After surviving an unusually hot summer, the trout in my spring-fed pond have had to endure the indignity of muddy waters twice in the past three weeks. The more recent and severe episode began Thursday night into Friday when almost 6" of rain fell here in Rockbridge County, Virginia.
The trout have withstood several mild muddy water intervals in the past, but this seems to be the most severe yet. Visibility is down to literally 2" to 3". My pond never used to sustain any turbidity, but a "neighbor" (maybe I should just call him an "adjacent property owner"?) cut a logging road right along the property line, just above my pond, almost two years ago. And now each heavy rain event brings at least a little silt and discoloration.
This is now the third day for this kind of suspended clay turbidity, the longest event yet. Anybody out there familiar with how long rainbows can withstand this type of muddy grief? The trout receive supplemental feed -- usually about three times a week this time of year.
Time for me to start thinking about gypsum or alum? Green hay, maybe? It's only a 1/4 acre pond.
I am also attempting my first try at adding photos per Photobucket -- but I have a Mac and am not sure if the directions I am trying to follow will work for a Mac. The three photos should depict: my pond when it's clear, and two very recent and very muddy views.
Sorry for the length of this post. Any advice and guidance re rainbows and mud flows will be greatly appreciated. -- Mike Smith, Lexington, VA
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