Habitat complexity is the key to maximizing fish production and fishing success in most recreational fish ponds. Three main components of habitat complexity are shoreline development, depth variability, and submerged structure. Shoreline development refers to the shape and irregularity of the pond. Ponds that have many points and coves provide much more shoreline, and therefore productive habitat, than ponds that are the same size but are simply round or square. Depth variability involves deep holes, underwater mounds, and submerged points. These features provide cover and foraging areas for bass and larger bream. Submerged structure can occasionally increase fish production by providing hiding places for smaller fish, but its main use is to concentrate fish in specific areas, which increases fishing success. Brush piles that are lashed together and weighted so they will sink provide excellent submerged structure, as do fallen trees. The only real limitations to providing submerged structures are finding heavy, environmentally-safe materials and sinking them to the pond bottom.

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