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
