Turtles in a small pond can be a topic of much debate among pond owners and enthusiasts. Some view them as charming, beneficial inhabitants, while others worry about their potential to disrupt the ecosystem and harm fish populations. Understanding the role they play...
When envisioning an ideal fishing pond, many people imagine clear, pristine waters teeming with healthy fish. However, overly clear water in a fishing pond can pose significant problems. While crystal-clear water might look appealing, it can create an environment...
Creating an ideal spawning habitat for bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and balanced pond or lake ecosystem. Bluegill are prolific spawners, and providing them with suitable environments to reproduce ensures a steady population of...
When managing a pond ecosystem, one of the key elements to consider is the habitat needs of various fish species. Among these, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) are a popular choice for many pond owners due to their adaptability, recreational value, and role in the...
How fast can a largemouth bass grow? This can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors that we discussed in our last blog. Those factors include forage, age/sex of fish, growing season, and genetics. But most sources will state that largemouth bass growth rates...
If you talk to 10 different pond owners, you might hear 10 different strategies they have for growing trophy bass in their ponds. Misinformation is everywhere when it comes to pond management strategies, so you have to be careful what you believe. According to the...
Our previous blog discussed the importance of dissolved oxygen (DO) in ponds and sources of dissolved oxygen. In this blog we’ll dig deeper into the subject of dissolved oxygen and discuss variables that can cause dissolved oxygen levels to fluctuate in ponds....
Although most pond owners are primarily concerned with the health and growth of their fish populations, water quality is equally as important for the fish and other organisms in the pond. Key water quality metrics that we assess include hardness, alkalinity, pH, and...
Are beavers good or bad for a pond ecosystem? It depends on who you ask. Fisherman like them, but land owners often do not. Fisherman enjoy the habitat that beaver dams create for the fish in a pond or lake. This habitat serves as a refuge for prey fish, allowing them...
Research suggests that a largemouth bass must consume 10 lbs of fish to gain 1 lb. This staggering statistic further emphasizes the need to have sufficient forage in a pond or lake to grow trophy largemouth bass. While bluegill is the obvious first choice for...
