How often do you anticipate your main pond going 12" over full pool and flooding the forage pond? For me, that has only occurred twice in 8 years - just curious if it's something you need to worry about happening.

I'd hate to lose the 2 acres of runoff and having to resort to pumping water to keep the forage pond full. I know it sounds simple and easy, and it is, the first dozen times. But pumping water several times annually during drought conditions I suspect will become a chore you may resent. I have some similar situations on my farm and every time I repeat the process I get a little more grumpy and reluctant. Also, remember a trash pump can introduce fry of main pond species into the forage pond...seen this happen on several occasions.

Since I'm assuming your goal for the forage pond is to periodically drain, seine, and stock the primary pond with forage, I don't see much of a downside to taking the risk of allowing it to flood. If it does flood, you simply drain, seine, and stock not only your forage, but whatever managed to infiltrate your forage pond. Seems a lot easier than having to employ the trash pump continually - but that's just me.

Just my thoughts, hope this may help.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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