Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment Bank Vegetation

Im trying to decide whether to leave or cut down the dead bank vegetation around my pond. I don’t have much vegetation in the pond so in the spring when the water is really high this would be good cover for the fish. On the other hand if I cut it down it would allow new growth to come in more easily.

What is your opinion?

A concern might be that the decomposing plant material in the water could deplete the oxygen and cause a fish kill. This is more of a risk in warm water.

Bank vegetation can affect the attractiveness of your pond to wildlife; this might tip your scales on the issue.

Muskrats like vegetation obscuring the bank, geese supposedly don't.

I would try making a patchwork quilt for your fish.

Clear some stretches of bank and leave some stretches with the heavy dead cover. The fish can then pick their favorite places.

I suspect some species of forage fish will like the heavy cover and some other species will like having access to the edges of heavy cover.

Observe their behavior this spring, and observe your catch results in the lake this year, and then modify your mix of cover as desired in future years.

Having that there stops the geese from landing on the water and walking out of the pond to feed on the grass.

I like the idea to cut it in strips. Rake and pile what you cut, burn it, or haul to a compost pile.

Bob, I had a deal that fell through, so am left with more financial resources than anticipated. That will temporary, of course, so want to take advantage while I can. Am quite interested in Fish City type artificial structure to enhance habitat as wood gradually deteriorates.

You mentioned results with 70' by 70' squares, with prey fish staying inside the formation & bass patrolling the perimeter. Thus, a more elongated, thin formation would be better for LMB.

I'm wondering if, say, a 160 by 30 foot rectangle, thus of similar area, might be good. Or even two strips, 80 by 30, in different areas. Heck, maybe three strips of 70 by 25 located in different areas!

What are your thoughts about strategy?

Mine looks like yours TBAR and I'm leaving it for this year just to see how it does. I cut it down about the height of yours. Maybe a little lower but...mine is "sawgrass" and I just love it! Most all the lmb I caught last year came off a edge of that grass near the banks. Just my opinion.