Do not allow trees to become established on the pond dam because tree roots can lead to seepage problems in later years. The pond dam should be at least 10 feet wide at the crest and have a 3:1 slope (three feet of width for every foot of height) on the front side and a 2:1 slope on the backside – see Figure. ![]() A catfish pond where fish occasionally will be seine-harvested definitely needs a smooth bottom and bottom drain. A drainpipe also allows for a partial drawdown to control shoreline vegetation, force stunted forage fish out of cover making them more vulnerable to predation, and facilitate repair of the dam or shoreline. Smaller ponds can produce fine fishing, but they are susceptible to overharvest and require more intensive management.Ī bottom drainpipe is a big plus in managing a pond it will allow you to totally drain and reclaim the pond in the future if the fish population gets totally out of balance or if unwanted fish enter the pond. A fishing pond should be at least a half surface acre and at least 10 feet deep in a quarter of its area to ensure adequate water during dry years. If adequate clay is not available at the site, then it will need to be hauled in to line the bottom and build the dam core.įrom a fish management standpoint, the following are some of the main points you should consider in pond construction. Pick a pond site with clay or clay loam soils to reduce seepage. The resulting ponds are difficult to manage because fish and nutrients are consistently flushed from the pond and eventually unwanted fish enter and become established. Generally, avoid damming creeks or large deep draws unless excessive water can be easily diverted. If possible, select a site for your pond where a relatively low and short length of the dam will back water over a wide and flat area to get the most for your money. A small yet adequate drainage area for fish ponds is best so that nutrients and fish are not washed out of the pond during periods of high runoff. Again, the NRCS can calculate the right size pond for your drainage area. Natural drainage ponds in Oklahoma should have from five acres (in eastern Oklahoma) to 20 acres (in western Oklahoma) of the drainage area for each surface acre of pond. Drainage areas completely covered with grasses or woody vegetation provided the best water source for fish ponds. The water must not be contaminated with feedlot runoff, pesticides, herbicides, industrial waste, or excessive silt. ![]() Department of Agriculture.Ī successful fish pond requires a quality water supply. Additionally, they can tell you whether financial assistance is available to help with the cost of construction. They will provide free expert assistance in planning and designing your pond. The best source of construction advice is your local NRCS. This section provides a general summary of pond construction tips.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |