The purpose of this publication is to provide prospective pond owners with the basic information needed to understand the process involved in establishing and maintaining a quality pond.

Water gardens or garden pools have become a popular part of landscape architecture in the United States. Water gardens are visually soothing and seem to connect people to the natural aquatic world. The esthetic value of water gardens is enhanced by the almost endless variety of design and planting options that make each one a unique and personal creation.

When ponds are fertilized, nutrients stimulate the growth of microscopic plants in the water (phytoplankton). Phytoplankton is food for other organisms (zooplankton and larger animals) that are eaten by fish. Abundant growth of these microscopic plants gives water a turbid, greenish color (called a “bloom”) that can prevent light from reaching the pond bottom and reduce the growth of rooted aquatic weeds.

Basic methods used to control weeds include preventive, mechanical, biological and chemical techniques. Determining which of these techniques to use involves consideration of the target weed species, fish production objectives for the pond, secondary water uses and the cost of treatment options.

Lakes and ponds can develop dense stands of aquatic vegetation that interfere with intended uses and destroy the natural beauty of the water. Most aquatic weed problems result from poor planning and poor management. Manipulating factors such as water, light and nutrients can help prevent weed growth.

An ever-increasing number of private landowners are constructing recreational ponds to meet their fishing needs while avoiding congestion associated with public watercourses. Includes pond management and resource information.

Forage species are primarily stocked in private waters throughout the Southeast as a food source for largemouth bass and other predator species. Unfortunately, the ideal forage species for all management situations does not exist. Therefore, managers often attempt to maximize largemouth bass production by stocking a multi-forage base. In many southeastern states, private landowners must rely on private hatcheries as sources for appropriate forage species.

A variety of factors can reduce populations in fish ponds during the spring.

This document discusses the importance of managing bass and bream populations in your recreational pond and provides management recommendations.

The largemouth bass (Micropterussalmoides) is one of several “basses” that are actually members of the sunfish family. There are two recognized subspecies, the Florida and the Northern, which will blend genetically.

An up-do-date list of fingerling producers in Louisiana and surrounding states. The list provides contact information and names of the fish types produced.

This document discusses important aspects of designing and constructing a recreational pond, along with illustrations of pond layouts and drainage options.

This document discusses uses for ponds other than fishing. These include livestock watering, fire control, wildlife habitat and swimming. Includes figures.

Aquatic weeds are a common problem in recreational ponds. This document discusses aquatic weeds and ways of controling them.

This document explains causes, effects, and solutions for oxygen depletion. It also discusses other causes of fish kills, such as chemical contamination.

This document introduces subjects that must be taken into consideration when creating a recreational pond, including permitting, public lands and waters, and liability.

This document discusses common nuisances and predators found in and around recreational ponds and gives suggestions on reducing their numbers.

This article discusses the procedures that should be taken to maximize the health of fingerlings when stocking your recreational pond.

This document discusses causes of muddy pond water and ways to prevent and control it.

This document provides information about when liming might be necessary and lime application methods.

This document discusses the importance of water quality to a recreational pond and water quality characteristics.

When fish are stressed, they are more susceptible to disease. This document discusses stress and diseases that fish can contract.

Description:Proper use of fertilizer can increase fish yields two to five times. Fish are easier to catch in fertilized ponds because plankton turbidity limits their vision, causing them to be less wary. Plankton blooms also reduce light penetration to pond bottoms, preventing growth of troublesome aquatic weeds.

This document gives tips and information on renovating ponds to remove undesirable fish species.

Habitat is extremely important in supporting a successful fishery in your pond. This article provides information on depth considerations, habitat complexity and creating spawning areas for your fish.

When considering what fish to stock, determine your objectives in terms of food production, recreation, aesthetics or trophy angling and how much time you have to devote to pond management. Although many types of fish could be stocked into recreational ponds, few have the characteristics needed to provide quality fishing year after year.

Springtime diseases and oxygen losses in fish ponds are common throughout the Southeast.

Herbicides are just one method of managing aquatic weeds. There are also: 1) preventive methods such as proper pond site selection and construction, fertilization andperiodic draw-downs; 2) biological methods such as grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella); and 3) mechanical methods such as cutting, seining and raking. Using a combination of methods is the most effective method of managing aquatic weeds.

Grass carp can effectively control aquatic vegetation, particularly submerged vegetation. The key to using grass carp is to stock the proper number based on their vegetation preferences, the water temperature, and the biomass and pond coverage of the plants.

This publication outlines some options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color.

Fish kills occur both in natural populations and under aquaculture conditions. When fish kills or disease outbreaks occur on a fishfarm or private pond or lake, it is usually an emergency. To optimize the response to a fishkill, producers should be prepared.

Aquatic herbicides are chemicals used to kill aquatic plants or severely interrupt their growth. About 200 herbicides are registered by the EPA for use in the United States, but only six are labeled for use in aquaculture sites. It is important that aquaculturists use these registered herbicides in a safe and effective manner.

A farm pond or recreational pond can serve many purposes. This publication reviews planning considerations and management recommendations relating to a number of potential uses for small ponds in Louisiana.