Building Your Dream Bass Pond What to Know Before You Dig

1. Location, Terrain, and Natural Drainage

Topography is everything. Look for natural bowl-shaped terrain where rainwater naturally flows. Ideally, and in most of the Southeast United States, you want a watershed ratio of about 10:1 (10 acres of drainage for every acre of pond). It is best to avoid flood-prone areas or land too flat to gather runoff.

Natural dam sites—like narrow valleys between two ridges or hills, can save thousands in construction. Clay-heavy soils are key. Look for:

• Red or gray clay soils with minimal rock content.
• Soil that can hold shape when squeezed in your hand (percolation tests help verify).
• Avoid porous limestone or sandy loam, which often leak.

A qualified pond builder can test soils and help identify the best placement and dam construction design.

2. Average Costs to Build and Stock a Trophy Bass Pond

Construction Costs:

$10,000–$20,000 per acre is a general rule for the lake cost depending on the depth, site work, drainage structures, and soil type. This can vary depending on the location and amount of fill dirt for the dam.

Excavation, the depth of the core, spillways, and erosion control structures also drive cost.

Stocking Costs:

For a trophy bass pond, it is typical to stock the forage fish (Bluegill and Minnows) in the Spring and the bass then being added in June:

• Bluegill & Redear Sunfish (1,000–1,500/acre): $500–$700
• Fathead Minnows (5–10 lbs./acre): $100–$200
• Largemouth Bass Fingerlings (50–100/acre): $100–$300
• Threadfin Shad (if appropriate for your region): $250–$500/acre

Feeding Program & Management:

• Automatic feeders: 1 per 5–7 acres, more if feeding heavy.
• Feed: 35–50 lbs. per acre per month during peak seasons. Budget $300–$500/feeder annually.
• Water quality testing, fertilization, and aquatic weed control: $500–$1,000/year depending on size.

3. Harvest Strategy to Grow Trophy Bass

To grow big bass, you need to take small bass out.

Annual harvest targets:

• 20–25 lbs. of bass per acre per year, focusing on fish under 14".
• Remove stunted or overpopulated bass to allow remaining fish to thrive.

Without a regulated harvest plan, the overpopulation of bass will have a negative impact on your forage base, and without adequate forage fish, growing trophy bass becomes challenging.

4. Pond Design & Habitat Structures

Shape and depth influence fishing success. Consider these design tips:

• Irregular shorelines with coves and points create ambush zones for bass.
• Varying depths (3’–12’) allow for spawning, feeding, and seasonal movement.
• Gravel beds (for bedding) and sandy areas near shallow edges help with bluegill and bass spawning.
• Habitat structures: Use brush piles, PVC trees, rock piles, and pallet stacks in strategic locations. Place them in both shallow and deep areas.
• Bonus: Add a few sunken dock posts or tree stumps near fishing points to concentrate fish.

5. Drainage & Water Control

Every pond needs a controlled overflow to prevent dam breaches. That includes:

• Primary spillway (standpipe) or siphon system to handle normal outflow.
• Emergency spillway lined with rock or grass to handle overflow from major storms.
• Drawdown pipe (optional) allows water level manipulation for vegetation control or repairs.

A good pond builder will incorporate these into the design.

6. Optional Features: Docks, Boats, and Access

A small wooden dock for fishing or tying off a jon boat typically costs $2,000–$4,000 depending on materials, site access, and size. The docks or boathouse type piers need to be built so that the deck of the pier is only 1 foot above the normal waterline.

Boat access ramps can be simple gravel slopes.

A jon boat or kayak offers the best way to fish offshore structure in a 10–15-acre pond.