Reeves: Winterizing ponds now for better fishing next spring

Fishing ponds, like automobiles and houses, are best served by timely winterizing.

Just like winterizing anything else, a bit of pond maintenance now can save you time and trouble down the road.

While some common problems, such as oxygen depletion, diminish with cooler weather, other problems arise. Cool water can absorb more oxygen than warm water, and fish, being cold-blooded animals, experience a slowing down of their metabolisms as temperatures drop. A slower metabolism means less oxygen consumption, but less oxygen consumption means it’s easy to overfeed fish.

Addressing other issues, such as water quality and aquatic weed control, can result in better fishing next spring. Here are some preventative steps to take during the winter:

Control weeds

Identify problem weed species now and select a method of control, either biological or chemical.

Fresh samples may be submitted to the local Extension office or fisheries biologist for identification and control recommendations. Pond owners with Internet access can visit the Extension’s Web site, aquaplant.tamu.edu . The site provides photos, sketches, descriptions and control options for more than 50 common weed species. In addition, labels for various herbicides can be downloaded to help determine the best course of action.

The most common type of biological control is the use of triploid grass carp. When stocked at the proper density, grass carp will eat some species of plants and mosses. By state law, however, pond owners must obtain a permit through Texas Parks and Wildlife before purchasing grass carp. They may only be purchased from a fish farm holding an exotic species permit.

Fish feeding

If feeding a floating ration, reduce the amount as temperatures cool.

Feed only what the fish will clean up in 10 to 15 minutes, and select only warm sunny afternoons through the winter to offer feed. This keeps fish in good condition into the spring.

Many pond owners managing primarily for largemouth bass use feeders to enhance growth and reproduction of forage species such as bluegill. These feeders should also be adjusted as temperatures drop and fish become less active.

Water pH, alkalinity

Check pH and total alkalinity of pond water.

A measure of water acidity, pH should range between 6.5 and 9.0, while total alkalinity, a measure of the buffering capacity of the water, should register at least 20 parts per million.

Winter months are an ideal time to adjust pH and alkalinity because the treatment, usually an application of agricultural lime, takes time to have an effect. Depending upon weather conditions, the fineness of lime used and the method of application, the time delay might be from a few days to as much as a month.

Water pH and alkalinity must be correct for pond fertility programs, which should be started in early spring to have an optimal effect. All too often, pond owners wait until April or later to check pH and alkalinity and will have to delay the spring fertility program as a result.

If either pH or total alkalinity are below par, agricultural limestone applications will be recommended to improve water quality for fish production.

Record keeping

It is also recommended that pond owners who are serious about good fishing start keeping records of their catch during the fall and winter months.

Assess your goals: Did fishing meet your expectations in 2018? If not, then better management can lead to balanced fish populations — a prerequisite for better fishing. Commit to keep records on the number and total length of fish caught by species. For largemouth bass, also accurately record total weights of all fish caught between August and January to determine fish condition.

Class reminder

Just a reminder that registration is open for the 2019 Master Gardener class that will kick off in January. The class will serve both Gregg and Harrison counties and registration will be open until Dec. 14.

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.

If you have ever considered becoming a part of the Master Gardener community, please consider this class. We would love to have you be a part of ours.

Lawn & Garden Checklist for November/December

• Gourds on display for fall decorations will last longer if they are carefully cleaned, waxed and kept in a dry place. Inspect occasionally for signs of mold.
• Prolong the life of holiday-season gift plants by providing proper care. Check to see if the pot wrap has plugged up the bottom drainage. Don’t over-water. Keep out of drafts from heating vents and open doorways. Fertilizer is seldom needed the first few months.
• Berrying plants, such as holly and yaupon, may be pruned now while they can be enjoyed as cut material inside the house.
• Place orders for seeds this month so you will have them available when you are ready to plant. By ordering early, you will be more certain of getting the varieties you want.
• Don’t get in a hurry to prune woody plants. Late December through February is usually the best time to prune them.
• Drain gasoline from power tools and run the engine until fuel in the carburetor is used up.
• Drain and store garden hoses and watering equipment in a readily accessible location. The lawn and plants might need water during a prolonged dry spell
• November through February is a good time to plant trees and shrubs.
• Continue to set out cool-season bedding plants, such as pansies, violas, stock, snapdragons and dianthus.
• Prepare beds and individual holes for rose planting in January and February. Use composted manure, pine bark and similar materials mixed with existing soil.
• Plant those spring-flowering bulbs if you haven’t already done so.
• Want to start cuttings of your favorite Christmas cactus? As soon as it has finished blooming, select a cutting with four or five joints, break or cut it off, and insert the basal end into a pot of moderately moist soil. Place it on a windowsill or other brightly lit area. The cuttings should be rooted within three to four weeks.
• Be sure and register for the Master Gardener Class that will start in January of next year.

Source: https://www.news-journal.com/features/columnists/randy_reeves/reeves-winterizing-ponds-now-for-better-fishing-next-spring/article_88ae0850-d7bd-11e8-999c-b379461e1558.html