I am a little worried that it is extremely turbid.

Is it a groundwater pond, or filled from surface water runoff?

One cause of turbid water is a bunch of trash (rough) fish, such as carp, buffalo, some suckers, drum, or even bullheads for some people. They are constantly stirring the bottom of the pond searching for food. The turbid water generally harms the food chain for the desirable fish that most people want in their ponds.

The other scenario is suspended clay. Here is a link to the importance of performing the "jar test".


Jar Test - Pond Boss Thread

If that is your problem, then scroll down in that thread to esshup's post where he describes how to treat for suspended clay.


No matter what fish stocking plan you are implementing, improving your water quality will yield better results.


I would also get a few pounds of fathead minnows to stock before your yellow perch and BG are well established. The FHMs should multiply like crazy, and then there will be lots of food as your YP and BG populations begin to expand.

Are the banks of the borrow pit very steep? I definitely agree with Sunil about providing some good spawning habitat. If the banks are mostly steep, then you could make some improved BG spawning habitat in the flatter areas. I do not have YP, but I believe our northern members put in some cut branches on their banks after ice out so the perch have good habitat to drape their eggs.

Have fun on your new pond project. If it goes well, I suspect you may even be able to turn the owner into a "fishing" guy!