Pond maintenance starts now

We often get many phone calls during the spring about how best to maintain a private pond. Too often, these calls come about Memorial Day, as folks try to work some late magic to make their ponds fishable or presentable. A much better option is to start now and keep ahead of algae and other problem weeds.

Here is what has happened: Summer's heat coupled with limited precipitation leads to water levels dropping. This allows grasses, weeds, and other land-based plants to grow around the rim of your pond.

As water levels rose to normal during the fall and winter, these materials decayed, releasing nutrients. These nutrients then allow aquatic plants to grow. These decaying plants also limit oxygen, which is needed by fish. These effects worsen as the water temperature rises.

Algae usually form along the pond bottom where nutrients accumulate. As it grows, it often breaks loose and floats to the surface where it becomes an eyesore and a nuisance to fishermen.

Algae will actually start to form under the ice in late February. It is often referred to as "moss" by many pond owners, because of its lime green appearance.

Algae is not eaten by grass carp, although some fish vendors call them "algae eaters." Grass carp eat primarily rooted aquatic plants and eat algae only if they have nothing else to feed on.

Now comes spring, and you want to keep your pond looking good.

One of the best management tools early in the growing season is raking along the shoreline. This clears out last year's leaves and other vegetation that have collected along the water's edge.

Only rake the shoreline as far out as you can comfortably and safely reach. After allowing the plant matter to air dry, it can be moved to a compost pile, etc.

Although raking will control the early algae growth, chemical treatment also might be necessary. Remember that copper compounds are toxic to fish, so use them with caution and follow label recommendations. These come as powders, granules, or liquids made by many different companies.

The Fairfield SWCD has two aluminum pond rakes with a wide head that can be borrowed. If you elect to use what you have at home, a large leaf-rake is the easiest tool to use. Try raking for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to keep from getting a sore back.

If you have pond questions on other types of aquatic vegetation, we would be glad to help you identify problem plants. Contact the Fairfield SWCD office at (740) 653-8154.

Cenci Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout April 9. Youth-only fishing will be allowed from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. that day.

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