Remove Largemouth Bass
Pond management includes largemouth bass harvest, which is necessary to develop a trophy bass fishery. Spring is one of the easiest times to catch bass. If bass harvest is prescribed, get started now. If you get all the bass prescribed out early in the year there is that much more forage available for the ones remaining. Generally, there is a target slot size to be removed. If it’s 13-16 inches, do not take all 13 inch or all 16 inch bass. Evenly distribute the harvest or take more of the smaller bass, than larger. Invite family, friends and neighbors over to catch bass and let them take home or have a fish fry. Check your state’s regulations on the number per day that each angler can harvest. Some states have no regulations on fish caught from private waterbodies, while others are very strict.
Begin Fertilization Program
Resume or start a fertilization program once the water temperatures appear that they will stay above 60 degrees. A waterbody with an algae bloom is more productive, meaning it can grow larger fish and more of them than a clear waterbody. Done correctly it also helps shade out light, which helps control submerged vegetation growth. Prior to starting, order enough fertilizer to make it into the summer, as you do not want to run out and allow the water to clear while waiting for more to arrive and allow submerged vegetation to grow. A well thought out plan and commitment must be done prior, otherwise results can be disastrous and expensive if it is stopped or neglected. Desired visibility depth ranges vary by publication, but we advise our clients to keep it between 18 and 30 inches. More visibility allows too much light and submerged vegetation can grow, while less could increase the potential for a fish kill. Check visibility every two weeks and follow fertilizer manufacturer’s directions regarding application rates.
Start-up Fish Feeders
Resume or start a feeding program when water temperatures are continuously above 55 degrees. It is recommended to have approximately one feeder per five acres of water. Feed once per day (mid afternoon) until water temperatures get above 60 degrees, then switch to twice per day (mid morning and mid afternoon). Once water temperatures get above 70 degrees, feed four times per day. Use floating feed and match the feed size to the target species and size. If it is a new pond with small bream or catfish, use a small pellet (called Fingerling or Grow-Out size feed). If mid-size to large catfish and bream are the target, use regular sized pellets. If you have an established pond with various sized bream and catfish then mixing the two is an option to make sure all size groups are consuming supplemental feed. Whenever feeding, set duration time so all feed is consumed in approximately 15-20 minutes to reduce waste and not create water quality issues by over feeding.
Stock Fish
Any stocking prescribed for the year by your pond manager should already be coordinated, but if not, talk to your hatchery and order fish to be stocked for the year. If necessary, put a small deposit down to guarantee you get your fish. Depending on species and size ordered, the fish will be delivered between spring and fall. Almost no private lake that has largemouth bass requires restocking. However, forage fish (threadfin shad, golden shiners, tilapia, etc) and channel catfish may need to be restocked annually or occasionally.
Treat Undesirable Vegetation with Herbicides
Any troublesome vegetation from the year before should be treated early (as soon as green-up begins) to reduce issues regarding that plant species later in the year. When using herbicides near or in water you should have a professional certified, licensed and insured applicator perform the work. Aquatic herbicide use is much more complicated than performing these tasks on uplands. Done improperly, it can result in partial or entire fish kills. And depending on the circumstances, anything down stream can also be in danger. Fish can perish from direct contact of improperly used herbicides or can be affected by decomposing vegetation which can cause low Dissolved Oxygen leading to stress or a fish kill.
Plant any Desired Trees and Soft Tissue Plants
Any new trees around your waterbody should be planted before green-up begins (late winter/early spring). If additional shoreline vegetation is desired, planting soft tissue plants just as the growing season starts is advised so they have the full growing season to take root and become established before the next winter. Shoreline vegetation helps reduce erosion, provides habitat for fish and wildlife and can be aesthetically pleasing. Do not plant any non-native species and develop a well thought out plan on which species to plant and where. Consider current water depth at the time of planting and how it relates to the average. Also, consider amount of light and soil type requirements for each species desired to increase survival success. Reference Wildlife Trends Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, May/June 2012, Aquascaping to Improve Your Pond.
Conduct an Electrofishing Survey
Spring is the best time to conduct a fish survey (electrofishing), especially just prior, during or just after the largemouth bass spawn. These surveys provide a starting point and/or assess previous management practices, which results can be used to make sound management decisions and help you reach your goals. Electrofishing allows us to obtain a snapshot of the entire fish population, not just the species and sized individuals that are caught on hook-and-line. These surveys should be done every two or three years. They are a critical management tool in the decision making process for your waterbody. Reference Wildlife Trends Journal Volume 12, Issue 2, March/April 2012, Electrofishing: How it Works and What Biologists/Managers Get Out of it.
