We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hobbies

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Private Fishing Ponds?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,616
Share

Many people who enjoy fishing seek out local rivers, lakes or ponds, but many of these prime fishing spots are either part of a developed park system or off-limits to fishermen. Other locations may be suitable for fishing, but must be shared by boats and recreational watersport enthusiasts as well. One appealing alternative for would-be fishermen is the private fishing pond.

Private fishing ponds are generally located entirely on privately-owned land. Some landowners may have a small pond designed into their landscaping plans, or a natural pond may have existed on their property for hundreds of years. No matter how it was formed, a private fishing pond provides fishermen with the seclusion and tranquil environment they often seek. Private fishing ponds are so popular that many resorts and campsites use them as promotional items in brochures and advertisements.

Most private fishing ponds are not under the jurisdiction of federal Wildlife and Game agencies, so owners and their guests are not required to have fishing licenses. There are some exceptions, however, which may vary from state to state. If a private fishing pond owner receives a shipment of government-raised stock fish, for example, the local Wildlife and Game agency can require fishing licenses for a certain amount of time after delivery. Also, guests do not need fishing licenses to fish in self-contained ponds, but they do need licenses to fish in streams or rivers which flow through the property.

Owners of private fishing ponds can either stock them with baby fish (known as fingerlings) bought from a commercial fish hatchery or ordered from a state or federally-controlled hatchery. Some owners may also stock their ponds with live catches from other fishing areas, but the results may be mixed. Some fish species do not breed well in unfamiliar waters or under difficult conditions. It may take several years for fingerlings to reach adult size, but they may also benefit from a lack of natural predators and an abundance of food. Private fishing pond owners may also allow the use of small boats for off-shore fishing.

There are also commercial fishing ponds which stock popular species such as trout or catfish for human consumption. These privately-owned ponds are popular with parents and children who want a guaranteed catch. Poles and bait are usually provided for a nominal fee, no license is required, and the young fisherman or fisherwoman can have their catch cleaned and wrapped on-site.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By jonrss — On Jan 31, 2012

@Ivan83 - That sounds like an amazing place. Where was it at? Also, do you know how much your dad paid to be a member there?

I have been thinking about joining a place like that, but there is not one that is really convenient to my area and all of them seem a little overpriced.

I can get a fishing license for $15 dollars and go and fish for free at any number of ponds in my area. I'm sure that the fishing on the private lands is better I'm just not sure it's worth the price.

By Ivan83 — On Jan 30, 2012

My dad used to be a member of a private fishing facility. It was the site of an old strip mine so they had dozens and dozens of ponds of various shapes and sizes. All of the ponds had been stocked with fish.

It was a cool place to go to and the fishing was great. None of the ponds were huge but that was part of the fun. You would fish in one for a while, then hike around and fine another.

Mostly we just fished off the banks but my dad also had a little two man boat with a trolling motor on it. We would take it out on some of the larger ponds and just motor back and forth casting at out leisure. We were almost always alone out there, all those fish and no one trying to catch them but us.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-private-fishing-ponds.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.