Hello All,
New pond dug south of Houston. Pic can be seen here:
New Pond.
My objective for the pond is sport fish. Stocking plan limited to CNBG, FMH, RES, and either LMB or HSB.
I have several months before I plan to fill and will be building a number of structure and habitat contributions as well as installing aeration before filling. I will work with Overton Fisheries on the stocking plan, phasing, feeding and chemistry.
I want to purposely introduce the desirable vegetation to support the ecosystem instead of taking happenstance.
Demensionally the pond is ~270ft long, roughly kidney shaped, with a width of ~120ft in the ends and ~75ft in the center section. Max depth below grade (estimated full pool) is ~12-14ft in the ends and ~9-10ft in the center section.
I had a shelf created in one end ~5ft wide x 25ft long that will be ~5-6ft deep when full. I plan to add a layer of gravel here for a spawning area.
What plants would you all recommend for this pond and when would be appropriate to begin introducing vegetation after filling?
I am lesser concerned with aesthetics that with creating as well balanced system as possible while maintaining fishability..
Thanks for all of your help.
JT
