Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations New Member

I am a new member to the site. Apologies if this question is in the wrong place….but. What is the best depth for shallow water in a half acre farm pond…. I know if it’s too shallow too much vegetation grows and too deep no vegetation grows… is there a good depth for the shallow parts of my pond to grow the correct vegetation?

Welcome!
As a general rule, fertility, visibility and sunlight will dictate where veggies grow.
A shallow flat will grow more veg than a 2.5-1 slope will, at least in a smaller area, grow a thinner line of vegetation depending on type.
3-1 slope is good for most areas where you desire a bit of aquatic vegetation and not all areas will grow good. This type of area-again, depending on water clarity-will also be possible prime spawning sites due to a more gentle slope.
Good nursery habitat/vegetation would be in the 2-5' range in most cases but survival of the young is also possible in 1-2' water in the right conditions.
The species of fish you choose will also be a factor in your goal for water clarity/visibility. Everyone has ideas as to what that target is but I feel 15-28" vis will be a good goal to shoot for.
Of course there is always more to the story but those topics can be addressed as you share the goals you have in mind.

Much Thanks!

Well said

Welcome to Pond Boss, Terry!

I asked a similar question about slopes a long time ago - and got lots of good advice.

However, I mentioned "kids fishing" and people said that SAFETY should also be part of the design. They said I should have one obvious area of shallower slope where a human can navigate through the muck or slick clay and still walk out of the pond.

That won't even be wasted space, since the BG will use that stretch of shore for spawning, etc.