pumps. I then plan to stock 4-6� CC and 2-3� BG at the same time, roughly 500 of each along with 1000 FHM. After a year I will then add in 100 4-6� LMB.
My questions: Is this an adequate plan? What type of structure should I add to the pond while it is low like this to help support spawning of the above species? Does anyone have any other suggestions?
