I currently have a ~2 acre pond that freezes completely over in the winter. It is fed by a small creek on one end and on the other end discharges over a dam.
Question: Should I aerate, or should the flow from the creek be sufficient?
I want to keep the ice on the pond for winter sports (Ice fishing, skating, etc). This is my first full year owning the property (including aeration). I planted some fish in the spring (RBT, HBG) and have noticed there are some residual fish (BG, Pike (10"), Perch, etc..). There are a plethora of minnows, but for the most part the all of the fish are small. To further add to the equation, I have had a run-in with River Otters this year...
I am trying to ascertain if the existing fish base was decimated by river otters... or winterkill and whether I need to aerate this winter. Thoughts?
2 acre Pond (Northern Michigan): ~2.6 Million Gallons Fish (Natural from Creek): BG, YP, BH, Pike, Bass, plethora of minnows Fish (Planted): RBT, HBG Aeration: 1/4 HP Compressor (MPC-60A @ 2.9CFM); 2 - 9" diffusers Fed by creek ~100 GPM to 1000+GPM
