How to Make a Stock Pond

A stock pond is a creation of beauty and a provider (to animals) of the needs dictated by nature. Almost anyone can create this much needed area for entertainment while also solving part of the natural requirements of wildlife. Humans will enjoy fishing (and eating the fish) in the pond. A stock pond is suited to a rural setting so that it can lure animals to drink. You also don't have to worry as much about underground wires (but you should still check with your utility companies).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Backhoe or front end loader
• Stakes and string to lay out the pond
• Fish and frog eggs from fish hatchery
• Plants that will grow in your stock pond
• Clay liner

1. Decide where you will locate the pond. It needs to be within easy access of any animals that will be drinking from the stock pond. Lay out the measurements visibly so that you can step back and see how it will look.
2. Study the building specifications in your area for creating a stock pond. Make certain you do not need a permit from the city or county to begin the construction. Obtain one through the proper channels if you do.
3. Dig down to a depth of 6 to 12 feet to create the stock pond. A front loader or backhoe is the most appropriate machine for this job.
4. Line your stock pond with a heavy clay soil. See if water stands for several days after a heavy rain in other areas of your land. If this is the case, simply dig the pond deep enough and prepare the bottom with heavy clay earth to encourage the growth of cattails and other pond-loving plants, such as water lilies.
5. Allow the pond to fill naturally with the next heavy rain. This insures the pond water is free from chlorine. You will appreciate this fact when you begin fishing.
6. Add fish and frog eggs according to the size of your stock pond. If you will be using the pond for fishing, you need to consider what you will want to catch and what adapts well to your area. These eggs are available from your local hatchery. This is where the entertainment aspect begins. Soon you will be able to fish in your stock pond any time you want.
7. Look through Internet searches to see about supplies for your pond and to find local shops. Just type in "stock pond supplies" as a keyword search. Remember to look for supplies that encourage the health and continuing enjoyment of your fishing habit.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need to make a sloped area at some point on the pond. This is so the toadlings can climb their way out.
• Use a plastic liner designed for the fish hatchery business if the soil will not allow the pond to hold water. You can find out how to get a liner where you order pond stocking items.
• Algae plants are beneficial to the life of a pond. They not only have an important place in the food chain, but they also help to cool the pond floor.
• Make sure you use a reliable fish hatchery to insure against undesirable infestations from unknown fish species and parasites. The hatchery will also have information on which fish will live well with others and which are predatory in nature.

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