The main pond is 3 acres created in 1940 by a dam capturing the flow of two streams. The stream below the dam eventually becomes quite large. Almost within the pond is a circular "spawning pond," created by a berm at the edge of the main pond. This feature is 1250 sq ft, 0.03 acres. No depth yet. The whole arrangement was created by a mad scientist and engineer. There is a brick building maybe 10x10' with pipes. I have been told there are fish in the pond but don't know what species yet. Due to snow cover and location I have only seen this on aerial photos.

I have been told this was a spawning pond where fish could breed year-round (NW Pa). There are pipes into the building from underground and at least one pipe with valve going into the pond.

Typically, how does a spawning pond work, what equipment, what functions? The story I am told, and most things I have been told are wrong, that warm water was supplied to the spawning pond to keep it open--a rich man's bubbler?--for year-round spawning. Is this possible?

I know some of you have spawning ponds and wonder what you think of what I will be looking at soon. I want to visit prepared to analyze a little better.

Any feedback is welcome and I will try to get whatever information you ask for shortly. Maybe pictures as well.

Thanks for a ponding history lesson.
Mike

Can you get a name? location? any info that might help tracking it down?

A spawning pond works this way.
You pick the fish you want to use as breeders, put them in the spawning pond.
Remove the breeders after they have spawned.
Grow the fry out in that pond.
When the babies are old enough to cull, you cull them, putting the ones you want to keep back in the big pond to grow out for future breeders.

Yes, if he was pulling well water the well water would be warm enough to keep the spawning pond clear all year.

The building sounds like a pump house/fish room.

Corrie