John, since Hoosierguy86 wants to stock Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Hybrid Striped Bass, your method of "controlling plant growth" through muddying the water, would ruin the fishery for those fish species, as all these species require excellent water clarity and quality to thrive and forage well.
Reducing sunlight penetration by stirring up bottom sediments into the water column also irritates the gills of many fish species, stressing them and reducing growth, or outright kills some.
It all depends on goals for the individual pond and owner, and while muddying the water may be an preferred way for some, it isn't a method that many would consider appropriate if wanting healthy fish and decent catch rates.
Cody Note: Keeping the water turbid with visibilities of 12"-16" to minimize algae growth will not make the pond appealing as a swimming pond which is one of the goals.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/09/16 05:09 PM.
