A well managed pond adds a spot of beauty and tranquility to your landscape and provides food, cover, and water for an amazing array of creatures. Rich communities of plants and animals can exist in and around the smallest pond. However, a poorly managed pond can damage surrounding habitat, require frequent maintenance, and endanger people and wildlife. The following information is designed to provide guidance to avoid the most common mistakes made in pond management whether your pond is a wildlife sanctuary, an ornamental pond with a waterfall, a farm pond for livestock or an irrigation pond for agriculture or orchards.

Plant and Animal life

There are many very attractive plants and animals not native to our state available for use in and around ponds. This is even more true with the expansion of internet shopping. As one selects species for the pond there are a few things to consider. Many of these plants and animals will not thrive, or even survive, in our temperate climate, and could result in the loss of an expensive investment. Others may do extremely well. In fact, there are some that can overwhelm your pond and surrounding areas, becoming an invasive nuisance that is difficult, if not, impossible to control. Sometimes, these species are easily spread to other areas by birds and animals visiting your pond, or by unexpected flood conditions. Many of these highly invasive species are prohibited by law for use in this state, others are recommended for indoor use only. Whether your goal is a small ornamental pond or a large rearing pool, getting professional advice when selecting what plant and animal species to use will help assure that you have a healthy, productive pond.

Private Fish Stocking of Trout, Warmwater Fish and Grass Carp

A Fish Stocking Permit from The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is required to plant fish into ponds or lakes on private land in Washington State. Several species of fish may be planted into private waters. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and channel catfish are the best choices for Washington private ponds. Triploid (sterile) grass carp have limited applications in some types of ponds, (ie. golf course ponds, water ski ponds.) The main concern with most fish stocked into private ponds is to prevent any escape into nearby waters of the state.

Why Do I Need a Fish Stocking Permit To Stock Fish in My Own Pond?

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is trying to protect our native and important non-native fish species. The spread of stocked fish species can have a detrimental impact through predation or competition. Additionally, stocked fish species coming from commercial or wild sources may carry disease agents to waters that currently do not have them. By requiring a Fish Stocking Permit, WDFW biologists are able to look at these possibilities and make determinations on the risk to fish in the waters intended for stocking and any nearby state waters.

How Do I Obtain A Permit?

Applications for a Fish Stocking Permit may be obtained at the Regional WDFW office in your area. There is a $24 fee that needs to accompany the application when it is sent in. When your application is received, you will be contacted by a WDFW fish biologist to arrange an appointment for an on-site evaluation. (Click here for list of WDFW regional offices)

What Happens at a Pond Evaluation?

The required fish stocking permit and biological evaluation covers two aspects concerning approval. The first relates to the pond site parameters, while the second deals with approval of the source of fish. Pond site parameters reviewed by WDFW biologist include; water quality and quantity, inlet and outlet structures, connections to nearby state waters, and flooding potential. Screening may be necessary in some ponds to keep fish from leaving. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a hydraulics permit (HPA) to put inlet or outlet screening in your pond. The biologist working with you will help determine if you need an HPA, which is also issued by WDFW. There is no charge for the HPA, but it may take 30-45 days to process the permit.

The fish source approval covers an evaluation of the landowners proposed fish management stocking plan regarding fish species or combination of fish species, stocking rates, potential feeding recommendations, and how those species will match with the pond's habitat. Additionally, there will be some feedback regarding possible sources of fish for stocking. The biologist will also review with the owner whether or not state fishing licenses and state fishing regulations apply to the pond. Usually private ponds are exempt from these licenses and regulatory requirements. Final recommendations are made to enhance the success of the private pond owner proposed fish stocking plans.

How Do I Get My Fish?

You will need to contact the fish grower directly to arrange for the purchase of your fish. Fish may be purchased from any Registered Aquatic Fish Farmer in the state. However, the fish must have accompanying documentation showing them to be free from disease causing organisms. A list of state certified, disease free fish farmers can be provided to you upon request. Applications listing growers that are not certified require additional review by WDFW fish health staff in Olympia.

How Long Will it Take to Get My Permit?

Fish stocking permits can take up to 30 days to process, however, many permits are issued within a week. If screening is required on your pond, or other permits are needed prior to stocking, the process can take longer.

For triploid grass carp, the permitting process is more involved and may take 4-8 weeks for approval. This application is more detailed and must follow the State Environmental Protection Act process (SEPA). This means it will be reviewed by WDFW biologists from Fish Management, Habitat Management, and Wildlife Management programs. When all three programs have approved the application, it is sent to the Habitat Division in Olympia where it will be held for a 15 day public comment period. Following the comment period, the Habitat Division will notify the biologist working with you, who will notify you of the results.

Important things to note:

1. Fill out your application completely including the section, township and range of your pond.
2. You must identify the source of the fish you wish to obtain before a permit can be issued.
3. Permits are approved based on the location of stocking, an evaluation of screening requirements and the source of fish.
4. If your permit is denied, the $24 stocking fee will be refunded to you.
5. It is illegal to transfer or stock fish without a permit issued by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is also illegal to move fish to a pond or stream on your land, or between any other bodies of water.
6. Stocking Permits are issued for a one year period.
7. If you have additional questions, call your nearest WDFW regional office

Additional References

1. Link, Russell. Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle,. 1999.
2. Willis, David W., Marley D. Beem, and Robert L. Hanten. Managing South Dakota Ponds for Fish and Wildlife. South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, 1990, (605) 773- 3387.
3. Murphy, Brian., and Donald Mysling. Small Ponds in Connecticut. Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division. Dep. Bulletin 30, 2000, (860) 424-3555.