I think it depends on the species present, and the goals to be met. In four of our ponds, we have a variety of cover and structure present, as these four are typical of a balanced, self-sustaining environment. However, the fifth pond has no cover present whatsoever, and that includes aquatic vegetation. None, zip, nada. This pond is managed in a manner, and with a species, that lends itself more to a non-reproducing, (unbalanced?) put-and-take scenario. This experiment is in its third year, and thus far has worked very well.
There are three porcupine fish attractors, (structure) in this pond, in the hope that it will concentrate the fish for winter ice fishing activities. If it ever gets cold again, we will put that theory to the test.
