About mountain ponds

Our Story

Mountain Ponds was founded nearly a decade ago, built on a foundation of hands-on experience in custom pond construction. After years of designing and installing aquatic ecosystems, we recognized a critical need for high-level, technical maintenance. We transitioned our deep understanding of pond builds into a dedicated mission: mastering the science of water health.

Over the years we have grown from a small local business to a major regional player servicing close to 300 ponds across Montana.

Learn about the process that guides our every visit.

Our Montana service regions

With nearly a decade of experience managing the unique waters of Montana, we bring a level of reliability and scientific precision that property owners trust. Our current service area includes, but is not limited to: Bozeman, Big Sky, The Yellowstone Club, Bridger, Gallatin Gateway, Belgrade, Amsterdam, Three Forks, Manhattan, Whitehall, Twin Bridges, Sheridan, Dillon, Butte, Helena, Clyde Park, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Gardiner, Big Timber, Red Lodge, Billings, Ennis, McAllister, Flathead Lake, Whitefish, Kalispell, Missoula, Stevensville and more.

We are always adding new areas so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Who we serve

Whether you manage a working ranch, a fly fishing lodge, a private retreat, or a large private estate, we bring the same level of care and expertise to every pond we manage. We work with a wide range of properties throughout Montana:

  • Working ranches and agricultural ponds

  • Mountain homes, cabins and privates estates

  • Fire suppression ponds

  • Resorts, golf courses, hospitality properties

  • HOAs and shared community ponds

  • Parks and public spaces

  • Corporate campuses

  • Waterfowl and hunting leases

  • Private fisheries

  • Storm water management systems (retention and detention ponds)

  • Legacy pond restoration jobs

Learn more about our services.

Meet the Team behind Mountain Ponds

Terry Smith

Founder and Principal

Terry spent 30 years caring for people as a nurse, first in pediatrics, then working her way through the circle of life with a nine year stint as a hospice nurse. In 2017, she transitioned from the human life cycle to the nitrogen cycle by diving head first into the pond business. She partnered with pond builder, Greg Johnson of Montana Ponds and developed the pond maintenance division. In 2023, Terry branched off and formed Mountain Ponds, focusing solely on pond maintenance.

Brandy WIlson

Lead Pond Technician

There is nothing this woman can’t do: artist, photographer, chef, bow hunter, landscaper, wildland firefighter, mechanic, animal whisperer. Brandy’s super powers are her incredible work ethic and her infectious smile. We feel lucky everyday that she found her passion in pond work.

Janell Erickson

Branch Manager | Billings

Janell is a super woman who found her passion for ponds after a few earlier chapters. She has raised 4 kids and has 6 grands and ran a contracting business for many years with her late husband, Elwood. She has more toys than anyone we know including a four wheeler, a camper, and most impressively, a skid steer. You will not find a more competent upbeat person anywhere.

Keir Gallik

Pond Technician

Keir was proudly born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. After graduating college in Colorado he went on to pursue a career in finance and banking. After completing an MBA at the University of Virginia and a job on Wall Street he couldn’t resist the mountain’s call and returned to Montana to join the pond business.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Testimonials

“Terry and her crew at Mountain Ponds are our exclusive go-to for all of our pond maintenance and specialized labor needs.  Responsive, quality service and excellent communication really set this group apart.  I can't recommend them highly enough.”

-Alex Fox, Principal,  Pond and Stream Consulting

“I've used Terry at Mountain Ponds for a number of years. When she started helping us our 2 acre pond was a green mess. Since she's been caring for it it is clean and beautiful and my dogs love swimming in it, as do we. Her team is dedicated and knowledgeable and I highly recommend them.”

-Siri Gilliland

“After years of ups and downs and numerous specialists, we now have ponds that we are very happy with, all due to Terry and her Team. Thank you! “

-Jeff, Jumpin' Jack Ranch

“Terry and her professional team have managed my 2 trout ponds and stream system for the last 4 years. From spring preparation and routine summer maintenance to fall cleanup, the service has been impeccable. It’s important to me to retain a natural, fish friendly  environment with functioning wetlands and habitat for birds and wildlife while still having a well groomed landscape. Thanks to Terry and her team the ponds are always a favorite feature of the ranch for our clients and guests.”

-Jack Sammis, Black Jack Ranch, Jeffers Montana

"After decades struggling with algae and other pond maintenance problems, I now exclusively rely on Terry when my clients need any kind of pond maintenance.  She has the experience, technical knowledge and work ethic to efficiently handle difficult pond problems in varying circumstances.  Her energetic and positive disposition enables her to get great employees in a difficult labor market.  But most importantly, she truly cares about client satisfaction.  Keeping ponds looking good is not easy, but the ponds she maintains seem to always look fantastic.  I recommend Terry without reservation!"

-Scott Davis, Principal/Fisheries Biologist, Aquatic Resource Consulting

“Since hiring Mountain Ponds to maintain our pond my life is so much easier. I tried to DIY but failed miserably. It is money well spent.”

-Kathy Nelson, Bozeman, MT

Ready to transform your pond? Reach out to Mountain Ponds today and let us help keep your waterscape pristine and worry-free.

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