Ponds

Unless stocking is for corrective purposes or is a part of a recommended stocking program, fish should not be added to a pond that already has fish in it without the advice of a fisheries manager.

In recent years, many farmers and landowners have become interested in revitalizing their farm ponds. Their goal is to increase production in these ponds and produce large poundages of bass and bluegill. Good fishing ponds, however, do not just happen - they require good management and sometimes considerable time and effort.

Farmers realize that to effectively grow crops they must periodically lime their fields to maintain the proper soil pH. If you plan on growing fish in a pond, you will probably have to do the same. Whether you use your pond for recreational fishing or for raising a commercial fish crop, having the right balance of lime is important.

Aeration of Farm Ponds

Management of Water Quality Problems

Water Management

Pond Water Quality PDF

Water flowing from the landscape after rain or during irrigation can pick up sediments and nutrients that pollute streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.