Trophy Pond in Arkansas
Lake management in eastern Arkansas
A lake that has drifted needs a plan built on evidence. We start every Arkansas lake with a survey of the fish actually in it, then work out stocking, harvest, habitat and water quality with the owner.
1On Arkansas water
Surveys first on Arkansas lakes
Every plan starts with an electrofishing survey: fish weighed, measured and released; pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and visibility tested; the dam, watershed and spillway inspected. UAPB Extension notes that few local providers offer these surveys in Arkansas.
The UAPB pond calendar says liming helps when total alkalinity is below 20 mg/L, that ponds needing lime usually take at least a ton per acre, and that fall and winter are the best time to apply it (UAPB, FSA9093). We lime by barge, based on the water test.
The plan can draw on surveys, stocking from our farm, weed control, liming by barge, aeration and dredging with our own excavators.
Questions
Lake management in Arkansas: questions
How much lime does an Arkansas lake need?
It depends on the water test. The UAPB pond calendar says liming helps when total alkalinity is below 20 mg/L, and that ponds needing lime usually take at least a ton per acre, applied in fall or winter.
Can you survey a lake in eastern Arkansas?
Yes. An electrofishing survey is the first step of every lake plan we write there, and UAPB Extension notes that few local providers offer them in Arkansas.
Ready for a survey?
Tell us about your Arkansas lake and what you want to catch.
Or call (931) 374-0536