By Norman A. Latona, Jr.
Southeastern Pond Management

Once the construction phase of your pond project is over, the focus turns to stocking and managing the fish. But, questions abound - What do I stock? How many do I need? And, what other steps must be taken in order to assure maximum production?

The answer to these questions will ultimately determine the success or failure of your pond. With this in mind, let us explore some "basics" of new pond stocking and management.
Stocking regimens and management programs have much to do with individual objectives.

The following steps represent just one approach to creating quality sport fishing.

Generally speaking, new ponds may be stocked once they are about 1/4 full. In some cases, particularly where a watershed area is large, less water is sufficient. In any case, timing, species and quantity will be important. The following represents one recommended stocking plan:

• October to April, 1,000 coppernose bluegill fingerlings/acre
• October to April, 1,000 fathead minnows/acre
• March, 500-2,500 threadfin shad/acre
• June-August., 100 largemouth bass fingerlings/acre

Options may be selected as an effort to promote certain fishing objectives such as "trophy" bass production, "trophy" bluegill production or special diversity. Specifics should be discussed with a qualified fisheries biologist.

The vast majority of new ponds constructed in the southeastern U.S. require the addition of agricultural limestone in order to neutralized acidic soil and water and promote fish growth. Lime may be applied prior to filling (if even distribution is feasible) or after the pond is full, when material is broadcast over the entire surface area. Recommended liming rates for new ponds range from 4 to 6 or more tons per surface acre. Liming promotes effective fertilization.

Regular applications of inorganic fertilizer promote planktonic algae, the base of the food chain in ponds. Fertilization has been proven to increase total fish production in ponds by 3 to 4 times. In addition, the "shading effect" which proper fertilization imparts assists in the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation. Ponds may be fertilized according to the Standard Pond Fertilization Schedule, developed by Auburn University:

Beginning in early March, make three applications at two week intervals. Make the next three applications at three week intervals. Thereafter, apply once per month or whenever water visibility exceeds 18 to 24 inches. Cease fertilization by the end of October So, now your new pond project is "complete." Your pond will take on a personality of its own. Keep in mind, ponds, and the fish populations they support, are dynamic and ever-changing.