what is the average price to stock a pond

Full Answer

How much does it cost to stock a tiny pond?

Stocking the fish is only the beginning if you don’t have a pond already. For the perfect pond site, according to Field and Stream, you should be prepared to pay $3,000 to $5,000 per acre with permitting and dam building included. Beyond the architecture, however, the fish can set you back up to $500 per acre for baby bass and another $15,000, at a minimum, for the excavation and permits.

How much does it cost to stock pond?

The overall price varies based on a variety of factors:

• Liner material
• Pond location
• Size
• Property soil type

Where can I buy fish to stock my pond?

for your new pond. Harrison Fishery, Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We serve our customers with quality fish to stock ponds or lakes, competitively priced with a friendly personal touch.

Should I stock my pond with trout?

Water Temperature as a Critical Factor towards Bass and Trout for Pond Stocking

• Coldwater fish species like trout which thrive in cool, constantly flowing water
• Cool water fish that prefer intermediate temper ranges like smallmouth bass
• Warm water species that do well in high temperatures like largemouth bass

How much would it cost to stock a pond?

Stocking a pond costs $1.25 to $4.50 per fish. The price for stocking a pond with fish varies based on the type of fish you choose for your body of water and how many will fit.

How do you price a pond?

Some factors affecting price are size, depth and whether there are fish. The cost to build a pond is usually $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. For a larger-scale project, like a lake, expect to pay $3,000 to $8,200 per acre or more. The overall price varies based on a variety of factors.

How many fish should I stock in a 1 acre pond?

A typical pond stocking strategy for a warm-water pond would be 1,000-1,500 bluegills, 50-100 bass, and 50-200 catfish per acre. Many recreational pond owners, however, prefer to stock bluegills and catfish to increase the size and population of bass.

How big should a pond be to stock it?

Decide on Pond Size: Much like building any other water feature in your backyard, the first step is scouting out space for it. You'll need at least half an acre of land where 25% is at least six feet deep, though there are many ponds that cover as much as 5-6 acres or more.

How much does a 1000 gallon pond cost?

Garden ponds can be very expensive, but they need not be. A 1000-gallon (3800-liter) garden pond with fish, plants and a waterfall (and not requiring a biological filter) can cost as little as $300 or as much as $5000.

How deep should a 1/2 acre pond be?

8-10 feetFor warm water species like bass and panfish, an average depth of 8-10 feet is preferred in a ½ acre pond. Larger ponds can go deeper, of course.

How often should you restock a pond?

The best practice for these species of fish is to restock the amount of fish harvested every season. If you harvest 100 catfish during the season, then next spring stock 100 6-8” catfish to replace them.

Are largemouth bass good for ponds?

A: Bass – both largemouth and smallmouth – make excellent predator fish. These strong, scrappy guys keep your bluegill population in check. They chase frogs, eat crustaceans and snails, and even catch unsuspecting birds and rodents like small muskrats. They're a definite asset in your pond or lake.

How deep should a fishing pond be?

Four feet of water will prevent excess water evaporation and keep predators from eating the fish. Steep, hard-to-climb banks will also deter predators. In warmer climates where the pond will not freeze, 4 feet is plenty. In temperate climates with mild to cold winters, 7 to 8 feet deep is preferable.

How deep does a stock pond need to be?

Preparing for a Farm Pond Fish ponds should be at least 6 feet deep, but no more than 12 to 15 feet deep. The water level should have a mechanism of control, such as a sleeved standpipe fitted with a cut-off valve at the bottom.

Is a 1 acre pond big enough for fish?

In general, most farm ponds can support no more than 500 pounds of fish per acre without supplemental aeration. When you stock and grow catfish to catchable sizes (1 to 3 pounds), you exceed the limit when more than about 150 catfish are present.

How can I stock my pond for free?

Some states have free stocking programs. Check out your local government website to find out if your pond could qualify for these programs. If your state doesn't have such a program though, you may be able to stock your pond with fish you catch in public waters.

How much does it cost to bag fish?

A bagging charge can cost $1.50 to $2 per bag. State permits may be required, depending on where you live. Refer to your state’s regulations to see what you’re responsible for. Stocking the fish is only the beginning if you don’t have a pond already.

What fish can I put in a backyard pond?

At most fish farms, from what we witnessed most offer largemouth bass, bluegills, sunfish, catfish, minnows, carp, koi and crappie. These tend to be the standard species available for your average backyard pond. Availability will vary, depending on the species.

What is the best Ph level for bass?

While some are available year-round, some fish, such as bass may be seasonal. Always check your Ph levels before stocking your pond. A Ph of 6.0 will naturally hold the fish; however, it should be closer to 7.0 to 8.0 for optimal results.

How much does it cost to build a fishing pond?

The total cost for building a backyard fishing pond ranges from $3500 to $50000. It depends on the quality of the pond, such as if the quality works are not done, you have to rebuild the pond again after a few years. Fishing ponds are built to include your hatchery.

Why are fishing ponds so expensive?

Too small fishing ponds are very costly, as the building process is the same but in a smaller area. The more the fish pond size and depth will increase more the cost will increase.

What are the different types of fishing ponds?

Following are the types of fishing ponds based on the design and structure: 1. Backyard Fishing Pond: Garden ponds are usually small and less expensive, but the prices can go higher if you add pond accessories such as waterfalls or fountains. There is a lot of landscaping required to blend pond items into the garden.

How deep should a pond be?

It also depends on the soil type of the site where you are going to build the fishing pond. A pond should be 2ft deep to ensure the plant and fish growth.

Why is the ground around a fishing pond dammed?

After the excavation process, the ground around the pond is dammed or banked to prevent water leakage. With the better the damming, the life of the fishing pond is increased.

How to stack a fish pond?

The very first process of stacking the fish pond is the excavation. Excavation costs differ according to the soil type, width, and height of the pond. Too small fishing ponds are also very costly because the same process has to be done like any bigger fishing pond.

Why don't people estimate the cost of a pond?

Ponds or lakes at home bring you near nature. Many people don’t even estimate the cost of the building because they think it would not be Budget-friendly. If you have much space for a fishing pond, you should at least think about it. Fishing would be a great activity to do in your leisure time, or you can just sit and enjoy the pond scene.

How much does it cost to stock a pond with fish?

Catfish, for example, are very easy to care for and can cost as little as $1 per fish, while a koi fish can cost upwards of $50. Just like stocking fish, some pond owners opt to plant plants.

How much does it cost to build a pond?

The first step to building a pond is to dig out the area. On average, digging up a pond is going to cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per cubic yard of material that has to be removed . Although it may seem odd, smaller ponds are often going to cost more than larger ponds because it will require smaller equipment.

How long do pond liners last?

For starters, a permanent garden pond, for example, could be made from concrete or fiberglass. These liners , as long as they are installed properly, can last up to 50 years. Flexible liners, which are usually made of plastic, can last up to 20 years.

What is the easiest pond to dig?

A simple rectangular pond will be the easiest to dig because it will involve a straight line and nothing else; however, if you were to want an oblong pond or one with a circular-like shape, then the costs could increase.

Why do people build ponds?

Other people, however, may want to fill the pond with different types of fish and use it for recreation . Another reason you may want a pond is to swim and enjoy the water.

How much does it cost to clear an acre?

The average acre can cost up to $6,000 just to clear the area. This will not even include the disposal fees. For the excavating costs alone, plan on spending upwards of $3,000 to $6,000 per acre. If the soil has to be removed from the property, additional disposal fees will be applied.

What to plant in a pond?

Just like stocking fish, some pond owners opt to plant plants. Cattails, for instance, are well versed for shallow waters and can help improve the water quality as they grow. Lillies, on the other hand, can be easy to care and can work very well in tropical climates.

Why stock largemouth bass in pond?

That said, Pond King Biologists don’t typically recommend stocking Largemouth Bass in ponds less than one acre, due to the lack of space.

What is the benefit of correctly paired sizes of different fish species?

The benefit of utilizing correctly paired sizes of different fish species is that you don’t have to wait to stock predatory species. Pond King Biologists always recommend stocking the correct quantities and sizes of fish to produce a viable and thriving fishery, immediately. We also offer several Fish Stocking Plans which will give you a good idea of the stocking requirements for a 1-acre pond. For smaller orders, Pond King has a fully staffed Fish Barn where you can place your order and leave with fish in plastic bags.

Do you need a bigger pond for bass?

If raising trophy-class Bass is your goal, you'll need a larger pond or lake to support a larger population of predatory species, like Bass. Another important pond quality to consider before stocking is clarity. For example, turbid or muddy ponds are considered acceptable for catfish. However, within a Bass fishery, ...