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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 997 Likes: 57
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OP
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 997 Likes: 57 |
Im trying to decide whether to leave or cut down the dead bank vegetation around my pond. I don’t have much vegetation in the pond so in the spring when the water is really high this would be good cover for the fish. On the other hand if I cut it down it would allow new growth to come in more easily. What is your opinion?
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,727 Likes: 285
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,727 Likes: 285 |
A concern might be that the decomposing plant material in the water could deplete the oxygen and cause a fish kill. This is more of a risk in warm water.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,988 Likes: 283
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,988 Likes: 283 |
Bank vegetation can affect the attractiveness of your pond to wildlife; this might tip your scales on the issue.
Muskrats like vegetation obscuring the bank, geese supposedly don't.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,450 Likes: 624
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,450 Likes: 624 |
I would try making a patchwork quilt for your fish.
Clear some stretches of bank and leave some stretches with the heavy dead cover. The fish can then pick their favorite places.
I suspect some species of forage fish will like the heavy cover and some other species will like having access to the edges of heavy cover.
Observe their behavior this spring, and observe your catch results in the lake this year, and then modify your mix of cover as desired in future years.
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2 members like this:
Quarter Acre, anthropic |
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,579 Likes: 853
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,579 Likes: 853 |
Having that there stops the geese from landing on the water and walking out of the pond to feed on the grass.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,347 Likes: 99
Editor, Pond Boss Magazine Lunker
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Editor, Pond Boss Magazine Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,347 Likes: 99 |
I like the idea to cut it in strips. Rake and pile what you cut, burn it, or haul to a compost pile.
Teach a man to grow fish... He can teach to catch fish...
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1 member likes this:
anthropic |
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,864 Likes: 298 |
I like the idea to cut it in strips. Rake and pile what you cut, burn it, or haul to a compost pile. Bob, I had a deal that fell through, so am left with more financial resources than anticipated. That will temporary, of course, so want to take advantage while I can. Am quite interested in Fish City type artificial structure to enhance habitat as wood gradually deteriorates. You mentioned results with 70' by 70' squares, with prey fish staying inside the formation & bass patrolling the perimeter. Thus, a more elongated, thin formation would be better for LMB. I'm wondering if, say, a 160 by 30 foot rectangle, thus of similar area, might be good. Or even two strips, 80 by 30, in different areas. Heck, maybe three strips of 70 by 25 located in different areas! What are your thoughts about strategy?
7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,596 Likes: 28
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,596 Likes: 28 |
Mine looks like yours TBAR and I'm leaving it for this year just to see how it does. I cut it down about the height of yours. Maybe a little lower but...mine is "sawgrass" and I just love it! Most all the lmb I caught last year came off a edge of that grass near the banks. Just my opinion.
Dear Alcohol, We had a deal where you would make me funnier, smarter, and a better dancer... I saw the video... We need to talk.
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My First
by Bill Cody - 05/06/24 07:22 PM
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