Fish stocking ponds planned for private land are routinely regulated by state and municipal authorities. If you’re thinking about installing a stock pond on your own property, whether solely for your own use or as a commercial enterprise, be sure to research the requirements in advance, obtain the proper permits and authorizations, and call for inspections as needed from your state and local government jurisdictions. If you’re just exploring the idea of installing a fish stocking pond on your property, you can obtain information online from your state fish and wildlife management department, from a state university marine fisheries department or university extension service, or from federal sources.
Most states have excellent information available for anyone who is interested in establishing a fish stocking pond. Resources for pond management are also available from state and federal authorities.
Getting Started with a New Stock Pond
The first step is to evaluate your site. Existing ponds, on private agriculturally-zone land, can sometimes be enlarged or modified to provide fishing opportunities in addition to flood control, livestock watering or irrigation. In some cases, and in some locations, the fishing experiences on private ponds are even better than those available on public lands.
If you have a natural spring, or if your pond will be fed by the runoff from a section of river or creek that runs through your land, you may have an initial advantage. Chances are, you will still want to do some work to enhance what is already there. It is always best to check first with federal, state and local regulatory agencies. You should collect all necessary information before you take any steps to modify the environment, enlarge an existing pond or alter existing drainage patterns. Again, be aware of permits you may be required to obtain, and the fees that may be charged. In many locales, even small, private ponds are regulated, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Start with the Federal Level
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has oversight of the numerous rivers, lakes, streams and creeks that run through the various states. Protected under the Clean Water Act, anything you plan to do that affects existing waterways in any way requires approval. If you plan to create a pond that covers more than a quarter-acre of ground surface, or if you plan to alter an existing creek or stream, be certain about your legal right to do so, and secure approval before you actually begin any work. Although ponds and lakes used for agricultural purposes may be exempt from permit, the agricultural use must be primary (with fishing as a secondary or supplementary purpose), so it’s always wise to check first.
Also Investigate Local Regulations
At state, county and even local levels, you may encounter additional regulations that must be considered. In most cases, any construction or dirt-moving that involves more than a few cubic feet of soil will also require a permit and preliminary inspections from the governing agency or department. An engineer’s stamp may also be required, much like a requirement for installing a septic system on private property. As you work through the levels of jurisdiction, you may find that your particular area is more or less restrictive than the norm. Whatever the rules may be, compliance is always easier than defiance. Code enforcement officials at all levels are typically knowledgeable and helpful, and they are available to answer any questions you may have. Rely on the official advice that you receive.
Types of Fish Stocking Ponds
Many farms and ranches have stock ponds that are fed by natural springs or by runoff from existing rivers and streams. These ponds provide water for farm and ranch animals and also serve as natural habitat for other creatures and vegetation. They are miniature, natural ecosystems, and often need little assistance or management.
They may, or may not, provide the proper conditions, however, for stocking catchable fish. If the basics are in place, you will no doubt want to enhance the natural environment in some way if you plan to stock your pond with fish that can be caught on a regular and sustainable basis over a period of years. If you plan to develop a pond that generates income from fishing on a per-day or per-hour basis, the planning and execution will necessarily be more detailed, with the need for parking and perhaps additional facilities on site. Management also becomes more intensive. There are risks involved, and you will want to be fully informed about potential liability before getting too far in your planning effort.
Fish management is another concern. Even if you plan to stock your pond only for private use, you will want to cultivate healthy fish that are safe to eat, as well as a stock of fish that will continue to reproduce and thrive over time. A comprehensive system of predator control is needed to assure that fish can survive an onslaught of raccoons or hungry migratory birds. Fences and netting may suffice, but you might want to install other controls as well, particularly until you have a well-established stock pond. You will also need to monitor your fish for disease and put testing protocols in place to ensure water safety.
Natural versus Artificial Habitat Fish Stocking Ponds
Natural ponds, with an existing soil base, typically provide a less than ideal environment for fish cultivation due to soil composition or porosity. In addition, water level can vary greatly based on rainfall or runoff, the potential for flooding and heat/freeze cycles. Small ponds that provide water for farm animals and wildlife are subject to the effects of those uses, and can become overly muddy, cloudy or polluted, thereby endangering the fish population.
The best solution is to construct a pond that utilizes a liner, creating a natural-looking pond that provides protection and nurture for the fish you plan to stock. Modern liners are available in non-toxic formulations and will not harm the environment, fish, birds or wildlife in the environment. They prevent seepage of water into the ground and eliminate most of the problems associated with muddy or cloudy water. Using a liner is the best way to establish an ecosystem designed to sustain fish populations in most regions.
The most versatile liner on the market today, AquaArmor, maximizes protection from harmful UV rays, and boasts high resistance to tears and punctures that cause leaks. It is the best pond liner on the market.
What Size Is Optimal for a Private Stocking Pond?
There is no best answer to this question. Every potential fish stocking pond owner must evaluate the location, land contours, specific goals, weather conditions, costs and many other variables before deciding on the size, configuration and final specifications of the pond. While some homeowners are happy with a Koi pond, others will settle for nothing less than a small five-acre lake with a fountain and a fishing dock.
Ponds in rural locations or on agricultural property may, out of necessity, be planned to meet needs other than fishing – drinking water for animals, or an emergency supply of water, for instance, and “pay for fish” commercial ponds have an entirely different focus.
The minimum pond size recommended for fish cultivation is half an acre, but other than that, your pond size is a personal decision.
