Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations I want to share my lake project

Hello all,
here are some photos of my lake which I have estimated to be between 12-15 acres in size. The deepest point is 13 feet with an average depth of 6-8 feet. It has been a goal of my to rid this lake of the weeds and the muck that has embarassed me thru the years. I don't want to use expensive chemicals anymore and have done extensive research on the topic of aeration systems, pumps, diffusers, and the like. I have read many articles on this subject and am ready to start. Recently I purchased 4 diffusers and made myself a PVC structure to hold them upright once it is placed on the bottom. Ran 1/2 inch tubing out to the deepest spot of the lake. I do believe I will need more diffusers and am working on that. Anyhow, my goal is to rid this lake of the weed muck problems. I understand that it is not an instant fix but am working with nature instead of against it by using chemicals. This is a great fishing lake especially bluegill. It used to be great for hugh largemouth bass, but in the last 5 years the big ones have disappeared. We have alot of LMB in the 10-12 inch range and can catch them all day long. Bluegil are plentiful, 9-11 inch in length. Any suggestions or comments are welcomed. Here is a link to my lake. Notice the one photo of me holding a weed cutter gadget I made from an old hedge trimmer. I just extended the motor part from transmission part with a 4 foot metal tube and connecting drive shaft. Welded a C-clamp to it so you can clamp it down onto a row boat. Works pretty good. Only cuts a 16 inch path though.

http://www.rvanorman.com/gallery.asp?folder=lake

Welcome, Bob.

Those are some great pics of a great lake.

Do you know what kind of weeds you have? Is there a chance that Grass Carp can help?

Aeration should help with bottom muck, but I'm no expert there. Others will chime in.

PS. The intitial description of your largemouth bass sounds like overcrowding due to lack of harvesting, but thats very preliminary without more information to complete the picture.

Hi Sunil,
the type of weed that I'm dealing with is that pesty Milfoil. I have been encouraging family and friends to keep the bass. We own the lake so there is no legal size to adhear to. Thanks.

Oh, about the grass carp...it would be great if we could have them here in Michigan, but they are illegal. DNR is afraid of them escaping into other tributaries. I believe there is a sterile version available but even those are illegal. Thanks.

Welcome Bob, that is a great looking lake. The experts will chime in soon - they'll figure something out. Are Tilapia legal in Michigan?
Good luck!
Randy

who was it that said muskey and pike help with bass problems due to the slender shape of the bass. could that be an option you are in michigan so there would be no problem haveing them.

She's a bute Bob, you lucky dog. Youv'e given me small man syndrome again, last time it was muddy pond that did it I was just now gettin over that

RT, Im on the floor laughing.

Bob, that is one beautiful lake to begin with. Best of wishes on your project.

Gator I forgot this line "I'm 6'5" tall and weigh 380 lbs" and have small man syndrome. or is it small pond syndrome?

Welcome ! Take a look at these. Understanding the plant is the first step. BTW those are good pics of a very nice lake.

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/submerged_plants/eurasian_watermilfoil.htm

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/submerged_plants/eurasian_watermilfoil_mgmt.htm

BVO...welcome, sir and big/large kudos on a fine slice of water feature. Truly deservant of the title "lake".
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RT...is that really you? Are you wearing blue shoes or poor circulation?

You guys are hilarious. Who is the guy with the belly sticking out of the water and the blue shoes?

ewest,
Yep, I definetly have eruasion milfoil. I am on a mission to rid myself of this pesky weed. Wonder if there is a market out for this stuff. thanks.

Hi Randy,
I don't know if Tilapia are legal here in Michigan but I understand that they cannot survive water temperatures below 50 degrees F. This past winter in the month of Feb. we had 11 inches of ice. Brrrrr! Thanks for the post Randy.

To the Bureau Creek Master,
Muskie or Northern Pike are aggressive preditors and would probablly do the trick. Although the bass over population is currently OK with my Dad who is retired and loves to go out and fight those scrappy 10-12 inch bass. I think the over population of bass keeps the bluegill in check because the bluegill fishing is awesome. Thanks for the post.

It's Me enjoying the beautiful clear spring waters of the Texas hill country. The blue shoes are beach shoes ment to walk and swim in. If you guys don't have any there priceless for pond adventures. Wally world has them.

What kind of predator fish does rockytopper have in his pond for population control of base, bluegill and blue shoes?

From the shape of the fin, as well as the proximity to the blue shoes, I suspect that this is Carcharodon carcharias dysgeusiensis, a fresh water variant of the Great White distinguished by, among other things, a congenital absence of taste buds.