Bob, just noticed your decision to use oak stumps. I wouldn’t.

My experience. When my pond was dug(long time ago), some big oak trees were taken down. I had them piled up for fish structure. We got some good rains so I stocked. Within a couple of weeks the water blackened, all fish died and the crawdads I stocked were crawling out of the water. They also died.

I did some research and found that oaks contain tanins which are lethal to fish. I tested with a bucket of the water and some minnows. The minnows died within hours.

I pumped the whole thing out and let Texas summer dry everything out. Then burnt the whole works.

I doubt that a small amount would be a big deal but, I doubt that fish will orient on them. And, I don’t want anything that affects water quality. I now use cedars.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa