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We're actually having serious problems with Lyngbya this year, and my understanding is that the problem (with varying severity) has been around for 3+ years. Our lake is professionally managed, but even the professionals were overwhelmed this year. FWI - This is 15+ acre lake, not a pond.

This year we used a combination of talapia, copper sulfate (pellets and spray), and a lot of rakes. In past years, spraying was enough. This year, not even the combination I just mentioned made much of a difference.

Question: At this time of the year (July in Texas), is it best to avoid spraying chemicals, or is their something chemically that's OK to use and will give us meaningful results? We have a healthy fish population and want to avoid any major risk to their well-being.

I will post some pics as soon as I can.

Thanks!

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Thanks for the info queenkat.

Regarding Tilapia, the verdict is still out. Although we have, indeed, seen them eating both the floating mats and what's on the bottom of the lake, we've not seen a noticeable difference in the volume of Lyngbya thus far. In our particular situation, due to a limited budget, we were only able to stock about 1/3 of the recommended pounds of fish. Therefore, we are relying on abundant spawning to make up the difference (we've been told the young offspring actually do most of the Lyngbya eating). I doubt we'll be able to measure our success until early September, when their "anticipated" numbers are more in line with recommendations.

If you live in a state that allows stocking of Blue Tilapia, I would strongly consider getting them (they're a hungrier variety, so I'm told). They're not an option in Texas, so we have to settle for second best (if that).

I'll certainly keep you updated on our Tilapia experience!