Making a pond

[stevomac59]

I just damed up this creek that runs through my ranch. Its round with about a 25' -35' diameter. and apx. a 10' max depth at the center. There is vegetation growing on the outer skirts of the pond and I am trying to stock it up tieh some fish. I have recently gone casting with my cast net to try to get some fish... i have pulled in a couple of fingerlings the biggest being a 6 inch blue gill, and a 5 inch bass. How long would it take to have some game sized fish in my pond? Is there a program which provides the fish for you? What tips do you have on keeping my fish, as well as my pond, nice, healthy and suitable for big game fish? Is it possible to stock ponds with wild fish? Can I Put fish that I catch in my pond? What is the predator/prey Ratio and how can I balance it out?

Sorry for all the questions

Thank you.

[BigBassin144]

Well. You can probably order fish to stock it from your state. That's what we did. We have lots of largies, 12-15 2' channel cats to help keep it clean. tons of bluegill, which are goof for the bass and cats to eat and for kids to fish for. also, get some Sterile Grass Carp. They wont reproduce and take over the pond and they will help keep a boat load of algae from growing. you'd have to check your state laws about transferring fish from one body of water to another. unless they are both on your property.

by the way, Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your pong.

[bassfisher02]

Yeah contact your local Fish and Game office and see what the laws are. Also like BB mentioned you can get fish from the state, and they will provide you with knowledge and the what and what not to do. Depending on your states laws, I think its something like 2 years before you can fish it, and the state will keep a close eye on you. This just insures that the fish can reproduce and get to size before being messed with.

[lizardsrule]

Check with the local authorities as stated. However with the pond being that small, it will never become a great fishery. You could perhaps have some decent bass in 1 year if you are south, 2 years up north from fingerlings. Up north I was told the rule of thumb(everybody's thumb is different though lol) is 1lb per year for the first couple of years, then it can slow down dramatically. Always nice to have a fishing hole off the porch though. And as I have stated before, if I made a fishing hole, ideally I would want it to be tied to a creek of some sort.

Lizards

[Rebbasser]

Stevo-check with Texas Parks and Wildlife-they will point you in the right direction. Nothing wrong with catching them elsewhere and transporting them.