How to Build a Pond Out of a Seasonal Creek

Position the pond beside the creek, or dam the creek completely. The first option will allow the creek to continue its flow, while the second will block the creek's flow. If the water flow becomes heavy at times, damming the creek completely may cause overflow, as well as dramatically fluctuating water levels in the pond. For lighter water flow, a small pond created by damming the creek may work much better.

Begin your work while the creek bed is dry, if possible. If you opt to dam the creek, form an embankment of earth across the middle. This low wall will block the water flow, making water spread out behind the embankment. Thus, placing the embankment in a low-lying segment of the creek, preferably with steep banks, will keep the water from spreading out too far. If you prefer a pond that runs off to the side of the creek without blocking the water flow, excavate a patch of land at one or both sides of the creek.

Line your pond's banks with rocks, if you're building an excavated pond. If you're building an embankment pond, line the embankment with rocks. Press rocks into the earth that forms the sides of the embankment or excavated ground. Avoid liners, to keep your pool natural looking, since your pond will not remain full all year. Finally, plant vegetation such as lush grasses around your pond to absorb excess runoff.