The DNR stocking program for ponds was initiated to assist landowners in their efforts to provide quality angling experiences to all persons. It is successful and well-respected because it is based on research funded by fishing license dollars.

How do I stock my farm pond?

Fish can be obtained for a nominal fee to stock your farm pond from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources if your pond meets the following criteria:

The pond must be new or renovated and be free of fish.

Surface area must be of at least 1/2 acre and less than 10 acres. A quick pond-area estimator can tell you if your pond is big enough.

Maximum depth of at least 8 feet. Ponds fill in with sediment and debris quickly, so the pond that was 13 feet deep when new can be quite a bit shallower after a few years. The easiest way to see if your pond is deep enough is use a fishing rod. Tie a heavy sinker on the end of the line, and measure eight feet up the line. At that point, put a bobber on. Cast the line out to the middle of the pond. If the bobber sinks, your pond is more than eight feet deep.

The pond must be fenced to exclude livestock with a 60 foot minimum buffer between the pond edge and fence.

If you feel your pond meets the above criteria, you can contact your local fisheries biologist or conservation officer and sign-up for fish. You can also download the Farm Pond Stocking Application (PDF file) which will need to be completed to start the process. A DNR employee may contact you to arrange an on-sight inspection of your pond and to obtain additional information.


The file referenced below contains many images, and may take some time to load. A reduced-image version is also available.

An on-line version of the Iowa Farm Ponds brochure is available. It contains more detailed information on the farm pond program, as well as guides to building farm ponds, stocking and managing the ponds, and even hints on catching more fish from the ponds and attracting other wildlife to them.