Uncle E, welcome to Pond Boss. I am glad you have enjoyed the forum. As you have already seen, there are a lot of great people on here. I live in Stafford County, VA and have several friends in the Linden/Front Royal/Winchester area. Very nice areas out your way... I drive through there a couple dozen times a year on my way up to our hunting cabin in PA down I-66/I-81.

Here's my take on things... I am not a fan of LMB in ponds less than 1 and even 2 acre except for very specific goals which you have not expressed. I think you would be better served leaving the BG and LMB out of your pond and going about your goals in a different manor. I would look at stocking RES and YP as your "panfish". You could also consider RBS. I am ordering some this spring and if you would like, I can share some with you as the minimum order is more than I will need. I would then consider HSB as your predator along with possibly WE. The idea of non reproducing predators in a smaller pond is appealing as controlling the reproduction of species like LMB is difficult in a smaller pond. Sourcing HSB is fairly easy and WE can be sourced as well with a bit more challenge. Stocking one or the other every other year can lead to fish of different size classes and quality angling. SMB can also be stocked in your pond. I think they will not overpopulate with the lack of suitable spawning areas in your pond.

Take your time and get the forage base established. Patience will pay off! I would also look at getting the soil around your pond tested as well as the water. Although there is a limestone bedrock in that area, the soil is still often quite acidic. A friend of mine had a pH of 5.7 in a food plot he did a few years back in the Linden area. If those trees are going to stay flooded, they will die. Especially the pines. I would look into cutting them down before they become a hazard. I would also begin planning for investing in an aeration system. With so many trees near and around your pond, you will end up with a lot of lead litter in your pond. You will want a good aeration system to help break it down. It can also act as an insurance system to prevent future fish kills. Since I am out your way regularly, if you would like me to stop in and take a look in person, drop me a PM.

Best of luck!