I am a long time lurker and pond dreamer. i grew up having 3 good sized ponds on my family property as a kid and now 30 years later I am finally at a point where I want to build one on a new 9 acre property. I miss being able to fish on a private pond and hope I can finally have one for my family to enjoy.
I have attached a snipped picture of the umarked gis that shows contours and water features as well as existing buildings. The blue water lines area shows a seasonal creek and the outer shading lines show the 100 year flood zone which makes up around 1.7 acres total.
I plan on using the pond for fishing so was planning on making the pond as big as is realistically possible knowing I may be pretty limited given the entire plot is only 9 acres to begin with and I should avoid the flood plane areas.
The soil is typical central NC heavy clay. I would appreciate ideas on the best location and size and any other tips. I have read through the USDA pond guide but obviously have tons to learn.
Hello from another NC guy. I'm not able to help with layout or design. I can attest that our clay soil wants lime and lots of it. I'm constantly fighting to keep PH/KH in acceptable levels.
Half acre 30 year old farm pond, Mebane NC. Aeration & feeder. LMB, CC, SC, BG, HBC, two no account welfare carp and nine seasonal Tilapia that all the other fish are terrified of.
Judging by the contours, looks like you may have a terrace or two going across your place, you could build a dug out pond at the end of one of the terraces...? To build a good embankment pond, you really need a field drain or other channel coming into it. There are some places that will let you build in the floodplain as long as it is a pond for agriculture. Meaning that you have livestock and the pond is a “livestock sized” pond, most of which are an acre or less. Check with your local floodplain admistrator. They work for the county in Texas.
A good local dirt work (pond) contractor should be able to steer you in the right direction.