Tennessee has more than 195,000 ponds and small lakes that provide over 97,000 acres of
potential fishing water. In fact, these waters account for nearly one-fourth of all
fishing trips
made in Tennessee annually. Ponds and small lakes are often the "stepping stones" for
Tennessee
youngters who later become dedicated anglers and conservationist. With proper planning
and
management these waters have the potential of providing many enjoyable hours of good
fishing.
Although ponds and small lakes provide many important and practical benefits: erosion
control,
livestock watering, swimming, irrigation and wildlife enhancement, the information found
in
"Managing Small Fishing Ponds and Lakes in Tennessee"
has been prepared to encourage
Tennessee landowners to plan, construct and manage their ponds and small lakes properly
for
recreational fishing.
A good pond depends on location, design, construction, stocking, and management. After
the
pond is completed, success or failure depends on the landowner's using necessary
practices to
establish and maintain good fish populations.
Recreational fishing in ponds and small lakes can benefit tremendously from a small
amount of
management effort. Proper stocking of the right species and number, a balanced harvest
of mature
fish, proper fertilization (if needed), water quality management, and aquatic weed
control are
basics that the pond/small lake owner should understand. Many unmanaged (or mismanaged)
ponds could produce many more pounds of fish than they currently do if good management
practices were followed.
Good fishing doesn't just happen! A pond that consistently produces good catches of fish
is a
result of proper planning, construction, and management.
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