Bill... I kinda knew you were going to say someting like that from past posts. 10/acre is a general comment I know. I have never worked on a northern lake. I also agree about 15-25% coverage is good.
Here is where I differ...I find it easier to place artificial or wood cover. They provide substrate for periphyton growth, ambush, etc. Coontail is invasive, and yes if trying a fertilization program it will soak up nutrients before reacking target phytoplankton. IT grwos in thick mats that are too dense for effective bass predation upon bluegill. I TRY TO ELIMINATE ALL WEEEDS IN SMALL LESS THAN 5 ACRE PONDS. Trying to delicately balance between some weeds and too many weeds is difficult. It hampers primary productivity and results in difficult to fish bodies of water.
Maybe I'm wrong but I get 5 calls a week about weed problems. If the lake is small, I say grass carp stocking is best longterm or we can perform a herbicide application for immediate improvement. I do not think telling them to reduce to about 15% coverage over the next two years with low grass carp stocking denisites is the answer they are looking for. Look forward to your comments Bill.
