Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Ice Out RES problems

My ice left quickly a couple of days ago. Two RES were found on land, about 1-1.5' from the water. It's been breezy here but I also have Labradors. The fish didn't have a mark on them. Today a RES is near the shore on it's side, still living, no marks on it but it can't stay upright, looks weak. What's happening? Besides RES I have Yellow Perch, minnows and a few Walleye. I haven't seen any of the other fish yet.

I've had a few experiences extremely like you describe. Thankfully, mine have been far and few between. It has just involved RES that can't seem to swim properly after ice-out. I've tried to resuscitate them, but that has never worked.

Now and then a few dead BGs, LMB, CCs. etc., will float up dead at ice-out.

It has involved what I assume are the biggest of my RES. All that I've found have been females.

It has just been really disappointing that they were the biggest RES that I figured had been living in the pond.

When it has happened, I've taken the live, but dazed RES out of the pond with a dip net. I may sound like a serial cannibal, but most became lunch. All have been big enough for a lunch for two.

Thank you!

Do you think it's too early to start up my aerator? We've been in the 40's/30's but colder at night, teens.

Redear don't always fare well in cold water. Perhaps they are stressed from the chilly temps.

In my opinion it's not a case of being too soon to start up the aeration, but I'm not sure it's needed at this point. I would think your DO is adequate right now.