Hello Everyone - I'm a newer member, but I have been reading the board for awhile. I have a few questions that hopefully folks can chime in on.

My largest pond is right at 4 acres and has been around 35-40 years. I have owned the property for about 5 years and I'm looking to improve the habitat and forage. The pond was built in a ravine and is 36' deep in the middle. The pond has plenty of LMB and BG, but I haven't seen any other species. Neither the LMB or BG seem to grow very big. The pond is located in Eastern Kentucky.

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1. My first question is regarding a rock ledge. I have about 70 tons of Class 3 rock that I'm hoping will make a 160' rock ledge (red line on left of pond). I'm figuring 3'-4' wide by 2'-3' high. I was thinking the top of the ledge would be about 12" below the water. Other than a few weeks in late summer, the pond pretty much stays full. About 8" is the most I've ever seen it down. Does the 12" below the surface sound about right?

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2. I plan to add crayfish to the pond next Spring. I am leaning towards the Northern Virile, but I've read some good things on the papershell. Does anyone have a strong preference either way?

3. Spawning Beds: I have a shallow bench about 15" deep the whole length of the dam. I was thinking it would make a good spawning area. Pea gravel is no where to be found in this part of Kentucky, but #8 crushed limestone (1/4") is readily available. Would the crushed limestone work or would I be wasting money?

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Thanks in advance for any replies.