The dam is half built. We removed apx 50 very large stumps (oak, poplar, beech). I'm planning on putting them back in the pond for structrue.
The pond will be about 3 ac. and very deep all around 20+ ft. with steep sides. The dam is in a single hollow and will back water up into two hollows creating a point in the middle. I'll be adding riprap & thought of using the stumps to hold the rocks from sliding all the way to the bottom. Also planning on liming before filling to counter the acid from the stumps.
Is this a workable plan?

Ric I hope it is not too late but we "stump plant" alot. I have several clients who claim this is some of there best cover. We cut the trees about 6-8 ft. above the stump (depending on soil firmness and water depth). Then take a track hoe bucket and pound them back into the pond bottom with the root ball up in the air. It is almost like an umbrella. It is amazing how much cover you get compared to a stump laying there. So I hope you have not cut them yet?? Try to place several in a group then leave empty space then several more to concentrate fish in a few places instaed of being scattered about.

Greg,
Yes & no. It's too late for the stumps I have already cut but they would have been too big anyway. I REALLY like that idea though!
So much so I'm going to cut some smaller trees just for that purpose!
Thanks so much Greg!

I think you will like 'em. What do you plan on stocking? I know your not a bg/lmb fan, and you have a cool climate where your at, so what are the plans?

Trout is my goal. Cutthroat, Browns, & Brook. I wanted to stock California Goldens but have been unable to find a source. Most everyone I talk to thinks I'm talking about the West Va. goldens.
Anyway I also have a back up plan for smallmouth.
BTW .. it's not that I'm not a LMB/BG fan .. I AM ! I've just always wanted to catch big trout & decided I'll grow my own.
I'll be putting in fatheads, crawfish & some local minnows.
I have a smaller pond with which I intend to raise the forage minnows in.

Trout you say...Just got home from stocking Rainbow and setting feeder up in Murphy, NC. There is a source of golden trout in Hiawasse, GA. Dyers Trout Farm, not sure which species of golden trout did not even know there is a diff. If you get them from him, get out the check book. They are good fish though and is one of the few who grow some trout up to 8 lbs. Even has brook trout up to 6 lbs.

Thanks Greg,
Murphy's about 5hrs from me.
I'll check out Dyers.