Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fry??

I'm seeing significant numbers of an as-yet undetermined species of fry along the banks in the last few days. Normally I'd be quite happy about this, but I'm puzzled for a couple of reasons.

First off, the water temp has yet to go above 51 degrees, and has only reached that level for a couple days at a time between storms/fronts, with an average the last 3 weeks of around 47. To the best of my knowledge, that should be below even crappie spawn temperatures.

I'm presuming these are fry from this year, because they're all 1/2" to 1" in length. I haven't identified the species because every time I bring a dip net down to the bank, they scatter, and I haven't had time to use a better method.

Considering that I have crappie, LMB, bluegill, and catfish in the lake, what are these likely to be and why so early?

Its hard for anyone to say. I cant think of what it might be except gambusia (mosquito fish)

I have seen the same thing all winter even through the ice on a sunny day! Believe they are the last hatching of my fatheads and mosquito fish from last winter. I also had about 100 small bream go over the spillway and way out in the pouring rain scooping them up and tossing em back in. I now have a removable screen in front of the emergency spillway. Bob

TopH2O - They are a late fish hatch from last year. In your case, I'm betting bgill.

I agree with Bill. Probably from last fall

try catching a few of the fish with a net. If they are bluegill and are less than 30 days old you will be able to see through them.

Shan

TopH20
by a net I mean a seine. you can get a cheap one at Wal-mart. a 10 footer should do the trick

shan

topH2o,
having seen your pond they are bluegill. The thing most people don't realize is the lack of growth over the winter. They are basically the same size they were last October. They will start growing again about now. BTW let me know when we are going to shock that pond and findout what the bigger fish are looking like. Already have 35 shocks on the books for the spring.

Okay I actually got one, by perhaps the most unusual method. I caught it on a Rat-L-Trap! Well snagged one by accident actually. Speared his butt right through the gut, and it was indeed a little baby bluegill.

Greg, the HOA meeting is 2nd Wed not 1st Tue like I thought, but the paperwork has been submitted and is expected to be approved, once it's official I'll let you know and we can schedule something.