I had a heavy bloom going in my pond for most of May and June. Average sechi readings od 12-14". During the bloom the bass were pretty much impossible to catch.

The bloom has dissipated over the last couple weeks going to 18" and really clearing up this week to about 3.5'. I've caught a couple of the larger bass during this time and they looked extremely skinny - no belly at all. Caught one yesterday that should be around 5lbs and it was closer to 3.5 lbs. The smaller bass I've caught don't seem as affected. In past couple years bass of these lengths were not skinny (though not hog like).

Historically the pond has been fairly clear with 4' or more of visibility and weedy. I'm wondering if the older bass could not adjust to the bloom and had trouble feeding.

Another thing I noticed was I saw no evidence of the bass spawning. Nothing would hit lures in the shallow area in April/May and I haven't seen schools of fry. Even the BG spawn seems pretty minimal - have only seen a few fry. Adult and forage size BG can be seen in moderate numbers in the shallows.

Last edited by nvcdl; 06/26/21 02:23 PM.