About
Tucked away in Watkinsville, Georgia, The Koi Store is a dedicated koi operation run by Carl and Vicki out of a sprawling property that includes two greenhouses and nine mud ponds. This is not a typical pet shop — it's a working koi farm where Japanese koi are quarantined and grown out on-site before being offered for sale, a practice that speaks to the seriousness of their approach. Once a fish leaves the property, it doesn't come back, a biosecurity measure that dedicated koi keepers will appreciate.
Vicki is the face most customers encounter, and reviews consistently praise her willingness to spend time answering questions about koi care, both in person and after the sale. Several buyers describe purchasing multiple fish over repeat visits, with one customer reporting over 20 koi purchased, all healthy and vibrant. Carl handles the more technical side, offering consultation on pond filtration systems and even pond construction, though some customers have reported frustrating delays with pond repair work and communication issues that prospective clients should be aware of.
The selection leans toward high-quality Japanese koi, and the store also carries pond plants. Prices can run higher than average, but bulk buyers report that Carl is open to negotiating deals. The facility also hosts koi club meetings, making it a gathering point for the Georgia koi community — one reviewer described an educational club event complete with lunch.
A word of practical advice: this is an appointment-based operation. The posted hours and phone numbers have tripped up more than one visitor who drove in unannounced, so calling ahead to schedule is essential. The gate may be locked if you arrive without notice.
For pond keepers in Georgia looking for quality Japanese koi and knowledgeable guidance on pond setup and care, The Koi Store offers a depth of inventory and expertise that's hard to find at a general pet store. Just plan your visit in advance and inspect your fish carefully before taking them home.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- ConsultationPond ServicesCustom Tanks
- Specializes in
- Pond
Highlights
What makes them special
- Two greenhouses and nine mud ponds on the property
- Strict biosecurity: fish that leave the property cannot return
- High-quality Japanese koi with large selection
- Consultation services for pond filtration and setup
- Hosts koi club meetings and educational events
From keepers
Customer reviews
“We meet Vicki at the Atlanta koi show we looked at her beautiful koi she had at the show. We made and appointment at her koi store and we were amazed at the quality and selection she has. Vicki takes the time to listen to you and helps out with every question you may have while you are there and after we got home I had a few other questions that I emailed her and she took time out of her busy day to call me with the answers and to see if she could help out in any way. We took home three beautiful and perfect koi. We will be going back there in the spring to add to our koi pond. Update we went back and bought four more koi one had a sore on it was told to put benadine on the area and it will be fine and it could not be farther from the truth and when we reached out about it not working and only getting worse we were met with all kinds of excuses finally just started ignoring us and would not return emails or calls spoke with other koi dealers who were appalled that we were sold a fish with a sore on it. Just be very careful and really look the fish over good.”
— robert haas1.0Edited 6 months ago“Rude and not helpful.”
— Amy Hudson1.08 months ago“Vicki has been so helpful and accommodating as my family and I have been getting into the world of Koi. I’ve bought over 20 koi from her and every one has been as healthy and beautiful as you could ever ask for. She deserves more the 5 stars”
— Jeremy Lancaster5.0a year ago“What a real Koi experience, Thank you Vicky! I had such a wonderful time.”
— Shawn Blankenship5.0a year ago“Great place to buy Japanese koi”
— Glenn Kicklighter5.0a year ago“Great experience, they are absolutely amazing people. Very sweet and loving with my family. Very personal. And beautiful fish! Can't wait to go back!”
— brandi henson5.0a year ago“My fault for thinking there was something decent in Watkinsville. 🤡 Especially quality koi. Days and hours of service and phone number need to be updated. Number is inactive. Came with friends an hour and a half out of our way. Gate was closed and locked. Then found the incorrect number is on Google. Called the number on the gate (completely different number). No answer. Thought I’d call again just to make sure. Phone rang a few times before someone picked up, but I was met with silence. “Hello, are you open today?” I asked. “I’m about to leave. Do you have an appointment?” (It was almost 2pm in the afternoon when their hours say they are open until 5). I politely explained that I came an hour and a half after seeing their hours online. The old lady then hung up. How unprofessional and busted you must be. I hope you get better.”
— Bridget Lynch1.02 years ago“Vicki and the kOI store are absolutely amazing. Worth stopping in even if you don’t have a koi pond. Simply breathtaking.”
— GREG AKRIDGE5.02 years ago“THE BEST KOI STORE EVER!!”
— Carla Stevens5.02 years ago“Carl and Vickie are fantastic! They have high quality Koi and plants. Carl also helped consult me with leaks in our pond and set us up with a stellar filter system!”
— Patrick Greco5.03 years ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (706) 247-0034 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Koi Store.