First, when constructing a new pond the banks should be graded to a 3:1 ratio, or for every three feet of distance out into the pond the bank should drop one foot. There are several steps you can take to try and prevent a winter fish kill. The longer and more severe the winter the more likely this will occur, which eventually leads to a fish kill. Once this happens bacteria begin to decompose the plant material which uses up more of the available oxygen in the pond. When plants do not have enough sunlight they die and settle to the bottom of the pond. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants make their own energy from sunlight and release oxygen into the water as a byproduct.

Thick snow blocks sunlight from entering the water which prevents algae and other aquatic plants from photosynthesizing. Oxygen depletion is then made worse when a thick layer of snow covers the ice. Ice cover on a pond effectively stops the pond from picking up oxygen from the air. Oxygen in water can be acquired from two sources: the air and through photosynthesis (from aquatic plants). However, when a pond freezes oxygen levels can fall to almost nothing which definitely causes stress and can potentially kill fish. During the winter, an unfrozen pond has more than enough oxygen for fish to survive. The most common cause of winter kill is a lack of oxygen in the water. Using these fish should ensure years of quality fishing with proper management. The following is a list of propagators by county. This is the easiest, most economical method and you are guaranteed the correct size, numbers and species of fish(es) you request. To stock pond fish, we recommend that you buy fish from a licensed fish propagator.

Managers of small private lakes will find useful information in this manual as will anglers who wish to be informed on pond management matters. The Ohio Pond Management Handbook is intended for owners of new ponds, owners of old ponds, or landowners who plan to build a pond. Ponds that are constructed, maintained and managed with these uses in mind are a valuable part of Ohio’s natural resources. Ponds benefit wildlife by providing feeding and nesting habitat, resting areas and water sources. Ohio farm ponds provide important recreational, domestic, and agricultural uses that range from fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing to water sources for humans and livestock, irrigation and erosion control.

Fall 2022 DNAP eNews - Prairie Restoration.

Home made pond dredge