Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding How Much To Feed As The Weather Cools

The metabolism rates of fish drop pretty quickly with lowering water temperatures. For LMB, I believe every 8 degree drop in temp corresponds to the metabolism being cut in half. Naturally, the amount of food they require and will eat drops also.

BG (Northern ones, anyway) are supposed to cease eating (floating) pellets at about 55 degrees. My pond temp dropped from 64 degrees last week to 54 degrees yesterday and BG feeding has virtually ceased. I am surprised that my CC are still eating some (they're supposed to stop at more like 60 degrees), but their consumption is way down, too. I've got 5-6 lbs of feed left, and then that's it for me for the year.

I'm not sure what temps LMB will pellet feed at, but watch how much feed they and the BG consume and let that be your guide on how fast to reduce. If a lot goes uneaten, cut back and/or skip some feedings. Being as far South as you are, maybe your Winter water temps will be high enough for reduced feeding all Winter long (?). I suspect some pondmeisters near you will have an excellent idea.