Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site 1/4 RPE lined pond construction

Before you move on, give me a shot here.

I live in northern MN and quickly learned that my 1 acre pasture which I wanted to turn into a 1 acre pond would cost me close to $48K in dirt work and likely my marriage!

I just had a 1/4 acre pond with 2:1 slopes dug with a steady bottom depth of 8', an anker trench 1' deep around the perimeter and a beach area that is 2' deep. The soil is a loam with some gravel, so rather than risk it going dry, I'm lining it with RPE and an underlayment.

I'll add in some structure on the bottom as well as build some spawning beds for bluegill and fat head minnows. Some large mouth bass will be planted for bluegill control. There will be bottom aeration and the pond will be backfilled with native soils about a foot deep, limed and fertilized based on a soil test. I have experience with established wildlife ponds and koi ponds, but this is my first from scratch build.

The liner is going in next week. What am I forgetting early on to make this a success?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

Will you be using this for open water fishing, hard water, or both?

Any pics?

Welcome Mike.

The pond will be a little for swimming and a little for fishing. I don't expect anything magical as far as fish growth but I am picky enough to keep good tabs on everything I do with managing a small eco system like this pond will be. I will fish it for fun and cull when needed.

I do have some photos I will try and post as the process continues.

Cool project! Can't wait to see pics.

I helped a guy with a similar type pond/goals and he went with HBG and YP. Not as much population maintenance needed and he's getting good growth on both species (with feeding).