Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization Type of Fertilizer for Large Lake

I am managing a private 100 acre lake in Southern California. The lake is approx. 65' at the dam. The lake has never been fertilized. We are managing the lake for a trophy bass fishery. Species are bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, mosquito fish and shad.

I am looking for an effective low cost fertilizer for our lake. Not sure to go with a fast dissolving powder, liquid or other. It has been very difficult to locate fertilizer for my lake available here in the West.

What would you guys suggest? Our water just reached 60 degrees last week.

Thanks!

Dave

You won't be able to beat 10-34-0 or 11-37-0 liquid for economy, I'd be willing to bet. However, you do have the expense of the equipment to distribute it. When fertilizing lakes that large, I use a 100 gallon tank and small bilge pump to distribute undiluted fertilizer into the propwash of my boat. It works great. Handling quantities of liquid fertilizer can be problematic, however.

You could call Southern Excellence and see about shipping a pallet or two of their product to you. It's really easy to use.

The wettable powder type fertilizers are great too. Higher phosporous means lower application rates than with liquid, so the cost differential is reduced. It can be shipped too. I use Trophy Maker but I can't remember the name of the manufacturer off the top of my head.

I don't know anything about fertilizing in California, but I don't see why recommendations for southern states wouldn't apply. Wait 'til your water is a bit warmer and don't fertilize if aquatic weeds are a problem.