Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Finding dead fish under ice

Several factors likely contributed to death of a few most vulnerable individuals. In a fish pond expect annual natural mortality even if the pond is not fished. As the pond reaches 4-6 years old start to expect at least 15% and more like up to 25%+ of the oldest adult fish to die of natural causes. Thus if there are 50 per acre large oldest fish in a pond you can an expect 25% to even 40% of them (abt 20 or more) to die each year. You likely will not see any visual evidence of oldest fish dying. Harvesting some of them is considered by some as wise management.

I would not hesitate ice fishing for some of the willing biters. It is a good way to do a small sampling of the fishes. Biting fish suggest they are active in the cold water and can tolerate a reasonable amount of handling. Howerver for the first ice season, I would limit or restrain catches to a hour or two for each of a few angling sessions. Do not "over do it" despite if fish are biting well so as to not stress a high percentage of your most active fish. Winter ice angling may stress fish more than angling in water 55F to 65F. IMO allow the fishery to mature for 2 to 3 yrs before using a high amount of fishing pressure and harvest.