Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Creating habitat Bank Vegetation

I have a problem with muddy/dirt banks and erosion into the water. (caused by a combination of the draught and maybe a side-effect of things done to take care of a bad algea problem)

My lakes are located in North Texas, about 20ft deep, and 5 to 15 acres in size.

What should I plant on the banks, if anything. Reeds, rye grass, cattails, some other kind of grass that will grow in water? I would like something that will help the water clear up and provide nice cover for the bass. Right now its just bare banks with no cover and exposed dirt.

Any help greatly appreciated.

I've had more luck with bermuda than anything else.

I agree with Dave. Bermuda works well.

Agreed with what has been said.

You have to look at it as 2 different areas. 1) above waterline 2) below waterline

Cattails are out. You'd be looking at more problems than they are worth, and if left unchecked, they will grow too close together to afford any cover for fish.

Arrowhead, Pickerelweed, different rushes and sedges. You are probably looking for more emergent marginal plants than submerged plants for the "below waterline" area. Make sure nothing that you plant is considered to be an invasive species in your area. More problems than benefits.

Pickerel weed is supposed to be the least invasive. However, I have no idea how well it works with our fluctuating water levels. Well, gotta admit, most of my fluctuations are down.

thanks.
So for the "below waterline" category - does "emergent marginal plants" mean something that has roots underwater in the lake bottom but grows tall above the waterline (sorry, I'm new to this and don't know the lingo)

I'll check on the invasive species but of the rushes and sedges you mention, which ones would be cheapest and easiest to plant.

You got it!

A lot of the emergent marginals are easy to get started from seed, Pickerel Weed is durn 'near impossible (I tried 2x and failed). I bought some started plants (well, split an order with FCM67693 ) and hopefully have them established now. I'll know for sure in the Spring.

Look at J.F. New, Spencer Nursery, and others for seeds. None are cheap. I'd also PM Bill Cody for suggestions and sources.