Trout Pond Maintenance

[WyoCoalMiner]

Curious if anyone on HT has experience maintaining a trout pond? Currently having a home built in Western Wyo. We have a 1-acre pond behind our home that at one time had trout in it. I fished it the other day and found no evidence of catchable sized fish. Lots of small fry, but dont believe they are trout. I would like to see if I can re-stock and maintain a catchable population of trout. Pond is permitted with the State and can hold cutthroat, rainbow and, I believe, browns. Pond is between 8-10 feet deep, max. Does not get a steady inflow throughout the year. Area gets a chit ton of snow and cold. Edges of pond have good growth of willow, sand cherry and a few trees, to help provide cover during the heat of summer. My assumption is any sizable fish die off in mid-summer and winter due to lack of oxygen. Current plan is to get aerator system and run year round, and have pond restocked. Other than that I am not sure what if anything else needs to happen. Any prior advice from experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[88man]

When you install and run your aerator system run 1/2 hour first day, 1 hr day 2, 2 hrs day3, 4hrs day 4, 8hrs day 5, 16hrs day 6 then can go to all day on day 7.

Looks awesome! Congratulations!

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

When you install and run your aerator system run 1/2 hour first day, 1 hr day 2, 2 hrs day3, 4hrs day 4, 8hrs day 5, 16hrs day 6 then can go to all day on day 7.

Looks awesome! Congratulations!

Thank you. What is the purpose of delayed start? Over agitation of silt?

 

[SAJ-99]

What does the temp of the water reach in summer? 10ft isn't very deep and the warm temps add to the lack of oxygen problem. If you get over 75, any trout is going to struggle. There are types of rainbows that tolerate warmer temps. The State probably knows the correct fish and where to source.

 

[Dave N]

Thank you. What is the purpose of delayed start? Over agitation of silt?

Probably to make changes gradually to not shock whatever is there.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

What does the temp of the water reach in summer? 10ft isn't very deep and the warm temps add to the lack of oxygen problem. If you get over 75, any trout is going to struggle. There are types of rainbows that tolerate warmer temps. The State probably knows the correct fish and where to source.

Not sure on water temps. Need to do more checking this summer. High air temp is rarely over 90. With cold over night temps. The State provides a list of approved hatcheries and species.

 

[SAJ-99]

Not sure on water temps. Need to do more checking this summer. High air temp is rarely over 90. With cold over night temps. The State provides a list of approved hatcheries and species.

I did a lot of research for a pond when I lived in Montana, but couldn't remember the breed. Had to look it up and I think it is redband subspecies of rainbow. I think an aerator is a good place to start.

 

[Bob-WY]

Does the pond have water later in summer? Many dry up

 

[El Jason]

Does the pond have water later in summer? Many dry up

That would certainly kill the fish.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

Does the pond have water later in summer? Many dry up

It has water all year long

 

[madtom]

Good chance it doesn’t need anything other than routine stocking. Can’t imagine there’s any spawning potential for trout there, so you need to replace them as they age out.

 

[88man]

Thank you. What is the purpose of delayed start? Over agitation of silt?

Starting a pond aerator slowly is crucial to prevent a rapid turnover, potential fish kills, and other issues related to the aeration process. A slow start allows the pond to gradually adjust to the changes in oxygen and temperature, preventing shock to the ecosystem.

Here's why a slow start is important:

• Prevents Rapid Turnover:
  Sudden introduction of oxygen and circulation can cause a rapid mixing of water layers, potentially disrupting the natural stratification of the pond. This can lead to a sudden release of gases and nutrients from the bottom, which can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life.
  
  
• Reduces Muck Agitation:
  A slow start allows the pond to adjust to the increased circulation, minimizing the disturbance of accumulated sediment and organic matter (muck) at the bottom. This helps prevent the release of potentially harmful gases and substances.
  
  
• Allows Gradual Oxygenation:
  A gradual increase in oxygen levels allows the pond's ecosystem to adapt, preventing stress on fish and other organisms from over-oxygenation.
  
  
• Avoids Fish Kills:
  By preventing rapid turnover and the release of harmful gases, a slow start significantly reduces the risk of mass fish kills, especially during times of stratification.
  
  
• Protects from Super-Saturation:
  In some cases, rapid aeration can lead to super-saturation of the water with oxygen, which can be harmful to fish. A slow start helps avoid this issue.
  
  
• Gives the Pond Time to Adjust:
  The pond's natural processes, such as bacterial activity and algae growth, need time to adapt to the changed conditions introduced by the aerator.

 

[88man]

Typically, Browns can handle a little bit more of summer conditions

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

Thank you @88man. Great info.

 

[Mallardsx2]

That aerator (if it has much size to it) is going to run your power bill through the roof....

Brace yourself.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

That aerator (if it has much size to it) is going to run your power bill through the roof....

Brace yourself.

The one I am looking at estimates power op costs, running 24/7, of $33.00/month assuming $0.10/kw hr.

 

[Mallardsx2]

The one I was looking at (that was going to provide enough oxygen to make it even worth having) was going to cost me $100 a MONTH and my pond isn't very big (<2 acres).... FYI.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

The one I was looking at (that was going to provide enough oxygen to make it even worth having) was going to cost me $100 a week and my pond isn't very big (<2 acres).... FYI.

Thats crazy!. $400+/month? What size pump? CFM's?

 

[Straight Arrow]

The one I was looking at (that was going to provide enough oxygen to make it even worth having) was going to cost me $100 a week and my pond isn't very big (<2 acres).... FYI.

Sports fisheries outdoor aquariums ain't cheap!

There are pond construction specialists who build them for the rich and famous around Bozeman.

 

[Zach1998]

Curious if anyone on HT has experience maintaining a trout pond? Currently having a home built in Western Wyo. We have a 1-acre pond behind our home that at one time had trout in it. I fished it the other day and found no evidence of catchable sized fish. Lots of small fry, but dont believe they are trout. I would like to see if I can re-stock and maintain a catchable population of trout. Pond is permitted with the State and can hold cutthroat, rainbow and, I believe, browns. Pond is between 8-10 feet deep, max. Does not get a steady inflow throughout the year. Area gets a chit ton of snow and cold. Edges of pond have good growth of willow, sand cherry and a few trees, to help provide cover during the heat of summer. My assumption is any sizable fish die off in mid-summer and winter due to lack of oxygen. Current plan is to get aerator system and run year round, and have pond restocked. Other than that I am not sure what if anything else needs to happen. Any prior advice from experience would be greatly appreciated.

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