Custom-built stock ponds, fishing ponds, and retention ponds for properties across the Texoma region. From design to stocking — we build ponds that last.
Get a Free Estimate Call (903) 282-5148A well-built pond is one of the most valuable improvements you can make to rural property in North Texas. Whether you need a stock pond for cattle, a recreational fishing pond, or a retention pond for drainage management, Lonestar Land Pros designs and builds ponds that hold water, withstand Texas weather, and serve your property for decades. We handle every phase from initial site evaluation through final grading, spillway construction, and stocking recommendations.
Pond construction in the Texoma region starts with understanding your soil. The blackland prairie soils common across Grayson and Collin counties are typically rich in clay — which is ideal for pond construction because clay naturally seals the pond bottom and prevents seepage. We evaluate clay content, depth to rock, watershed area, and drainage patterns during our site assessment. Properties with sandier soils or shallow rock may require imported clay liner material or alternative construction methods, which we identify and price before any excavation begins.
Design is where experience matters most. A pond that looks good on paper but doesn't account for watershed size, overflow management, or dam engineering won't survive its first major rain event. We design every pond with proper spillways to handle storm runoff, compacted earthen dams built to NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) standards, appropriate depth profiles for your intended use, and inlet/outlet structures where needed. For fishing ponds, we design varying depth zones — shallow shelves for spawning habitat, gradual slopes for wading access, and deep sections (8–10 feet minimum) to provide cool-water refuge during July and August.
The construction process typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on pond size, soil conditions, and weather. We use tracked excavators and dozers to cut the pond basin, build and compact the dam in controlled lifts, install the spillway and any overflow piping, and grade the surrounding area for proper drainage. Every dam is built with the clay core properly keyed into the existing soil and compacted in layers — this is the most critical element of pond construction and what separates a pond that holds water for 50 years from one that develops leaks within the first season.
After construction, we advise on pond management including vegetation establishment on the dam and banks for erosion prevention, fish stocking timelines and species selection, aeration system options for larger ponds, and long-term maintenance practices. A well-managed pond in North Texas should need only periodic spillway maintenance and occasional dam inspection to provide decades of reliable service for your livestock, recreation, or property drainage needs.
We assess your property's topography, watershed area, soil clay content, and drainage patterns. We identify the optimal pond location that maximizes water collection while minimizing construction costs and permitting requirements.
Based on the site evaluation, we design the pond layout including basin depth profile, dam dimensions and compaction specifications, spillway sizing, and overflow management. You'll receive a clear plan showing the finished pond's footprint, depth, and expected water surface area.
Before excavation, we clear the pond site of trees and brush (often using forestry mulching), strip topsoil for later use on the dam face, and establish equipment access routes to minimize impact on surrounding property.
Our excavators cut the pond basin to design specifications while dozers build the dam in compacted lifts. The clay core is keyed into native soil for maximum seal integrity. Spillway structures are installed and the overflow channel is graded to safely direct excess water.
Dam faces and disturbed areas are graded and seeded for erosion control. We walk the finished site with you, explain maintenance requirements, and provide recommendations for fish stocking, aeration, and long-term pond management.
A properly designed stock pond provides year-round water for cattle and horses, reducing dependence on well water and municipal connections — a significant cost savings for ranchers.
A well-stocked fishing pond provides years of family recreation and can support trophy-sized bass, bluegill, and catfish with proper management and stocking ratios.
A quality pond can increase rural property values by 10–20% or more. It's one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make to agricultural or recreational land in North Texas.
Retention and drainage ponds collect and manage stormwater runoff, preventing erosion on your property and reducing flooding issues downstream.
Ponds attract waterfowl, deer, and other wildlife. For hunting properties, a well-placed pond becomes a natural attractant and improves the overall wildlife habitat on your land.
Rural ponds serve as emergency water sources for fire suppression — an important consideration in North Texas where grass fires are a seasonal risk, especially during drought conditions.
"Ty built a 1-acre fishing pond on our property outside Sherman. It filled up over the winter and we stocked it this spring. The kids are already catching bluegill. Dam is solid, spillway works perfectly — couldn't be happier with the result."
"We needed a stock tank for our cattle operation near Bells. Lonestar found the perfect spot on the property with good clay and the right watershed. Pond filled up after two good rains and hasn't dropped since. Great work."
"Had drainage issues on our 30 acres that were causing erosion problems every time it rained. They built a retention pond that solved the problem completely and now it's actually a nice feature on the property. Win-win."
Pond construction in the Texoma region typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 per acre of water surface, depending on depth, dam requirements, soil conditions, and site preparation. A small stock pond of 1/4 to 1/2 acre might cost $5,000–$15,000, while a larger 1–2 acre fishing pond can run $15,000–$40,000+. Factors like access road construction, soil amendments, and spillway requirements affect the final price. We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific site.
For fishing ponds, we recommend a minimum depth of 8–10 feet with at least 25% of the pond area at that depth. This provides cool-water refuge for fish during hot Texas summers and helps maintain adequate oxygen levels. Stock ponds for cattle can be shallower at 6–8 feet. Deeper water also helps maintain levels during the drought conditions that periodically affect the Texoma region, ensuring your pond serves its purpose year-round.
Clay-rich soil is essential because it creates the natural seal that holds water. Most of the Texoma region — particularly the blackland prairie areas of Grayson and Collin counties — has excellent clay soils for pond construction. Sandy or rocky soils may require imported clay liner material or synthetic liners, which add to the cost. We test soil conditions during the initial site evaluation to determine what your property's native soil can support.
Small farm ponds used for agricultural or domestic purposes generally don't require state permits in Texas. Larger impoundments — typically those exceeding 200 acre-feet or with dams above a certain height — may require TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) approval. Properties in floodplains have additional county or city requirements. We research the permitting requirements for your specific property and location as part of our service.
Late summer through fall is generally ideal in North Texas. Drier conditions make excavation easier and allow the dam to be properly compacted before spring rains fill the pond naturally. Building during wet weather can compromise dam compaction and create muddy, difficult construction conditions. We recommend planning in spring for a summer/fall build, though we can work year-round depending on conditions.
We recommend waiting 3–6 months after construction for the pond to fill and the water chemistry to stabilize. This allows a natural ecosystem to begin developing — plankton, aquatic insects, and shoreline vegetation that fish need to thrive. We can recommend local fish hatcheries and a stocking plan sized for your pond. A typical North Texas stocking plan includes largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish at ratios designed to create a self-sustaining fishery.
Lonestar Land Pros builds ponds throughout the Texoma region from our base in Howe, TX:
Get a free site evaluation and estimate for pond construction on your property. We'll assess soil, watershed, and design options to build the perfect pond for your needs.
Request a Free Estimate Call (903) 282-5148