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Joined: Feb 2017
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OP
Joined: Feb 2017
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So, I was walking around my pond today and realized there is a lot more decaying organic matter (mostly leaves) around the pond edge than I thought. I was thinking of racking some of it out this weekend but upon closer inspection I noticed hundreds of fry tucked in using the leaves as cover. Just went out tonight with a flashlight and it is actually more like thousands. My question is when is the appropriate time of year to remove decaying material in the first place? And second, at this point would I do more harm than good and kill a lot of the fry when I take it all out?
NTHA - North Texas Half Acre Cattle Ranch Ponds
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,055 Likes: 277 |
Fry at this time of year is something I wouldn’t expect. Interesting situation. Any idea what they are?
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,314 Likes: 300
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,314 Likes: 300 |
My thoughts as well. We have thousands of small tadpoles roaming the shallows, but no fry.
AL
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Joined: Oct 2013
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,088 Likes: 96 |
Be interesting if you had a goldfish bowl or small aquarium to gather a few and observe them for a few days up close to see if you could figure out for sure what they were.
John
I subscribe to Pond Boss Magazine
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Joined: Oct 2014
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Joined: Oct 2014
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FWIW if you still have a FHM population, they start spawning when the water temp reaches 50+.
Last edited by Bill D.; 02/16/18 08:14 AM.
Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,314 Likes: 300
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N.TexasHalfAcre, would you know what your water temps are? We are hitting that 45-55 degree range right now.
AL
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 250 Likes: 11
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OP
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 250 Likes: 11 |
I will try to get some pictures or catch a few this weekend. When I say “fry” these are a little bigger than freshly hatched. I am thinking they may be BG fry that hatched this Fall or something. Either way there is a ton of them about an inch long.
Water temperature a few days ago was right at 50 degrees but it has warmed up here the last few days. BG were all lined up at the bank wanting to eat yesterday evening.
9:53 I just checked the water temperature and it was at 58 degrees.
Last edited by N.TexasHalfAcre; 02/16/18 10:54 AM.
NTHA - North Texas Half Acre Cattle Ranch Ponds
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