Farm Pond Management
The following information consists of downloadable files and websites designed to assist private pond owners in the task of pond management.
Private Pond and Lake Sportfish Supplier Information
Provided by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program
This document includes the following:
Consumer Guidelines for Pond Management Consultants or Fish Suppliers
These are guidelines to assist pond owners in the selection of a private pond consultant or fish supplier. Tips will help pond owners make more informed decisions regarding their ponds.
Commercial Suppliers of Sportfish
Partial list of commercial suppliers who sell fish for pond stocking. The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial firms is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program.
Click here to download this Adobe Acrobat (PDF) document
Farm Pond Management
Welcome to the farm pond management website developed by Dr. Wes Neal, Assistant Professor and specialist in Small Impoundment Management. The purpose of this site is to provide farm pond management information as part of the Cooperative Extension Program located in the Aquaculture Fisheries Center of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The Center has statewide responsibility for teaching, research, and extension in aquaculture and fisheries, and we are dedicated to the development and transfer of timely, problem-solving information.
In this website you will find information on all aspects of the construction and management farm ponds, irrigation lakes, and other small impoundments for quality recreational fishing. Simply follow the links to the left for specific information on the topic of your choice. Some links require Acrobat Reader to open the Portable Document Files (PDF). You may print all PDF files for your personal use.
Getting the Right Limestone for Your Pond
Finely crushed limestone rock is commonly added to fish ponds to correct problems with low pH and alkalinity. The decision about whether or not to add limestone is based on water or soil testing. Details about when limestone is needed, how much is needed, and how it should be applied are in Extension Publication MP-360, Farm Pond Management for Recreational Fishing. If it is determined that you need to lime your pond, it is CRITICAL that you choose the right material for the job. The use of other compounds with similar names can result in the death of all of your fish!
Click here to download this Adobe Acrobat (PDF) document