New to this forum...We have a 3/4 ac brook trout pond. The brookies are between 16-21". We don't know how many we have. Very few or no little fish - the brookies have eaten them all. Did have tiger salamanders, but the brooks probably ate them, also. We do not what to put any chemicals or even natural weed control. Bought 3 8" sterile grass carp, last August...but the Brooks probably ate them, also. Need to clean up the grasses. the water is clear, but there seems to be nothing but surface water bugs to eat. We tried find stock, but due to COVID no Brooks anywhere near Colorado. I was told I'd need at least 10" new fish to stock so the Brooks don't eat them. Would 10" Rainbows be ok? Was told for spawning we would have to clear the creek where the water comes in, cement it to provide a clean area for the Brooks to spawn. Just found a dead fish today. hope we are not too late. We believe the grass needs to be cleaned. Buying a weed Razor. We think we may need to feed them, but not sure with what and don't want to disrupt the ecosystem or add invasive species. We also want to use the pond to irrigate our new garden, orchard and yard. How? Also would like a pump for fire suppression if need be. Best quality? Solar (350 days of sun)? Any help, suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, T
wbuffetjr, Thank you very much for the advice. Yes, it is unreal to see these guys. We don't know how old they are...Actually found one floating the other day. We really have done much to the pond, working on the rest of the ranch, but want to keep the Brookies fat and happy. We were not sure what to do with them...we know they need more food, but didn't want to upset the cart. It was by accident I found this forum and we are going to study it and find out the best ways to keep our pond healthy and thriving! Once I have the time to figure out how to post some pics of our brookies, I will! In the fall when they are spawning they look like salmon - beautiful orange color and a big hump...very cool!
We are going to do some grass cutting - just bought a razor. we were told "do only a 1/3 at a time" slow and steady!
So is it legal to add crawfish? Our stream has a diversion into our pond and right outside our property the stream goes underground, so anything we do is just to our pond/stream. We live near one of the states fisheries...When I'm close to town I will stop by to talk with them.
