By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Landowners often construct ponds to create recreational fishing sites. Here, a catfish comes to the top for the food that’s been tossed into the water. Having various size fish, for a good food chain, is important. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

April 20, 2006 - With spring’s arrival, many rural landowners … old and new … start thinking about digging a pond on their property, either to provide water for livestock or for recreation for families.

On April 5, those in and around Waller County gathered at the Field Store Community Center to learn about the correct ways to make sure what types of management would actually work.

Craig A. Pate, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Dr. Michael P. Masser, Extension fisheries specialist, were two of the event speakers.

From the beginning of Pate’s presentation, he noted the importance of finding the right contractor to dig your pond.

“Find someone who’s built ponds and not just ‘moved dirt,’” explained Pate.

Everyone who can operate any type of digging machinery may “believe” they know exactly what to do and how to do it, but Pate noted the property owner will pay for the mistakes in the end.

Other than the importance of finding a good contractor, Pate said other things to consider, prior to digging, include location, size of pond, drainage, water supply and shape.

One important point he made was that gravel does not work as a bottom for a pond, because it (gravel) allows for the water to leak out of the pond. On the same topic, Pate explained that topsoil is not good for building ponds, either. He suggested that the contractor dig down at least eight feet and put the top soil aside for use in planting grass or other vegetation around the pond.

Another really important point for landowners to consider is “what’s going on around the area.” If there are a lot of land use changes going on, it could affect the watershed and safety of water entering the pond, he noted. The presence of a flood plain in the area is very important, too.

The shape of a pond is completely up to the landowner, explained Pate, but owners should make sure there is a “slopping” to the sides of the pond, especially if the water will be used by livestock. Too, if there is a steep drop into the pond, Pate said that in the case of a drought or lack of water, the sides of the pond could cave in and take anything on the topsoil with it … including livestock.

Pate told the landowners that a typical pond is around 3,000 cubic yards, eight feet deep, covers about one-third acre of land and cost an average of $3,000 to $4,000. All can vary according to the wants and needs of the landowner.

Although some may think that trees on a levee look attractive, Pate explained the tree roots could cause leaks that can create costly repair bills. Vegetation around the pond, though, is very important and should be planted and fertilized before the water goes into the pond. Pate suggested planting oats and rye for winter, too.

When it comes to stocking the new pond for recreational fishing, Masser told the group that having various size fish, for a good food chain, is very important. Two species he mentioned as being good ones to stock are largemouth bass and catfish

“All animals eat something,” noted Masser. Even the smallest fish with the smallest mouth must have food available, and there is no plant-eating fish native to North America, he said.

One important point he made was that “clear water does not mean it’s good.” Slime helps provide a bacterium which is nutritious to fish, he explained.

Masser advised pond owners should monitor the healthiness of their pond water. He suggested contact the county’s Texas Cooperative Extension office for details on how to submit water samples, which are usually tested by Texas A&M University’s laboratory.