Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site Land in SE Oklahoma

I am considering buying land in the next year or so in Southeastern Oklahoma (Atoka County area). I would like to have appox. a 1-2 acre pond built. What should I look for as far as land? The pond will be for exclusively for bass fishing.

This set of guidelines comes from our man Bob Lusk, a fisheries biologist who designs, builds and manages fishing ponds:

"I dream of having my own pond, so what should I look for in a property?" Bob Lusk of Texoma Hatchery, a veteran fisheries biologist based in Whitesboro, designs, builds and manages lakes.
When asked, Lusk answers that question with a series of questions of his own:
* How close to home does your pond site need to be?
* What purpose will the pond serve? Will it be a swimming hole for the grandkids? A prime fishing hole? Want to irrigate crops and support livestock, or provide water strictly for wildlife?
* What services and amenities can you expect from the local community? Fire protection, grocery stores, shopping, electricity, drinking water?
* Planning a lawn or garden? How will you water it?
* To maintain water levels during dry spells, does your county have restrictions on pumping ground water?
* Do the native soils hold water?
* Can you afford to meet your goals?
"As you hunt, don’t feel pressured by a self-induced, artificial deadline,” Lusk said. “Keep looking until you find the right place. It’s out there."
-- Mark McDonald, editor

Heed what Mark wrote. Shop, and think things through.
Watershed size, annual rainfall, taxes, soil types, neighbors, native plants, forest vs. pasture.
These are considerations before buying property.
Regarding a pond, look at topo maps, aerial photos, and zero in on the best sites. Also, talk to the local NRCS people, especially once you find a promising tract. They can furnish maps and help you decide on a pond site.