Where are my LMB?

My ponds are in NW Indiana. Both are approximately 1 acre large and up to 14 feet deep. Both are fed from ground water, which is not unusual for NW Indiana ponds. But they therefore fluctuate in depth � 6 feet this year alone. Both ponds are made mostly of sand with some clay and gravel. Also both ponds have air diffusers powered by Koenders EL compressors, 24/7. Blue herons and snapping turtles have been observed at both ponds. But not otters or cormorants.

One pond is dedicated for SMB and the other pond is dedicated for LMB. Standing on the bank of my SMB pond is very entertaining as you can watch the SMB �hunt� for small fish. There is a lot of splashing and you can see the SMB forming �hunting parties.� Standing on the bank of my LMB pond is less entertaining. You can watch Pumpkinseed Sunfish hovering over their nests, schools of BG hanging out. And a ton off small fish �frolicking� near the shore or out on the middle of the pond. But no splashing. No �hunting parties� of LMB. Nothing!

The following is the history of the LMB pond:

Completed in 2010

September 2010:

275 Paper Shell Crayfish

12 lb Fathead Minnows

October 2010:

200 Bluegill Sunfish 2.5-3"

June 2011:

49 lb Fathead Minnows

5 lb Golden Shiners

July 2011:

97 Pumpkinseed Sunfish 1-3"

March 2012:

18 lb Fathead Minnows

September 2012:

13.5 lb Fathead Minnows

52 Largemouth Bass 3-4�

April 2013:

106 Golden Shiners

June 2013:

85 Pumpkinseed Sunfish 1-3"


When we fish, we get Bluegills and Pumpkinseed. No LMB.


We did a Fyke Net Survey in the LMB pond. Here are the results:

6-1-2013:

Bluegills: Qty. 20 Size: 5� to 7.25� Body condition good. Females still carrying eggs.

Bluegills: Qty. 13 Size: 2� to 5� Body condition good. Both Males and Females; too small to spawn.

Pumpkinseeds. Qty. 2 Size: 5�-6� Body condition good. Males

Golden Shiners Qty. 8 Size: 4�- 7� Good condition

6-2-2013:

Bluegills 5�-7 �� 6 fish. 5 Males 1 Female

Bluegills 1 �� � 3� 207 fish

Pumpkinseeds 4�-6� 10 fish

Pumpkinseeds 2 �� long 1 fish

Golden Shiners 4�-5� 8 fish

Papershell Crayfish 1 4 �� long


Minnow Traps on 6-2-2013:

63 GSH 2 �� � 4�

51 FHM 2 1 �� BG

Obviously I do not expect any LMB in the Fyke Net. But I expect of the (52) LMB at least as much action as from (60) SMB.

I am very frustrated. Where are my LMB? How come I cannot see them like the SMB?

Please explain this to me.

Thank you.

Regards,
FRIZ