Fish and Wildlife - Farm Ponds
Kansas ponds can offer some of the best and some of the worst fishing the state has to offer, depending on how it is managed. Under good conditions, ponds are capable of producing high quality fishing because the kinds of fish stocked in ponds interact and complement each other. The size of a pond also makes fish readily available to anglers of all ages.
Poor fishing occurs in Kansas ponds for two major reasons:
- Most ponds are not built expressly for fishing. Potential fishery benefits are often unrealized because some uses such as direct watering of livestock destroy fish habitat and decrease water quality. The pond owner may be interested in fishing, but unwilling to manage the pond to produce good fishing, especially if a primary use must be altered.
- Poor fishing also occurs because most pond owners and anglers lack understanding of appropriate fish management practices.
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Producing Fish and Wildlife from Kansas Ponds is a booklet that provides pond owners and anglers with information to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources associated with ponds. Fish and wildlife can be accommodated in a multi-purpose pond with minimal adverse effects on other uses. While it may be unfeasible to put all of these ideas into practice, pond owners and anglers should be aware of the potentials that exist for a pond that is built, developed, and managed, as outlined in this booklet. Fish and wildlife can contribute significantly to the quality of life in Kansas!
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks / Johnson County
8304 Hedge Lane Terrace
Shawnee, KS 66227
(913) 422-1314
Both a fisheries biologist and wildlife biologist are available to help with your pond management needs.
Purchasing Fish for Stocking Your Pond
Fish for pond stocking can be purchased from members of the Kansas Aquaculture Association. You can search for fish dealers nearest your location. A local contact for fish is through the Farmers Union Coop in Springhill, Ks.
Phone:
store (913)-592-2339
fax (913)-686-5107
Email address:
springhillcoop@cebridge.net
Additional Resources: