Most farm ponds and small impoundments in
Texas are not managed at their highest potential for
fish production. This is unfortunate, since an
estimated 20 percent of fishing trips in Texas are to
these waters. This publication presents a concise set
of guidelines for stocking and managing fish in new,
renovated, or old ponds.
This publication was prepared by the Texas
Chapter of the American Fisheries Society to
provide information to the pond owner who has little
or no knowledge of fishery management. Specific
information on assessment techniques, interpretation
of assessment data, and corrective management
strategies are included to help the pond owner
develop long-range management plans.
This information is intended primarily for ponds
less than 5 acres in surface area, but may be useful
for larger impoundments as well; however, you
should discuss the management of these larger
bodies of water and/or unusual management
problems with a qualified fisheries biologist.
Stocking and management advice is available from
various state and federal agencies, universities,
private consultants, and fish farmers.