Hi all,

We have got a relatively new pond located in Eastern Kansas that has SMB, walleye, and yellow perch. Really am hoping to prevent muck accumulation and vegetation overgrowth particularly in the swimming area around the dock. The lake is clear and very harboring for submerged vegetation that is getting out of hand. The lake is about 6 acres and 18 feet deep. Was hoping to treat the vegetation next year and keep it in check as much as possible in the swimming area but am concerned with all the dead organics and the eventual buildup of muck in that area and also throughout the whole lake.

Would best practice hear be to treat the swimming area, physically remove the dead plant material, and keep an eye on regrowth throughout the season?

Would diffused aeration, beneficial bacteria, and some form of biologic control for trimming/controlling (grass carp) be the best way to manage the rest of the lake and limit overgrowth and muck accumulation? Just curious about the best preventative strategies here and if diffused aeration/microbe treatments would even be a necessary investment at this point.

My last concern and confusion is regarding diffused aeration and thermal refuge. I don't want to completely eliminate the thermal refuge for these colder water species but when you aerate just part of a pond are you not just constantly pushing anoxic water up? Can aeration be beneficial if you don't aerate/mix the entire lake? I have seen people just throw aerators and beneficial bacteria treatments in shallow targeted areas or coves (especially in more eutrophic ponds) and want to understand that.

Any help is greatly appreciated!