What is an Earthen Pond?

An earthen pond is a man-made body of water dug directly into the ground, with soil and rock forming the walls and base. In our system, we construct a gentle tilt using shale, allowing water to flow entirely by gravity from one end of the pond to the other.

At most hatcheries, fish are raised entirely in raceways or tanks made of concrete or plastic. At our facility, the fish spend the majority of their lives in earthen ponds. These ponds provide access to a complete, living ecosystem filled with aquatic plants, insects, and microorganisms. This setup closely mimics conditions in the wild, resulting in healthier, more robust, and happier fish.

We do use raceways on our property, but only for sorting and temporarily holding fish. We’re committed to earthen ponds as a cornerstone of sustainable aquaculture and responsible animal welfare.

Of course, this method comes with its challenges. Earthen ponds promote plant growth, which can quickly become excessive. Dense vegetation draws oxygen from the water, potentially threatening fish health. To maintain ideal oxygen levels, critical for the trout’s gill function and overall well-being, we regularly clear plant buildup.

The use of shale is essential to our system. A shale-lined bed provides a solid, compactable bottom that can support foot and vehicle traffic when dry. The rocky substrate also prevents debris from absorbing into the ground and helps create a habitat for aquatic invertebrates, another natural food source for our trout. This simulates the gravelly bottom of a wild trout stream and enriches the pond’s biodiversity.

This approach emphasizes working with nature rather than against it. By designing ponds that support a thriving ecosystem, we raise fish that are not only cleaner and healthier, but more naturally adapted and resilient.