We have a near 1 acre pond in southern Wisconsin. We stocked it about 13 years ago with 1000 bluegills 200 largemouth bass and 100 channel catfish. Just last year we went up to the pond in the spring and saw many bass upwards of 20" floating dead near the shore. We have no idea how this happened. Since it has happened we havent seen any bass and the bluegills have started growing MUCH bigger, its easy to catch 20 in excess of 1lb each. The bluegills must have taken over as the main predator in the pond. Since the bass died we have seen a huge increase in the amount of carp, brown bullheads and insanely large common shiners. We have thrown over 100 carp on shore this spring so far and we still catch 2-5 large ones each time we go. Is it possible to fish a species like this out? We are thinking about killing off the pond and starting over because we aren't sure if restocking bass will do any good. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting rid of these bad fish without killing everything in the pond?
Question about larger native fish ponds
- Thread starter bobbylien
- Start date
Pond Boss is the best pond forum for native species ( it is actually made by and for fishermen with ponds) Post your question here and you should get a answer: http://www.pondboss.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi
Try posting in the questions and observations section that is where most of the action is seen.
Good luck - Jighead
Try posting in the questions and observations section that is where most of the action is seen.
Good luck - Jighead
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Well, carp are a nasty fish to have in a pond. First thing is first, contact your DNR and talk to them about testing your water. You may find out what killed your fish. What is the location of the pond? Backyard, pasture, crop field. This can also determine what happened (chemical leeching). But, the only way to get rid of the carp is to do a pond kill. Depending on the type of carp, you can get some chemicals that only kill them. Another way to get rid of them is to do a plant kill in the pond. Since carp's main source of food is vegatation.
Another way is to stock with white Crappie. They are a really aggressive fish and will devastate the population of small fish (babie carp, and everything else). The nice thing about this is that the Crappie won't breed and you don't have to worry about them taking over. You just catch them all. Also catfish will help control the population.
Basically, a fish kill will be the quick way out (and sounds like that might be your only solution). And the other methods I mentioned are more of a long term type of solution. I would highly recommend talking to your local DNR. They have a ton of information and can help you usually for a low cost or for free.
Good luck.
Another way is to stock with white Crappie. They are a really aggressive fish and will devastate the population of small fish (babie carp, and everything else). The nice thing about this is that the Crappie won't breed and you don't have to worry about them taking over. You just catch them all. Also catfish will help control the population.
Basically, a fish kill will be the quick way out (and sounds like that might be your only solution). And the other methods I mentioned are more of a long term type of solution. I would highly recommend talking to your local DNR. They have a ton of information and can help you usually for a low cost or for free.
Good luck.