Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - How much growth is too much?

I lost my original largest CNBG to fungus (probably due to severe cold snap stress to spawners) in October 2017, but the crop behind them has come on like gangbusters. Relative weights near the feeders are 140 plus.

Totally delightful, and much better than my LMB results. But is there a point at which I should reduce feeding even when they are still chowing down on it? Can growth be too fast, shortening life? I dispense a total of 120 pounds a week from 3 feeders, 40 pounds each, 3 sessions a day, and each session the fish finish it in five minutes or less. Sometimes Purina MVP, sometimes Optimal BG. FIsh are very happy with either.

Ponds with a good supply of natural forage will mediate high % pellet feeding issues in LMB. HSB are different as they can process carbs (somewhat) which can cause problems, but still supplemental feeding is a distinct positive for HSB as well. Drawdown should help with weeds and fish. I would not worry about put and take RT and feeding issues - put them in feed them and harvest. BG should be fine in your situation. If you reduce feeding substantially then watch BG population for condition and harvest as required to maintain condition.

See this for PW

https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/management-options/southern-naiad/

Don't know if it would work but I would check on using a contact herbicide as you draw down the pond to advance killing the problem plants. Spray only plants at surface as it goes down. Then when down remove plants manually. See the link re plant fragments. May want to check with Kelly , Bob or others on this approach. I do not hold water levels down. I lower the level and let it refill naturally. This assumes no constant water inflow which would cause issues. Usually stays down about 2 weeks and a month to refill. But your geography and rainfall are different than mine.

Generally the faster the growth rate the shorter the life expectancy in pond fish. Some species can become morbidly obese on to much fish food (high % of diet). Examples are HSB and LMB. Don't know about BG however. If you are going to cut back on feeding (more than just a little) then harvest will be needed (assuming a balanced population now). A drawdown fall/winter may well help both the BG and LMB.