Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations What are my options?

Hello everyone I have, a 1/4 acre pond I've been having for about 10 months now. I stocked fingerling catfish and minnows in around 6 months ago. They were about 13 to 15" from the last time I fished about 55 days ago. Well we had hurricane Harvey come and take over my backyard as you can see. My pond was about 10 ft deep in the middle where most catfish were. There is a runoff levee in the back of my property that I found out was tied to the brazos river. When the brazos overflowed it flooded the levee which in turned flooded my property about 5 ft in the back which swallowed my pond. I have a 6ft fence with 2ft chicken wire on the bottom so in some areas fish had about 4ft to swim out if they could get through the pickets. My neighbors on both sides of me had fish in their yard( one was a 8 lb cat and another had a large koi fish and a smaller catfish) and they do not have ponds. Is it possible my fish maybe did not leave the bottom of the pond. I had not seen them for a month prior to the storm because it was so hot. The pond is back at its normal level now and I tried to fish to see if anything was left. A lot of the minnows are gone now I did notice. Do you think I need to start over or is their a way to find out if they are ion there. I tried a go pro but its too brown to see anything. Just looking for options even though I think I have to start over. Thanks for your replies

Well I see my pictures didn't upload so I will try again

Sorry to hear of your flooding. Is that the only damage you've sustained?

I'm no expert on pond management, but I'd wager a guess some of your catfish and minnows you stocked in the pond are still there.
How many of either would be a wild guess. However, any and all species of fish found in the Brazos and in other flooded ponds could now be in yours!

So, if you only want cats and minnows, you'll have to observe, fish, electroshock to determine that's all you have. In the event you find other species incompatible with your goals, you'd have to consider how to eliminate them. Renovating the pond with rotenone or lime, draining it, or catching the offenders will be some options.

Keep us posted. We'll be interested in following along on your journey.

With the Brazos overflowing by 5 ft, I expect your fish left and others came in. I believe I would start over.

After things settle down, evaluate where you are. Toss in some fish food and see what responds. Odds are, you were gifted some fish from the river system, and gifted some fish to it. Bluegills, minnows, catfish...and carp will come to the fish food. It may take a few days, but that's a good way to start. If you aren't comfortable with what you are (or aren't) seeing, ask for more help.
Dave is likely correct, but I'd evaluate and then make a call.