Stocking a Large Natural Pond in Coastal North Carolina

Go Native

A 50×100 ft, 2-ft deep pond (≈75,000 gallons) is a farm pond ecosystem. Native plants and animals will thrive with minimal input.

Plant Recommendations

• Marginals: Pickerelweed, arrowhead, lizard's tail, swamp hibiscus, blue flag iris (all native to NC). See fishpondinfo.com/plants/marginal.htm for a table with native flags.
• Submerged: Coontail, eelgrass, southern naiad.
• Floaters: Frogbit, water shield (avoid invasive water hyacinth/lettuce).

Fish Options

• Game fish: Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish (stock at standard rates).
• Forage/native: Golden shiner, mosquitofish, dollar sunfish.
• Ornamental: Koi/goldfish only if you accept they may become bass food.

Local Expertise

North Carolina Pond Club: nckws.com. Your county extension agent can advise on stocking rates and permits.