Pond Boss Forums INTRO New Forum Member Introduction Howdy! from central OK

I just had my first pond constructed on 1-19-2015. It is built (and I live on) 40 acres in central OK. When full, the pond will be 13' 2" deep. The dam is about 300' long. It has 3 dry creeks/ditches that will feed it rain water. I estimate surface area will be about 1 acre (possibly more). I have a friend who does mapping/surveying professionally that will come up and give me an exact size at a later date. The dam and main body are primarily bare red clay. The 3 ditches that feed it are full of brush, leaves, and grass.

I bought a 2 year subscription to Pond Boss and ordered a couple books (water weeds and raising trophy bass). I'm hoping to learn how to properly manage my new pond from the subscription, books, and this forum.

My goals are: a water source for deer & other wildlife, recreational fishing for the family, and perhaps a small swimming area on the south end. From my very limited reading so far, it looks like I'll start out my fish stocking efforts with minnows, then bluegill, and later bass/catfish. It looks like very few bass are the way to go and some number of channel catfish (for eating/angling).

My immediate concerns are: getting grass/vegetation growing on the bare earth (red clay) dam and placing structure & cover in the pond before Mother Nature (hopefully) fills it up.

I appreciate any advice/comments about staring out; especially related to cover & structure needed.

Thanks,
BP

Hay there BP, I also grew up in a small town in Okla. Ada is where I graduated HS. As to seeding now, I would do a frost seeding of Duranna and or Scarlet clover. It will provide ground cover soon for the winter and will feed deer that love the clover. And the scarlet will provide nice color this spring. Clover can last up to 5 yrs if you take care of it and it provides a nice root system to help hold things together.
Tracy

Welcome BP.

Ditto to what Tracy said. Get all your bare soil seeded, mulched, watered asap. Runoff cutting channels down the dam is not desired.

There are lots of articles and summaries of articles on stuff to build and place. Much easier when there is no/low water than after filled.

Im in Norman, just bought 12 acres and i am wanting to buikd a pond. Who did you use? I am wanting to see what can be done on my property. Hope your ponds fills this year.

Welcome BP, I am pretty new here also.Finished digging my 2 acre pond on November 1st 2014 only 3 months ago.Figured I had plenty of time but hurried my tire structures and wooden pallets anyway. Low and behold I have had 25 inches of rain in the last 90 days.Most of my tire structures are already under water and I have 8 ft. water already. Am getting my first stock of fish in 2 weeks. It can happen!! Be prepared!! These guys here are great. Asks lots of questions.I know some of these guys have bound to answer the same questions over and over but they are the most patient people to help you that I have ever met. Good luck and have fun!

Ouimguy - holy moly, talk about a vow of silence...you originally registered 13 years ago and this is your first post!? Great to hear from you, I feel as though we've just witnessed something historical here! Post a new topic and tell us all about your new project - we want to learn about your goals and help you get there.

Bcp - welcome to the forum and congrats on your new pond! We are here to help guide your stocking strategies, watershed management, and help in any way possible for you to achieve your goals. Line em up one at a time, and let the forum take a crack at them. You're obviously well on your way with the magazine subscription and book purchases - well done! Welcome aboard again-glad to have you part of the family.

Ouimguy,

+2000 to what TJ said. Wow! Talk about planning ahead! Welcome to PBF as an ACTIVE pondmeister and congrats!

Bill D.

BP,

My apologies for stealing your thread for a minute.

BP, welcome and on seeding/cover, if your budget allows, seed the entire pond basin as well. It will greatly reduce erosion and kick start the base of your food chain, as well as provide early cover for yoy to hide out in as the pond fills.

Just a note, in your location, you can safely stock your minnow and BG at the same time. Even small (<8") CC can go in at the same time if wanted. Just be sure to never release any size CC caught, or you may never get a second chance. CC compete directly with LMB at about a 3# size. Hybrid Blue/Channel catfish are becoming more readily available to pond stockers and grow a bit faster, bite better and many claim taste better...may be be a consideration for you.