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The first step to a healthy pond starts with a habitat strategy
To ensure a healthy fish population, your pond must provide habitat that will promote an adequate reproduction environment as well as habitat that supports fish protection allowing for growth. When carefully planned out and executed, habitat is an essential component to a successful pond. For example, a large portion of your pond must be set up and planned properly with structure for breeding, for food, for fish safety, and fish harvesting.
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Have a question? Contact Don today to learn more about our services and habitat strategies for your pond.
Habitat Basics
Habitat Structure
Having appropriate planned pond depth and shallows are key to proper habitat structure. The shallows are necessary for fish spawning areas and the deeper areas are essential for fish safety during the winter freeze as well as other considerations. Shallow areas need to be planned to avoid root-developing plants which can take over a pond. Moving away from the edge of the pond, deeper holes, underwater mounds and submerged points all provide habitat variability and cover for sport fish, particularly largemouth bass. Planned areas for structure such as downed trees or brush, pallets, tire reefs, or other structural object provide protection for fish but also provide a concentrated area of fish to increase the catch rate of pond anglers. Additionally, the plants surrounding your pond are also part of the habitat. We can recommend appropriate plants that support the pond bank structure as well as provide beauty for your landscape.
Understanding Silt
Some silt is natural in a pond but too much silt is a problem. Too much silt reduces nesting areas for fish spawning which decreases fish population. Old ponds have a lot of silt. They may have woods around them, they may flood, which eventually shallows up the pond. In this case, the silt level needs to be tested to see how much is in there and then create a plan for how much silt to reduce. There are ways to remove silt biologically or through support with aeration rather than dredging (which means draining the pond which is costly). Removing most of the silt produces better water clarity and a healthier fish population.
Coffer Dam
A coffer dam is a good solution to raise water level during times of drought and keep water levels up to a consistent level. It can also enhance the size of your pond. If you struggle to keep water in your pond, ask us about a coffer dam solution.
Building from the Bottom Up
Building a pond with a bottom up approach is the way to go and careful habitat structure planning will ensure a healthy pond with healthy fish population. Consult with Don Farley to plan your pond right from the start. If you have an existing pond or older pond, that is fine as well since Don can help you get the eco system and habitat optimized for long-term health. Bottom line - if you pond is not built/designed from the bottom up, it is a premeditated disaster and potentially very costly to repair, so design it right from the start!