Outdoor pond for housing native fish from local waterways?

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Eric L

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 12, 2006
195
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washington
Well, on our property we have a pond that is already built out of concrete that is 1000+ gallons and consistes of 1 main pond and 2 minor ponds connected by water ways that are about 1.5 ft deep and 2 feet wide. It was on the property when we got the house. Now I didnt really even think about using it because I really dont think Koi are that great (no offence) and I didnt think I could really put any other fish in it that would survive the northwest winter where the pond may ice over slightly a couple nights.

Anyways my idea is to get local fish from local waterways by going out and catching them myself and raising them in the pond yr round. Any one think this would work? I would keep a partial heater in there so that it dosnt totally freeze over at any time. Imput is appreciated. Also how many gph should I be running on a ponds thats around 1000 gallons?

Thanks,

Eric
 
I say some Bass, Sunfish, and maybe something exotic for coldwater.
 
For a low/med stocking level use a 2400 gph, For denser populations double that and use spray bar returns for added O2, bluegill, stoneroller or yellow suckers, bullhead, and yellow perch would all work.
 
One thing that just popped into mind, you do not really need a heater in NW Washington to keep an ice free area. Use a bubbler ring or small submersible fountain pump strong enough to roil a small portion of the surface and it will give you an ice free area while using much less power.
 
White suckers are cool too, or some freshawter drum.
 
a flathead catfish!!!!!!!! and a long nose gar, and a pike, and a channel catfish...better make it two channels, about 1000 gambusia and a small population of bluegill or perch to feed the bigger fish. also a big carp would be cool.
 
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