The filamentous algae in Missouri ponds are already growing fast - probably due to the mild winter and low water levels. My 2 acre pond is only three years old and I got large mats, 10 feet wide circling the whole shoreline. Water level is two feet below the spill pipe and I have not had any overflow in 13 months. I have a bottom aerator, but I turned it off for the winter. The water shed is 30 acres of hardwoods. I would like to knock back the algea before it gets worse.
Could a good spring rain kill some of the algea if the water level suddenly went up two feet? Would planting other water plants help reduce algea? Is it too early to apply one of the copper type products? I sure wish I could find a Tilapia source in Missouri.
What would you do - Any comments are appreciated.

Jeff Gaines