Pondweed Control
I have a 30-40 ft ring of pondweed around a 3.5 acre lake in Henderson County, Texas. I am certain that it is pondweed (small long stalk from the bottom rising thru up to 5 ft depth with small oval leaves on surface only).
I know that this weed provides good cover for baitfish and can be healthy for the food chain. However, the amount now makes it difficult for kids to fish from the shore, and it is not very trolling motor friendly.
I know the options. Of the following, what would those with knowledge advise?:
1. Leave it alone this season and try to control next spring with dye.
2. Mechanical removal or cutting.
3. Herbicide in rows to create casting lanes.
4. More thorough herbicide application.
5. Let it die off naturally in late season.
6. Drain down the lake 2 ft & allow it to die off. The lake is 15 ft deep and spring fed. The spillway pipe would allow this.
How much of a problem is this aquatic plant?
