Ponds

If you're lucky enough to have a stocked pond on your acreage, fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors with the entire family.

To find a balance between water quality and low-maintenance fun, many homeowners are building what's called "natural swimming pools".

The best site for a pond beach is one that is convenient to get to, and has clay soil to hold the sand. Listen to other tips for your pond beach.

There are many reasons some ponds are not suitable for taking a dip. Here are some tips for making your pond a safe place to swim.

When swimming in ponds or lakes, a microscopic flatworm larvae called cercariae can burrow into your skin, causing the problem as "swimmer's itch".

If you're thinking of building one on your land, the soil has to be able to hold water. And of course there has to be water for the soil to hold!

An island in your pond can protect waterfowl and shorebirds that use it as escape cover, nesting habitat, and for feeding.

With the right landscaping, your pond can become an oasis on your property, both for people and wildlife.

Fish expert Robyn Rhudy raises koi and goldfish and says the major differences between the two are size and cost.

The pond owner's daydream goes something like this: It is evening and the sun is setting, spiking golden rays onto the crystal surface of the water. Earlier in the day, a string of prize-worthy fish was caught and now you re watching the kids jump off the dock near a small flock of ducks that have taken up residence in the reeds.

Kids and water are naturally drawn together. If there's a dock floating somewhere, it's usually the first thing they swim to.

Ice fishing, skating, and even a friendly game of hockey are all great ways to spend time with your family outdoors in the winter. But even if the weather has been cold, that doesn't necessarily mean the ice on your pond is safe.

With a dock on your pond, you've got a place to dangle your feet in the water and get your line even closer to the fish.

Fishing in your pond is a great way to relax, and a wonderful activity to share with the entire family. To avoid having to make a trip to the bait shop every time you want to cast a line, however, you can raise your own minnows.

Stocking your pond with trout is easier than you might think, even if you live in an area with hot summers. Brown trout and rainbow trout are two species that are well suited to warmer temperatures. They'll thrive as long as your pond is at least ten feet deep and you stock them in the fall before the weather gets too cold.

The red and white bobber floats serenely on the surface of the pond. Then twitching slightly, it plunges out of sight.