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42 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Structures placed in 5 to 10 feet of water can be used by fish year-round. Structures placed in water deeper than 10 feet may not be used during summer months if there is insufficient oxygen at those depths. Good attractors will be about 10 by 15 feet, or larger. Trees can be grouped together in several large piles, which is more effective than spreading individual trees across the entire pond bottom. A good rule of thumb for ponds larger than 5 acres is to build one large brush pile for every 2 to 3 acres of water. For safety's sake, do not place any structures in swimming or wading areas or within 100 feet of spillways or overflow pipes. Spawning Habitat Bass and bluegill are typically generalists, thereby eliminating the need to add spawning substrate such as sand or gravel. Some studies have shown bass prefer to spawn near a downed log, or similar structure, when available. There is the likelihood that excessive amounts of sediment in the older ponds can smother eggs in a nest if it is stirred up and then resettles. If an older pond can be partially drained, the exposed pond bottom will then dry out and become somewhat firm, making it better for nest builders. Or, once the pond bottom is exposed, equipment can be used to remove accumulated sediment in several areas. The operation of heavy equipment will also compact the bottom. Channel catfish usually nest in a cavity. This can be a trash barrel on its side, a large piece of PVC pipe with one end plugged, or any other object that creates a "cave" the fish can lay in and defend. They will also nest alongside protective structure if no cavity is available. However, there will be limited survival of young catfish if the water is clear and bass are present. Shallow-Water Habitat If a pond owner desires, habitat can be further diversified by creating additional shallow- water areas. A small wetland area might be constructed below the dam, or a small pond can be placed above the main pond to provide sediment detention and additional habitat. Perhaps additional shallow-water areas can also be created in the upper reaches of the pond. All of these areas will eventually become vegetated and provide habitat for waterfowl, bullfrogs, and other wildlife. Fish Feeding Feeding may be appropriate if the owner is willing to spend the time and money required to produce rapidly-growing, large-bodied bluegills, catfish, wipers, hybrid sunfish, or trout. However, fish must learn to eat commercial food pellets. Pellets should be provided at the same time and location each day. This can be easily accomplished with an automatic, timer-controlled, fish feeder placed on shore or on floats and anchored in the pond. Feeding only when you feel like it is usually a waste of time and money as most fish will never learn to eat the pellets, especially if there is no signal to indicate food is being provided. Fish will learn to react to signals, such as the whirr of the feeder as it turns on, or can be trained to come and eat dispersed pellets by banging on a pipe or post that has been driven into the nearby bank. Artificial feeding can increase the biomass of a pond beyond its normal carrying capacity. If a feeding program is discontinued, the pond may not be able to maintain the extra fish biomass, resulting in poor fish health and growth. Also, Nebraska ponds are usually fertile enough that fish feeding is not necessary. Before adding any structure into any surface waters of the state, you must first obtain a Section 404 Permit from the ACOE (see Appendix A for technical assistance contacts).