Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations my poor pond looks awful

My poor pond is at least 3 feet below normal and it's not very deep to begin with.

I enjoyed the article in the most recent Pond Boss about hot, dry summer conditions and how it shrinks ponds but the fish can tough it out. At least, that's what I got out of it.

The fishing has really stunk everywhere during this hot weather! My pond is no exception but, all the fish (or should I say both of the fish) that we've caught have looked quite plump and healthy. We had a great bluegill spawn and there are frogs in abundance. I'm not sure if any of our golden shiner fry survived - the minnow traps we've put out have yeilded mostly baby bluegill and only a couple of golden shiners.

OK - this is just an observation. I don't have a question.

Sounds like your bass are chowing down on the shiners and other fish that have no where to go just like Bob said.

Hopefully you'll get some tropical storm moisture in the future.

Isn't that always how it is... Completely bone dry and then 10 inches in one day from a hurricane!

Al,

I feel your pain dude. My pond is about a foot ro so low and full of chara. I figured out what choked off my pond weed I think it was this chara. Man I got it like carpet beds. i didn't relize how bad I had it. My fishing isn't very good either. I thougt for a second maybe someone was fishing out my pond but then you said your not having very good fishing either so now I don't feel to bad. I guess it's just the summer blues!!!

RC

Thanks, guys!

Yep, for sure, my pond is not the only one suffering in this area. My pond fishing "network" consists of about 6 or 7 ponds that I have open permission to fish and they are all way down and the fishin' stinks in every one of them.

The really hot weather seems to be killing off some of my pond weeds but I've got a new variety starting to pop up. Haven't identified it yet and there are only a few sparse plants. I need to look it up on the internet and see what it might be. Not a problem at them moment but, that could change fast - I know that much!

The worst part is that there is usually water flowing constantly through my pond from the creek but the creek isn't running and my water is just sitting there.

The only consolation for us is that this is exactly what it looked like this time last year when we fell in love with it and bought it. So, maybe this is the same situation every year. It's only been 14 months since I first laid eyes on this pond so, I'm still learning the cycles.

Yeah I have only had my pond since May so I am real green to say the least. I have the same problem though. I had a pond weed that is all of a sudden dieing and I have what looks like Chara beds growing in under them almost like it's choking the pond weed off. I caught a few bass on Saturday but slow going. Good luck and stay in touch.

RC

"My pond fishing "network" consists of about 6 or 7 ponds that I have open permission to fish and they are all way down and the fishin' stinks in every one of them."

Al sounds like you need us to come out and help you, Seriously might consider some grass carp for those ponds. good longterm investment. We just took some to Athens last week.

Grass carp might be a very good addition to our pond but I think they would have to be the size of a killer whale to raise the water level.

Water, lack of rain, is my main issue. But, we did get a little recently and it certainly helped a bit.

They get just short of that size on pellet food.