How to Construct a Catfish Pond
- 1). If constructing a new pond, contact an excavation company to dig your pond in an area that retains water. Dig the pond to at least two acres in surface area and no more than 15 feet deep. Install a standpipe and emergency spillway for proper drainage.
- 2). If converting an existing pond, remove all bream, shiners, shad, suckers, carp and bullheads that would otherwise compete with your catfish for oxygen and food. Use a seine and selectively remove these unwanted fish. Or apply the pescicide Rotenone for a complete elimination of the existing fish.
- 3). Determine the hardness of your pond water using a simple hardness test kit. If less than 50 mg/L, apply agricultural limestone over the surface of the pond until you attain a range between 50 mg/L and 200 mg/L.
- 4). Fertilize the pond with a granular formulation in early Spring. This will create an algal bloom on which the bottom of the food chain can feed and, in turn, provide food for your catfish. Use a secchi disk to determine your water's clarity. Any time it is more than 24 inches, it's time to fertilize again.
- 5). Obtain a permit from your local fish and game department to stock triploid (sterile) grass carp to help control submersed weeds. Stock five to seven fish per acre.
- 6). Stock blue catfish and channel catfish fingerlings, at least 5 inches in length, between February and April to avoid stressful temperatures that could otherwise compromise their acclamation to your pond. For light stocking recommendation stock 100 to 350 fish per acre while a heavier stocking density calls for 700 to 1,000 fish per acre.
- 7). While water temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, feed a high protein fish diet up to 35 pounds per surface acre per day. Catfish do not actively feed when temperatures drop below 50, so regular feeding is not necessary.
- 8). Install a surface aerator for emergency aeration in case your fish begin 'piping' for air at the water surface. Piping indicates dangerously low oxygen levels and supplemental aeration must be initiated.
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