Bill - thanks for replying ... I want to make sure that I understand your reply. You're suspecting that the depth of my pond is too shallow which is causing winterkill. I can verify this by two different means: 1) measure the depth in the manner that Dave has suggested and 2) use a minnow trap to verify that I have no fish.
Ok, I'll start as you've suggested ... should I also start looking at aeration at the same time or wait for the results of the depth check and minnow trap first? The reason I'm trying to create my list of "to dos" is that I won't be back to my cabin until this October. I plan to do a lot of work but I want to make sure that I've thought through everything and have made preparations.
I like the idea of YP and SMB. What type of minnows do you recommend to support the YP and SMB?
My current "to do" list for this October:
1. Conduct depth check in pond using depth stick in canoe - also check firmness of pond bottom
2. Use minnow trap to confirm that there are no fish presently in pond
3. Use water test kit to baseline pH, nitrates, nitrites, and DO
4. TBD
5. TBD
Any others that I should add to the list?
Thanks!
