We have basically the exact same pond idea but yellow perch only. The water level fluctuation with the rain lowers our water clarity as well as white suckers that we have found in out pond that must have been added with minnows.

Cray's do very well with the pond dye they will turn blueish as they get older but don't seem to be effected at all.

They may be getting over populated but I do not know at what level is over populated. We are seeing now this years young at .5" and last over 1.5"s. Just about every rock you turn over has a cray under it.

Cheers Don.

P.S. I would add the yellow perch first before the SMB. Give the crays a two year head start at least. I think its better for your crays as well as your SMB will grow that much better after than constantly trying to scrip up what crays they can find.

[Linked Image from corvettejunkie.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4


7/8th of an acre, Perch only pond, Ontario, Canada.