Pond Mgmt 101

Yes the pond has a small leak. I was told that it was around 3/4 of an acre at 10' in deepest part. It does have a good amount of clay but I guess it wasn't well enough in a area or maybe there was some trash in that spot. It does have a good burmuda stand around about 90% of the pond. It was a shallow pond maybe 2' deep and we drained it and dug it out with a dozer.

Timber - Based on your information it appears that you may have broken the seal on the bottom. I would suggest that you drain the pond and allow it to dry. I would then inspect the bottom and look for a crack or some indication of a seep. I would suggest you bring in additional clay or bentonite and incorporate it into the seep or crack, moisten it and pack it.
Allow the pond to refill and see if the leak is stopped. I would then add 3 -4 bales of straw or prairie hay and allow it to slowly decompose. You can break it up if you wish. This will aid in clearing the water and adding nutrients.

I'm guessing square bales and do I scatter them around the pond edges or scatter all over the pond?

Timber - Just put the broken bales in the water and let them float around and decay. The rest will happen naturally.

Thanks there cricket george, I sure appreciate it. I will dod that this next week.
New to the site! Hope you'll have fun at the get together tomorrow if your headed there. I was wanting to come and meet everybody, but I am working nights this weekend. Anyhow, have a blast and thanks again!


If you have anymore advice for new ponds before they fill up I would appreciate it!

Thanks!

Timber - Throw in a bag of 10-20-10 or 13-13-13 and walk away

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Originally Posted by rigrunner(236)

Cricket George, You give out some good solid advice. I was raised on the farm and know what your talking about. I may someday own a small pond. If I can find one and the price is right and the right part of the country.

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Can anyone tell me the correct way to set cedar trees for structure for crappie and bass. Depth runs 3' to 30'. Very little structure existing. I know to attach a cendar block to sink them but to what depth and how many in one spot? Any suggestions? Thanks

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Originally Posted by cricket george

Timber - Just put the broken bales in the water and let them float around and decay. The rest will happen naturally.

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What is your wisom concerning sinking some cedars in 15 to 30' water. What depth, how many etc. Sure would appreciate some advice.

ddburge - There is no wrong way to sink cedar. If you built the lake originally you will know where the breaklines are. I would tow some medium size trees out to these breaklines and sink them. Typically I determine where I want to lay the piles, then I place a milk bottle for a marker and start towing. When you are finished simply remove the marker.

Regarding your question of what depth to start your piles. I would suggest 6' and stop at 25'. A row of trees extending between these 2 depths allow the fish to travel shallow during the Spring and Fall and deeper during the Summer and Winter. It is a travel corridor and it concentrates the fish.

You may also want to drop a few along the shoreline to attract the fish during the spawn.

Hopefully this answers your questions, if not let me know.:)

Stay tuned next week the shock boat is going to start juice flowing and we will have a report on the 2 managed lakes. I am interested in the size of the catfish and crappie in both lakes.

A new lake or two may be added this year to provide additional information. 1 is a dandy that I hope to be able to tweek. Please understand I do not work for the ODWC Fisheries department. I am not able to request the use of a shock boat at will. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to use it on the 2 current projects. Next weeks sampling will probably end the need for further use.