I didn't even think of have two separate but adjoining type of ponds... Good idea to ponder. I will also take a look at that book. As far as saltwater species unfortunately I am moving to TN from FL so I'm afraid I will have to say good bye that idea as great as it would have been.

The properties that I have looked at have year round creeks or some sort of spring on property I pretty much made that a mandatory item on the checklist. One of the properties has the creek fed by a spring from a rock crevice/cave.

How expensive is maintaining a pond like this with feed? Not that I am worried about funds but just would like to know ballpark figures. Has anyone seen "lightning trout" they look pretty cool but I couldn't find much on them?

Would having a separate hatchery pond make it possible to continue to stock the larger pond with enough forage fishes or is the feed pellets a must?

Thanks

Marcus