Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking Pond Renovation/Fish Eradication

I live in north Florida, Dixie County. We have a small pond on the property that was dug by the previous owner and was stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. We want to renovate the pond to be used for more ornamental goals and eliminate, if possible, the current fish stocking. We want to be able to use it for more ornamental purposes, especially waterfowl, however the largemouth bass completely decimate any newly hatched ducklings, even wild species. Our extreme drought nearly dried the pond out but a good rainy season has mostly refilled it. I tried pumping the water out but the water table refills it too quickly to make that a viable option.

I’ve done research and found that Prenfish (rotenone) seemed like a great option based on the kind of toxicity it has and limited effect on groundwater, however I think it’s no longer available? I’m still waiting to get a call back from my local FWC office regarding licensed people who can assist me but that’s not been too productive as of yet.

It is a relatively small pond, maybe 50’ across at the moment, with a depth of about 5’ or so. I’d really like to act soon since fish stock levels seem to be fairly low at the moment but I’m at a loss of what my options are. I do understand pond ecology and biology, water chemistry. I’d appreciate any input of where to go next and what else I might try to eradicate, at the very least, the largemouth bass. Thanks

I think Rotenone is still available; your search for a licensed applicator is IMHO the way to go. You may have luck at this looking in the Pond Boss Resource Guide. If you have a way to lower the water level in the pond before treatment, that is preferred. (I see it is low due to drought - that may be all you need.)

We watched this happen over a couple of weeks a few years ago. After the LMB got the last Mallard duckling, it pulled mama duck halfway under and held her there for 10-15 seconds before she got loose.

Based upon me reading the posts of our actual experts, I believe that rotenone is probably your best option for your goals.

I do not know Florida law, but it probably requires that the treatment be performed by a licensed applicator.

Our experts also state that the treatment is much more effective based on creating the minimum possible volume of water in the pond.

However, I am a geologist, so I did want to comment on your groundwater situation.

If the drought severely lowered the water level of your pond, that means the drought also significantly lowered the water level of your local aquifer. The rainy season recharged your pond, AND the local aquifer.

I know you would prefer sooner rather than later. However, waiting for the next drought may give you a much better treatment result. Waiting for the next seasonal dry period may be your second best option.

When you find a good licensed applicator, he should be able to tell you the chances of success based upon his local expertise. (Local expert always beats internet goober. Fortunately, we do have some excellent experts in the forum for a multitude of topics.)

I would note, that even if you eliminate all of the bass, then your pond can still develop significant future problems. If you had a bluegill only pond, they will reproduce in massive numbers. At some point, you will have a future low oxygen event, and the resulting fish kill of 95%(?) of your BG would result in a huge stinking mess.

For your pond goals, I would try to perform the optimal fish elimination treatment and then manage the pond from that point.

Good luck on your upcoming pond project!