csullivan :

I did not address lake renovation at this point as that decision is better made after your pond survey . Methods of renovation of a lake while trying to keep your existing fish population is completely different than the methods used if you decide to kill the population first and start over. If after the survey the population is so bad that you want to start over then you drain the lake kill the remaining pockets , move in the dozer , tract hoe etc. If you want to keep the existing population you can lower the water level and work around the edges with equipment and do more with the use of cover { trees, brush , rocks etc.}. In the second situation what you can do to the deep part of the lake are limited absent the use of a dragline or dredge or a coffer dam. There is info on the site about both and some members have done both. There is also info { tapes , books, web sites , etc.} on renovation . In the meantime you can look into how much siltation has occured over 30 years which will be good info to have if you renovate.

To help in getting ready for your electroshock survey in addition to fishing you may want to do a seine survey which is described on the fourm and else where on line. It is easy to do and adds to your base of info. Keep notes on what you do and see based on careful observation. Good luck. ewest