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Damming a stream usually requires an expensive dam and an extensive spillway structure to control the volume of flow during high runoff events. In drier parts of the state, constructing a pond on a small or intermittent (not always flowing) stream may be the only way to obtain sufficient water to maintain a pond. A portion of a stream's flow might be diverted into a pond constructed off-channel, with steps taken to keep out sediment and unwanted fish. Contact your local NRCS office to determine the feasibility of this approach and what permits would be needed. Dugouts can sometimes be built near a flowing stream or river to utilize groundwater, instead of surface water. The excavated soil can then be used to make a berm around the dugout if the area is prone to flooding, reducing the chance of unwanted fish entering the pond. Springs may be considered as a potential water source if flows are sufficient. First obtain a flow estimate by measuring the flow volume several times during the year. This estimate, along with estimated seepage and evaporation rates for the site, can then be used to determine what size of pond can be built. NRCS personnel can help determine site feasibility. Depending on the surface area and volume of a pond, a well or domestic water source may be used to supplement the water supply. Determine the amount of water needed, and then determine if it is economically feasible to maintain the pond level with a well, particularly during dry periods. When a well is used to fill a pond, the delivered water should be piped to the pond to eliminate erosion problems. Most wells need to be registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and permits may be required by the local Natural Resources District (NRD). Ponds filled by springs or small, coldwater streams may be able to sustain trout if water temperatures stay below 70 degrees year-round. Water temperature should be monitored before trout are stocked, particularly during the summer months. Such ponds may have water too cool for good growth of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish, but still too warm to sustain trout. Since these types of ponds typically have good water clarity and stable water temperatures, they may have excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, especially if they are shallow. Pond construction on most cold-water streams should be avoided, especially if a naturally- reproducing trout population is present or the stream needs to be an open system to facilitate trout movement. Pond Size An ideal fishing pond would cover 1 to 5 surface acres. Although ponds larger than 5 acres would provide fishing for more anglers, they can be more difficult and expensive to manage if problems arise. While fish populations can be managed in properly constructed ponds of any size, smaller ponds, particularly those less than one-half surface acre, have a number of disadvantages. They are more susceptible to water level fluctuations and may even go dry during droughts. Since smaller ponds are also typically shallow, they are likely to have excessive growth of aquatic vegetation and are more susceptible to summer and winter fish kills. Smaller ponds are also easier for anglers to overharvest, so harvest restrictions, especially for bass, will likely have to be applied. For ponds smaller than one-half acre, it is best to allow no fish harvest at all (catch-and-release only). Ponds less than one-half surface acre are also not eligible to receive fish for initial stocking from the Commission. Pond Depth and Slopes Ponds need to have both deep and shallow areas to benefit fish and fishing. Deep water protects fish from winterkill, discourages Pond construction on most coldwater streams should be avoided. Contact a local Commission fisheries biologist for advice. 12 • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .