I'm back after a couple days of digesting all the fine information everyone has provided to me.

I've mapped out a "plan." I forsee this to be implemented over the next 1-2 years. This is definitely open for discussion and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Monday 3/13/06 - Call Pond Boss and start a subscription!!

Spring '06

- Finish grade pond shoreline. Can't wait to get some tractor seat time!!
- Plant emergent native plants for soil stabilization - both ponds. Carex sedges, Scirpus bulrushes. Iris, arrowhead, monkey flower etc. Various cultivars to see what grows best at the site. Do what I can to fight off a monoculture!!!
- Install fish barrier in swale. Swale is 3-4ft wide and can get 2ft deep seasonally. Does dry out. Some type of screen/hardware cloth or???. Window screen would probably impede flow but would anything with larger opening work?. How large screen opening would still minimize escape???. I know it WILL happen but at least I hope to delay it's effects. Some type of frame so the screen can be removed for???
- Stock fathead minnows and regular BG in large pond. How many and what size would be a good starting point??? Any other hatchery suggestions beside Laggis/Imlay City for regular bluegill? From the MI Dept of Ag site, I've also come up with Ralph Kandt in Ray, Perch Research Int'l in Mt. Clemens(Standish)
- Stock fathead minnows ONLY in small pond. Leaving my options open for later.
- Install existing aerators within specified depths i.e. 15-18'. Adjust based on pressure guage.

Summer '06

- Monitor ponds - DO/temperature. Learn how THIS environment functions. See if the deeper water moves at all with diffuser placement in the shallower but close proximity to the drop off. Besides a boat, Scuba diving is a tool available to adjust diffuser placement and observe plant growth. Will need a new wetsuit though!!!
- Swim and enjoy adult beverages.
- Be a good listener and continue to educate myself.

Fall/Winter 06'-'07

- Stock LMB in big pond IF and only IF plantings are doing what they are supposed to. Turbidity will be a problem this year until some stabilization takes place. Ponds settled nicely after filling but the recent winds/heavy rains have stirred them up. Whether I stock in the fall of '06 or spring of '07, suggested size and quantity of LMB???
- More aquaculture educating - including learing how to sex fish
- Hopefully do some ice skating!!

Spring '07

- Stock LMB in big pond if not done previously.
- Stock YP and male BG in small pond IF and only IF confidence in sexing and overall management skills is such that I'm ready for this next step. If not, I'll use the small pond for growing trophy minnows for the big pond...LOL.
- Ponder a "trophy" BG pond instead of the above for the small pond.

Summer/Fall '07

- Upgrade aerators if necessary
- Get ready for population management.
- Maybe try the RT for the Fall/Winter/Spring '07-'08

Basically I think I would like to keep the BIG pond as the LMB pond and the SMALL pond as the forage/BG/YP/RT "bonus" pond. Some combination to be determined.

If all else fails, is there a market for "trophy" minnows????? :-)

I appreciate all the previous input and extending this thread just a little more....then I'll move to specific forums as I get into this further and my initial welcome is worn out...............

Fingerling Chuck

P.S. Bill - I will contact you re: YP info

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