Fish Production in Terrace-water Ponds in Alabama

Abstract

Terrace-water ponds are being constructed in Alabama that have as their only source of water supply the “run off” from terraced pastures and crop lands. The water level in the ponds fluctuates, and a maximum of 2 to 4 feet of water is lost by evaporation and seepage during extremely dry weather. A minimum depth of 10 feet in the deepest part of the pond is recommended in order to carry the fish population through dry periods. The terrace-water ponds are being used successfully for the production of largemouth black bass, bluegill bream, and crappie. They can be fertilized successfully with commercial fertilizer as very little water is lost over the spillway during the growing season. One such fertilized pond, having a maximum area at high water of 1.5 acres and an average area of approximately 1 acre, was drained after three years; it was fished during the summer prior to draining. A total of 77 pounds of fish was removed by fishing and 580 pounds were taken from the pond when it was drained; of this poundage, 225 pounds were largemouth bass, and 284 pounds were bluegill bream. The remainder consisted of golden shiners and yellow bullheads. In another fertilized pond the catch of game and pan fish in one season was 94 pounds per acre.