Michael Cox had a vision: raw Arkansas acreage with the potential to become something extraordinary — a private, trophy-class fishing lake that his family, friends, and dogs could enjoy for generations. Bulletproof Pond and Lake turned that vision into nearly 7 acres of pristine, deep-water trophy lake, constructed from scratch and filled completely by nature just 18 days after construction wrapped.
This property started as raw acreage with no existing water features. Michael envisioned a private lake that could serve as a trophy fishing destination, a recreational retreat, and a focal point for his entire property. Creating that vision required a complete new-construction lake build, along with extensive site evaluations and planning to ensure the land could successfully hold and sustain a lake of this scale. During construction, the project faced several major equipment failures that threatened progress, but the team worked through each challenge and completed the build just before a major storm system swept through the area, filling the lake in only 18 days.
We performed extensive soil sampling and partnered with Kansas State University to verify the property’s suitability for long-term water retention. A full LiDAR survey and watershed analysis were then completed to map the land and understand water contribution potential. Using AutoCAD engineering software, we designed the lake’s footprint, depth profile, and drainage systems, while detailed watershed modeling and historical property research helped guide the final design and construction approach.
Construction on this project began on raw acreage and required moving significant earth to create a nearly 7-acre lake with depths reaching 25 feet. Despite several major equipment breakdowns during the build, the team pushed through each setback and completed construction just before a massive storm system arrive – filling the entire lake in only 18 days!
Flooded timber was intentionally left standing to create a fish habitat and attract wildlife. Riprap reinforcement was installed along the overflow system for stability, and hydroseeding was applied following construction to establish vegetation and protect against erosion as the lake filled.
The finished lake transformed the property into a destination of its own, with nearly 7 acres of water creating an extraordinary lakefront view. Designed for both recreation and relaxation, the Cox family now has the private recreational retreat they always envisioned.
With abundant wildlife, a thriving fish habitat, and endless opportunities to enjoy the water, the lake has become the centerpiece of the property and a place where memories will be made for generations to come.
The transformation is extraordinary. What was once untouched raw acreage is now a stunning private lake that has completely transformed the property. The lake now serves as a destination for fishing, kayaking, entertaining, wildlife watching, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Working alongside our partners at Midwest Lake Management, Inc., Michael and his family continue to enhance their lake through custom fish stocking and habitat improvements, ensuring it will provide world-class recreation and unforgettable memories for years to come.
Discover How We've Transformed Visions Into Reality
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Tyler Ruoff11 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a fisheries biologist who does a lot of consulting work and management for private pond and lake owners, I frequently encounter poorly-constructed impoundments that lead to problems in the future. Anyone with heavy equipment can dig a hole in the ground, but it takes careful consideration to build a pond or lake correctly. I’ve seen ponds with insufficient watersheds that never fill, ponds with poorly sloped shores, ponds with vast areas of shallow water that lead to algae and vegetation issues, leaking ponds…the list goes on. That’s where Bulletproof Pond and Lake shines. Ryan, Lexi, and the crew meticulously work to ensure their customers get a beautiful, functional body of water. This isn’t a company that builds terraces and levels build sites that also happens to build a pond here and there. This crew specializes in pond and lake construction. Bulletproof does it right. The technology and planning they use that goes into a pond build is on a scale that no one else in the area can top. I love getting a call from one of their new pond customers when it comes time for fish stocking and other management because I know that pond was built correctly, and that makes my job easier! I’ve worked with Bulletproof on several new ponds and renovation projects, and I can attest that these customers are very satisfied with the end result. If you want to enhance your property with a new pond or lake, or need to renovate an old pond, you’ll be glad you called Bulletproof.Posted on Google
Lucas Quinn26 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience with Bulletproof has been through media collaboration rather than as a construction client, but they've shown their integrity and high standards at every turn. They respond fast and communicate well, making collaborations easy. They have taken valuable time to educate me on the ins and outs of pond and lake construction, despite the fact that they were gaining nothing from it. As a fellow media professional, I'm impressed by how their content authentically captures their hard work. The quality is obvious. This is a team of good people who take clear pride in what they build, and for good reason.Posted on Google
Midwest Lake12 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We highly recommend Bulletproof. They’ve been a go-to expert for pond and lake construction for years, consistently bringing honest expertise, professionalism, and genuine care to every project. From ownership and estimators to foremen and field crews, their entire team is knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with. Most recently, we partnered with Bulletproof on a lake in Northwest Arkansas that they constructed and that we helped design as a trophy fishery and multipurpose family lake. We were impressed once again by the quality of their work, communication, professionalism, and ability to creatively solve problems and adapt when challenges arose. Bulletproof has extensive hands-on experience with large-scale pond, lake, and wetland construction, including dam repairs, lake and pond leak repairs, major clean-outs, geosynthetic liner installations, and complex excavation projects. Their use of LiDAR surveying and AutoCAD 3D design also helps set projects up for success before construction even begins. What stands out most to us, however, is how they collaborate. They work closely with fisheries professionals, environmental specialists, lake management companies, and engineers to approach projects from every angle. They’re responsive, open to feedback, and committed to finding practical, amicable solutions when issues arise. That combination of experience, integrity, and willingness to collaborate is hard to find. We’re proud of the lake we recently completed together in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and we’re looking forward to the next one! Photos attached are from the Prairie Grove, Arkansas project over the past year.Posted on Google
Eric Busick6 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Working with Bulletproof Ponds has been an outstanding experience. They are a true partner from start to finish, making collaboration easy through excellent communication, responsiveness, and professionalism. The quality of their work is exceptional. Their attention to detail, expertise, and pride in what they do is evident in the finished product. I highly recommend Bulletproof Ponds to anyone looking for a team that communicates well, produces top-quality work, and is a pleasure to collaborate with.Posted on Google
Carol King24 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have partnered with Bulletproof Ponds on several occasions. They have always done quality pond work from what we have seen. They are a great partner to work with! We look forward to many more collaborations!Posted on Google
Betty Coleman29 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
the crew at Bullettproof Pond and Lake were able to finally fix the leaks in my pond. Other companies only created more problems. I was able to add a fishing dock and am pleased to have the area surrounding this farm pond restored.Posted on Google
Mike7 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding, expert level work. Highly recommend, expectations were exceeded from the first meeting discussing pond and land layout all the way to the finished product. Thank you!! Adding an update for 2026. Ashley Office Manager reaches out at times to see how much I am enjoying the pond. After 3 years the pond is doing great. Ryan and team performed a very professional job. Water level remains approximately 2-3 feet below the bank during the summer without rain. Water plants are growing only around the edges; depth allows for single diffuser aeration. Some brief details of the journey after the build: Planting of beans and rye grass in areas without vegetation followed up by seeding prairie grasses and clovers. Within 3 rains the pond had nearly filled. The swells caught more water than I imagined. Water test performed by a laboratory for pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Conductivity, Turbidity, Chlorophyll-a, Phosphorus, Nitrogen (Total) providing a professional baseline. Spring stocking - fathead minnows, green sunfish, northern bluegill, (25) redear sunfish, (25) copper-nose, (10) rainbow dace, and one black/white Koi. No signs of over population. PS10 Pond Aeration System added the first summer. Addition of bacteria, 1 acre size to start. Water pump added 12.5 GPH with venturi to the shallow area on the ponds west side to help circulation, algae control and increase dissolved oxygen. Gypsum and bentonite initially added to settle some of the suspended clay solids, zeolite added where water enters from the swells to help filter, hold moisture and reduce turbidity. This year when starting the aeration system, there's no change in the waters color from debris in the bottom. Water clarity is improving due to the establishment of grass and clovers. Goal - continue lightly adding gypsum, control all erosion. 2026 water quality measured with a YSI pro series, and HM-200 handhelds. DO 7.23 MG/L CD 92 µS/CM PH 7.9 Test strips: Alkalinity remains low (initial reading in 2023 18 mg/L) Hardness mg/L 40-50 Carbonate ppm 40 Nitrite-Nitrate 0 Iron 0 Thanks!!Posted on Google
Don Schumaker13 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Pictures yet to upload. I've worked with Bulletproof over the years and have followed them for a long time and from a contractor standpoint (I've been a GC for going on 20 years now) they are the real deal. Bulletproof is an expert in ponds and lakes. Period. Not just in theory, but in execution. The technology, methods and solutions they bring up are things you don't see from most excavators in this space, it feels like they have a development team of 20 people on staff. Their core liners, how they approach lining ponds, their diagnostics they do, and their depth of knowledge behind their work puts them on a completely different level than others. We've seen our share of "I can build you this or that" contractors, and the service bulletproof offers almost makes it feel like they aren't even a contractor, they are the Amazon of building ponds. We've worked with engineering companies that don't do the level of diagnostics they do. I can't speak for services outside of ponds and lakes but everything they have done for our clients, and partners have been top notch. Communication has always been solid, and they have gone out of their way more times than I can count to to answer questions, share resources, and help me avoid costly mistakes. They've saved me hours , no probably days of research but sharing what they know and helping me with our plans and projects. They've helped with permitting, reviewing project ideas, and are always extremely patient when I bring up changes or ask a lot of questions. I've reached out after hours fully expecting no response till then next day,and still heard back that night. Rare! The crews in the field are respectful hard workers and want to do things right. That matters to me From someone who works with contractors every day, I see this company really cares more than just "let's get this done and get out of here" They are a rarity and I wish them nothing but success and will continue to work with them and recommend them every chance I get. Highly recommend considering bulletproof, you won't regret it.Posted on Google
Brandon Culver5 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ashley was very knowledgeable and professional. She guided me in the direction I needed to get us the design we were hoping for. Highly recommend!!!!Posted on Google
Andrew Rudolph21 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great company that is easy to communicate with and does an awesome job!