Winter Aeration - Do I need it if fed by a creek? - 10/01/18 05:09 PM
I currently have a ~2 acre pond that freezes completely over in the winter. It is fed by a small creek on one end and on the other end discharges over a dam.
Question: Should I aerate, or should the flow from the creek be sufficient?
I want to keep the ice on the pond for winter sports (Ice fishing, skating, etc). This is my first full year owning the property (including aeration). I planted some fish in the spring (RBT, HBG) and have noticed there are some residual fish (BG, Pike (10"), Perch, etc..). There are a plethora of minnows, but for the most part the all of the fish are small. To further add to the equation, I have had a run-in with River Otters this year...
I am trying to ascertain if the existing fish base was decimated by river otters... or winterkill and whether I need to aerate this winter. Thoughts?
Question: Should I aerate, or should the flow from the creek be sufficient?
I want to keep the ice on the pond for winter sports (Ice fishing, skating, etc). This is my first full year owning the property (including aeration). I planted some fish in the spring (RBT, HBG) and have noticed there are some residual fish (BG, Pike (10"), Perch, etc..). There are a plethora of minnows, but for the most part the all of the fish are small. To further add to the equation, I have had a run-in with River Otters this year...
I am trying to ascertain if the existing fish base was decimated by river otters... or winterkill and whether I need to aerate this winter. Thoughts?