Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations New small forage pond question

I have a 1/2 acre pond with LMB, BG and YP in it that is about 7 yrs old and is doing well. I decided to take the tractor and make a small pond to keep golden shiners in it. the plan was to always have minnows available to get out to fish with and also raise them to seine and then put into the pond for forage. I took the tractor the other day and dug it out. It looks like an in-ground pool. its about 18x35ft and 6ft deep in the "deep end."

A day after I shaped it out we got some heavy rains and it filled about half way up. I dont think its going to hold water at full pool, it will most likely drain. I didnt compact the pond well enough and it also has a lot of rock on the bottom so I was thinking about pumping the water out and going the route of a pond liner. I have never used one before so can someone give me some input on what I should get? Is this a good way to go? Anything Im missing?

I have electric about 100yds away so no problem getting some aeration in there via poly air tube. im in no hurry, I wanted to get it all set this year, aeration in there, habitat in there, then add the GS next spring. I appreciate any/all comments and suggestions. Thank you.

I'll defer to others on liner recommendations.

I would like to suggest one thing however. Given that you have BG and YP and may have goals also around them ... consider FHM instead of GSH for the forage pond. GSH will compete with BG and YP once they grow large enough that only LMB can eat them. So I think GSH will diminish the ultimate weight of BG and YP while I think the FHM will boost ultimate weight of BG and YP. If your focus is squarely on LMB alone, then the GSH are probably a better choice.

I would also agree with that.. The Large mouth are benefiting from BG and YP.. The GSH are doing nothing for the YP and BG other than eating a few fry when very young, then turning on both after they hatch. I believe I would shoot for FHM also..

Thank you both for the input. The main question I have is with the creation of the pond itself and whether to use a liner and more information on them. Anyone that’s used one what to get, what to look out for, etc. thank you.

Savannah, I don't hear much about liners here..I know there are at least a couple of manufacturers of them but I can't remember the last time I even read about a fabric liner. Check the Resource Guide on the Home page of PondBoss.com, there may be something listed. Somebody like Solitude Lake management, maybe others..
Try this...
https://www.carlislesyntec.com/Roofing-Products/Specialty/GeoMembrane

I think I might look this whole project over before I get in “ too deep”. All pun intended.

I have seen a few liner installations. Around here, and it seems intuitive to me, prior to putting the liner in place, they first put down old carpeting, carpet side down, then the carpet pad and liner on top of that.
It seems an economical way to avoid punctures...

A customer used Bend Tarp Liner for a wildlife pond. It was a woven fabric AquaArmor, VERY tough and a lot lighter weight than the HDPE liners that I've seen. https://www.btlliners.com/liners/residential-pond-liners/