How To Build a Farm Pond

 Introduction   |   Planning   |   Construction   |   Stocking

Note that "Farm Ponds," as referred to on this web site, are recreational in nature. Calculations and management techniques mentioned here are not intended for use in commercial "farm ponds." For more information on commercial pond management visit the MSUcares Aquaculture section.

Click here for a printable version of this publication: Managing Mississippi Farm Ponds and Small Lakes

Many things must be taken into consideration when building a farm pond. If you follow the steps outlined in this website, you should have a successful farm pond that will provide you with hours of recreational enjoyment and will be a productive source of fish.

Important: Mississippi law now requires that all landowners constructing an impoundment capable of holding 25 acre feet of water file an application with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality before constructing a dam. There is no fee required, but there are penalties for failure to file. Most properly constructed ponds greater than five surface acres will require this permit. Please consult your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office to obtain application form BLWR-PDC81.