Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Questionable predator

Ever since winter began, I have found the largest fish in our 1/2 acre pond dead, stripped of all meat except for head and tail, on a small peninsula of land in the pond. Largest fish was a 35inch carp. Three 25inch catfish, and two large bass. Does anyone know what could catch fish of that size?

Sounds like an otter to me. How close to the Chesapeake Bay are you?

Heartbreak,

Under the forum "Managing an Existing Pond", look for the heading, 'Evaluating & Adjusting Fish Populations'. In here, KGP (1-6-05) started a topic titled, "HELP-I.D. my Bass Predator". This may be of some help to you. Like Bob stated, it could be an otter.

Russ

It sure has the signs of being an otter. We are ten miles from the Shenandoah River, a creek feeds the pond and eventually runs into the river. Is it possible for an otter to travel that distance? Also does anyone have any tips for trapping or eliminating this nuisance? Thanks for the information you have given me on the identification. I would be interested to know what the people under the topic "Help ID my bass predator" found was killing their fish, and how they eliminated it.

You can learn otter trapping or any other kind of trapping here: http://www.trapperman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=1

But the season is almost over & even though you could very likely get a depradation permit ALOT of your fish will be gone before you learn to catch the animals.

I would contact your local game warden & ask for the name of a trustworthy trapper that will come & catch the theives.

This is something you should move on quickly. Otters will eat every sizable fish in your pond in short order!