Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations 28 yr old, 36 acre pond/lake. Where to start.

I just found the site yesterday and it looks very informative. I live in a developement in Mesa,AZ. We have 8 lakes/ponds. I live across the street from the largest, 36 acres. The max depth is 8'. There is approx. a 18" wall all around it,the lake is surrounded by homes. It contains Bass, Carp, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill and Tilapia. The Bass are 1-2lb primarily, but I did catch a 4+. Rarely do I see or catch bluegill or Crappie, but the Crappie are 9-10" There is virtually no structure, except for a few areas of concrete from original construction. Very little habitat, we are installing some. Has docks with pontoon boats for cover. Grass, slop bottom. I think it would make a fantastic fishery. I would like to know how many fish we currently have per acre, species, how to improve growth rates and numbers etc. How would you "experienced ponders" approach this problem?

Ric:

I would suggest you contact the AZ DFG and ask them if they can do a shocking studying of you lake to determine the population dynamics of your lake. If they can't do this ask them if there are any private companies in your area that can do this.

I bet you will find that the lake is bass heavy and you need to start culling out bass, if you want to increase their sizes. Do people keep bass out of the lake? The size of your crappie indicates that the bass are keeping them in check. However, if you aren't catching many bass over than 1 - 2 lb. fish you could be bass heavy and have a stunted population of bass. How often do you see small tilapia? Are you seeing bluegill on beds? Putting out some structure will make it easier to catch the bass for you as you will certain spots that will attract them to.

Dave

Rarely do I see small Carp or Tilapia. I was at the lake yesterday, nephew caught a 9-10" Crappie.
Gzillions of minnows around landing but I cannot tell the species. I never see bluegill on beds much less catch any...but I fish for bass. Az GFD does not have any control of this water because it is basically a holding area for Salt River Project, a utility company. Maybe I can contact them too. Will the shocking kill the fish or just stun them?

Shocking stuns the fish, unless the power is turned up too high and then you may kill some small delicate fish like shad.

Dave