Creating and maintaining a thriving pond involves navigating various challenges, from controlling pesky weeds to ensuring optimal water quality and choosing the right fish for stocking. In this post, we address your questions and provide expert insights on a range of pond management topics. Whether you’re grappling with unclear water, pondering the best weed killer, or seeking advice on fish stocking, we’ve got you covered!
What is the best weed killer and how much should be used?
The “best” weed killer depends on the species of weed and the specific circumstances of the application area. That means that every situation is unique and to get the best result, we recommend consulting with one of our experts. We offer this service over the phone for free and we can make house-calls for a fee. There is NO “one size fits all” answer when it comes to aquatic weed control.
Read Controlling Invasive Plants – Weed Control 101 for a weed control overview.
I have aerators for my pond, but I’m not seeing an improvement in water quality. What is wrong?
There are multiple reasons that water may not be “clear”. Sometimes water is cloudy due to planktonic algae blooms that are caused by high nutrient levels, but that is not the only reason. Sometimes organic matter or even clay particles become suspended in the water, causing it to not be “clear”. These materials may be stirred up by wave action, water movement, or even the feeding activity of bottom feeding fish or other animals like muskrats, turtles and crayfish.
I am confident that running aeration makes for better water quality and improves oxygenation and reduces stagnation, but if the clarity is not improving the causes may be the suspension of clay or organic matter and are probably caused by critters keeping the bottom stirred up.
Peruse our Aeration Posts for all things aeration.
Where is the best place to get Brown Trout? How do I know I’m getting the best Trout?
Currently the best source of Brown Trout is Cedarbrook Trout Farm in Harrisville, MI. They have maintained their own brood stock for years and have quality Browns available most of the time.
Harrietta Hills Trout Farm currently raises primarily Rainbow Trout, which is our specialty.
What is the best way to clean and/or dredge smaller ponds on a budget?
Cleaning a ¼ acre pond on a budget depends on the nature of the problem. One solution may be using aeration and pond bacteria, such as Pond Vive or Sludge Remover. If used regularly and according to directions, this will clean up a dirty pond, but it will take time. How much time depends on how dirty the pond is and how consistently the aeration is run and the Pond Vive is used.
The other solution is to bring in heavy equipment. This will be a significant investment, but if the pond is more muck than water, this may be the best route.
Read Weeds, Algae and Pond Scum… OH MY! A Guide to Pond Vegetation Management for more info.
Will there be a Fish Day this year?
Unfortunately, no. The “post COVID” logistics of farmed fish have made supplies of game-fish very difficult to be sure of. With “fish day” events, it is critical that we know what sizes and prices fish will be, months in advance of actually having the event. This is not possible at this time, so until there is some stability in the fish marketplace, we will not be able to have “Fish Days”.
Will you ever start selling fish through County Conservation Districts again?
Same answer as above: the Conservation District events were “Fish Days”.
I have a new large pond. What do you suggest that I stock it with this year?
Proper stocking of any pond depends on the specifics of the water body and the desires of the owner. This is best determined by talking with one of our experts over the phone or scheduling a pond consultation. Rules of thumb include: If the pond is shallow and warm, stock warm-water fish species. And make sure to stock a balance of predator and prey species; usually stocking only one “favorite” species does not work well long-term.
Developing a Fish Stocking Plan for your Pond or Lake is a guide to stocking ponds.
Do you sell a floating live trap for muskrats? What passive removal methods do you recommend?
Unfortunately, muskrats are destructive rodents that are usually a nuisance at best and a real problem quite often. Live trapping them really isn’t an option because translocation of these pests just transfers your problem to someone else. We strongly recommend aggressive, lethal trapping of muskrats to actually eliminate the problem. If you are not comfortable with lethal trapping methods, we suggest hiring someone who is to do the job. The most effective traps for muskrats are #110 “conibear style” traps. They take a little technique to learn to use, but they are very effective at eliminating muskrat problems.
Here is a guide to muskrat control: Do You Have a Muskrat Problem?
