Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Winter kill

Here in central Iowa we had, what seems to this point, is going to be a hard winter on fish populations. I first noticed a few BG but last Friday noticed a large CC out on the ice, appariently a Coon or Coyote had drug it from the ice. My dog retrieved it so took the length measurment, 27" and guessing it would push 7lbs. I have seen one LMB so far and several large Bullfrogs. I haven't got my electric hooked up yet next to the pond so did not aerate again this year, I only hope it wasn't 100% kill. I did keep snow off in roughly a 400sqft area and ice fished one time early January which yielded 60 BG and had fresh water going through the overflow all year long.

One question I have after reading an article on garden ponds; This article stated to keep an opening in the ice to let gases out. This make sense but wondered if it would be applicable to a pond in the 2.5 acre size range?

Hope everyone fares better then I think I will.

FH

Fishhead, I think that a 100% winter kill with your pond configuration is improbable. You have water flow-through all winter. Unless there was something that came in from upstream in terms of contamination, I just don't see how a 100% kill would be possible.

Having said that, I think open water is always a good thing during the winter. We had 26 inches of ice this winter and always kept an area of open water with our circulator running part time.

Keep us informed on your situation and think positive thoughts!

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Dwight, I'll be watching daily with hope for the best.

FH

A short walk last night found my one and only White Amur floating. He/she was 7 yrs old and looked like it would make 15lbs. My 12yr old son was bummed out also and said it looked like it would fun to catch.

FH

The disappoitment gets worse with each trip around my pond, as the ice recedes. I am now able to see what I'm guessing are most if not all of my LMB as white spots under the remaining ice. I'll have to watch as the water warms for signs of BG along the shores before declairing a total loss.

FH

Losing your fish is definitely not fun! Dont get too bummed about it though, restocking and starting a project over could actually turn into an awesome project for you and your son to take on. Could be a great opportunity for him to get his feet wet with some pond management and raising fish is tons of fun!

I agree, Nate, to be honest I've accepted it now and will be watching for any signs of fish life. I did plant some more structure last winter and install a fishing peer. I have my electric run to the old pump house foundation so as soon as the fish/bait shack is built on it, I'll be able to run an aerator. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid this in the future.

FH