Management of Fish in Pennsylvania

Table of Contents About This Publication Where to Get Help with Management 3 About This Publication Ponds are a common feature of Pennsylvania’s landscape. Although Assistance with pond management is 3 Where to Get Help with they occur naturally in some parts of available from a variety of sources. Pond Management the state, thousands also have been In addition to local extension offices, constructed for a variety of purposes. 4 Developing Objectives for local offices of the Natural Resources Many were built under the techni- Your Pond Conservation Service (NRCS), Penn- cal supervision of the United States sylvania Fish and Boat Commission 4 Planning a New Pond Natural Resources Conservation (PFBC), and Pennsylvania Depart- Service (formerly the Soil Conserva- ment of Environmental Protection 6 Design tion Service), largely to assist farm- (DEP) may be able to advise pond ing operations. In more recent years, owners. Often, consultants are hired 8 Construction the recreational uses of ponds have to implement major pond manage- 10 Maintenance become more important to pond ment practices. The agencies listed owners. below or your local Yellow Pages 12 Water Quality may be able to direct you to local Regardless of a pond’s intended use, pond consultants. 12 Physical Water Quality its management can be difficult and 14 Chemical Water Quality complex. Even with careful planning, many ponds do not meet the objec- Sources of Assistance 15 Biological Water Quality tives of their owners or serve their intended purposes. Fortunately, man- PA Fish and Boat Commission 16 Testing Your Pond Water Quality agement techniques are available to Phone: 717-705-7800 Check phone book for local 16 Pond Fisheries Management help you deal with almost any pond problem. number. 16 Warmwater Versus Coldwater www.fish.state.pa.us The purpose of this publication is to 17 Warmwater Pond Management provide general information about a PA Department of Environmental wide variety of pond management Protection 20 Management of Trout Ponds principles applicable to Pennsylvania. Phone: 717-783-2300 23 Sources of Fish for Stocking It is not intended to be a complete Check phone book for regional Ponds or exhaustive guide. References are office. given in the text to more compre- www.dep.state.pa.us 23 Regulations and Laws Affecting hensive publications and web pages Fish Ponds where they are available. Natural Resources Conservation Service 24 Aquaculture Although some generalizations can Phone: 717-237-2200 (Pennsyl- 24 Aquatic Plants and Algae be applied to pond management, vania office) each pond is unique and may require Check phone book for local 25 Identification of Plants and Algae specific treatment to achieve a de- office. sired result. When the general recom- www.nrcs.usda.gov 26 Causes of Plant and Algae mendations of this publication appear Growth to be inadequate, you are encour- Penn State Extension Check phone book for local 26 Preventing Plant and Algae aged to seek additional professional office. Growth assistance. extension.psu.edu/water/ponds 27 Control of Plant and Algae Growth

29 Miscellaneous Troubles and Treatments

3 deal of time developing a plan with a Developing Objectives for trout fishery as the objective. Recog- Planning a New Pond Your Pond nize the limitations of the resources available, then develop objectives When deciding where to locate a You may have a wide variety of rea- and plans that fall within these limita- new pond on your property, you sons for building or owning a pond. tions. This will make management of should consider several critical fac- The first and most important step of the pond easier, less costly, and more tors. These include topography, land proper pond management is choos- satisfying and rewarding. use, soil texture, and water supply. In ing your primary objective or use for some cases, these factors may limit your pond and understanding the Ponds are frequently used in sev- the pond location to one site. Where limitations this will place on other eral ways to satisfy more than one these factors are equally satisfactory uses of the pond. For example, small objective. For example, having water at several locations, appearance and ponds today are commonly used to available in the pond for fire protec- convenience will play a role in site aesthetically enhance the landscape, tion usually does not conflict with selection. but their relatively simple construc- other objectives such as swimming or tion may not provide the best facili- fishing. Multiple-use ponds are fine For example, a pond located near a ties for other activities like swimming, as long as the uses are compatible. house, where it can be observed fre- boating, and fishing. The importance When conflicting or incompatible quently and conveniently, is safer and of establishing objectives for the pro- uses are desired, you must assign more desirable for family recreation. jected uses of a given pond cannot priorities to your objectives. For It can be used as a source of water be overemphasized. Careful consid- example, the objective of providing for fire protection or for irrigating eration of use compatibility and use for swimming may conflict directly a small garden. Road access to the priorities is essential in planning a with the objective of having water pond is important if it is to be used new pond. available for irrigation. Irrigation for fire protection, so fire trucks can needs may lower the water level to a drive to within 15 feet of the water. In dealing with an existing pond, point where swimming is impossible, you will need a slightly different ap- at a time when it is most wanted. If The size of the pond will be deter- proach. Make an appraisal, or have this occurs, you must decide which mined by the site characteristics and one made, that describes the exist- objective is most important. Some- money you want to spend on con- ing pond and its potential for man- times planning and management can struction and maintenance. Keep in agement. For example, if the water eliminate or at least reduce these mind that small ponds are not easy to quality is unacceptable for trout, it conflicts. This is one reason for listing manage for fish. Normally, ponds of would be pointless to spend a great and prioritizing specific objectives. less than 1/4 acre in surface area are too small for effective management of warmwater fish. Ponds as small as 1 ⁄10 acre in surface area may be suit- Table 1. The most common primary uses of ponds, from a survey of 557 pond owners throughout Pennsylvania. able for trout, however, if they have appropriate water quality.

Pond Use Percent of Respondents

Aesthetic Beauty 45

Fishing 21

Wildlife Habitat 11

Swimming 7

Animal Drinking Water 6

Fire Protection 6

Irrigation 1

Other 3

4 runoff and subsurface seepage are adequate during even the driest years. Normally, a drainage area of 10 to 20 acres yields sufficient water for a one- acre pond in Pennsylvania.

Land use around the water supply is critical in determining the water qual- ity of the pond. All sources of water contributing to the pond should be free of sediment, pesticides, and oth- er forms of pollution. It is generally a good idea to establish a buffer strip of vegetation around the pond to trap sediment and keep it out of the water. Ponds also commonly suffer from excessive amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients. These nutrients often originate from animal or human waste or fertilizers from nearby barn- yards, crop fields, and septic systems. Drainage from these areas should be diverted away from the pond, since too much nitrogen and other nutri- ents will cause excessive growth of The Pond Watershed Soil texture must be considered when weeds and algae. The area of land surrounding the selecting the pond site. The bottom pond that contributes water to it of the pond, the banks, and the earth Construction Permits fill placed in the dam must contain is known as the pond watershed. Permits for the construction of ponds enough clay or silt to prevent - Understanding the pond watershed or dams may be required, depending age and make the hold is important, because anything that on the size of the drainage area, the water. Normally, areas that include occurs within this area can affect the height of the dam, and the capac- exposed bedrock or beds of sand or pond. Locating a pond in an undis- ity of the impoundment. A permit is gravel are not satisfactory. Anyone turbed area or minimizing distur- required for the construction of any who is considering building a pond bance and land use changes within dam that impounds the runoff from should have the soils and geological the pond watershed are important a drainage area that exceeds 100 conditions in the area checked by a components of managing a pond. acres or provides a maximum stor- professional consultant knowledge- age capacity of 50 acre-feet of water able and competent in making site The ideal topography for a pond (about 16.3 million gallons). A permit investigations. watershed is a natural depression also is required for any pond with or a broad drainage with a narrow a dam more than 15 feet high, even neck at its lower end where only a Water Supply if the pond’s only source of water is short dam will be needed. The most Springs, seeps, and small streams are a , a well, or a small pipeline economical site is one that will re- typically the best sources of water from a stream. Permits are not re- quire the smallest dam and the least for ponds. They usually provide cool quired for ponds that do not exceed amount of work for the size of the and relatively clean water suitable for these specifications. pond created. Small ponds collect- most pond uses. If an obvious water ing runoff from large drainage areas supply is not available, direct surface Contact your local Pennsylvania DEP require expensive overflow and spill- runoff from the surrounding land office for more information and to way systems to handle water safely. can be the primary source of water obtain the necessary permit applica- to maintain the level of a pond. The tion. The office telephone number drainage area should be large enough and location can be found in the to ensure that the combined surface state government pages of your local phone book.

5 Safety and Liability Concerns Although many pond owners will- ingly allow use of their land and Design Safety and liability are legitimate water areas for varied recreational concerns of all landowners, and purposes, liability for accidents is a Ponds designed and constructed ac- ponds create an additional reason for justifiable concern. To address this is- cording to recommended standards concern. Ponds may pose a down- sue, Pennsylvania enacted a law that are relatively safe, easy to manage, stream threat, and consequently the has as its purpose “encouraging land- and fairly economical to build. Ponds aforementioned permits are required owners to make land and water areas constructed haphazardly are unsat- to ensure proper construction. available to the public for recreation- isfactory and difficult to maintain. It al purposes by limiting liability in pays to obtain information and expert Ponds, like any , attract connection therewith, and repealing advice before you start construction. people. When the two come together, certain acts.” This law generally limits This section briefly discusses the accidents sometimes can occur. Con- landowner liability, except for “willful basic components of a well-designed sider safety features when planning or malicious failure to guard or warn pond. your pond. Remove trees, stumps, against a dangerous condition, use, and brush that may be a hazard to structure, or activity.” Liability also is swimmers. Keep the pond and banks not limited when fees are assessed For More Information on free of rubbish, wire, cans, bottles, for recreational uses such as fishing, Pond Design, Construction, and other debris. After the pond is regulated shooting, campsite rentals, and Maintenance built and filled with water, mark the and other for-fee activities. swimming area and post safety rules Look in the U.S. Government for all permitted water uses. Place In addition to the protection offered pages of your phone book for warning signs at all known danger by this law, most landowners carry your local Natural Resources spots. If boating and swimming are comprehensive liability insurance on Conservation Service office. permitted, consider building a dock their property. Some pond owners Request Agriculture Handbook or pier. Place lifesaving devices such also choose to restrict access to their Number 590, Ponds—Plan- as ring buoys, ropes, or long poles pond by posting signs prohibiting ning, Design, Construction. This near swimming areas. tresspassing. You should consult with 85-page color publication gives an attorney and an insurance agent detailed information on proper for proper legal interpretation and pond design and construction, protection for the specific circum- including detailed illustrations. stances involved with your pond. This publication is also available online at the Penn State Exten- sion pond website, extension .psu.edu/water/ponds.

6 Figure 1. Pond construction.

Top of dam at Water level Steep banks least 6’ wide Adequate spillway Freeboard

Dam Outlet pipe Antiseep collar 3:1 slope

Valve or breakable plug

Drain pipe Core fill

Top Width and Side Slopes of Dam Emergency Spillway Freeboard The top width of the dam depends An emergency spillway is necessary The crest, or top, of all earth dams on the height of the structure. In to provide a safe overflow outlet for must be higher than the normal water most cases, the dam should be wide floodwater. Be sure that your pond level to keep waves and high water enough to permit limited use as a has one. The spillway should be from breaking over the top and cut- roadway for vehicles. The minimum constructed in the undisturbed bank ting channels through the structure. top width should be 6 feet if the dam at one end of the dam. It should have After settling, the top of the dam for is less than 10 feet tall. The minimum a flat-bottomed channel large enough a one-acre or smaller pond should top width increases to 14 feet for a to handle the overflow caused by be at least 1.5 feet above the high dam that is over 25 feet tall. a 10- to 50-year rainstorm, depend- water level or the elevation of water ing on the size and watershed area. designed to flow through the emer- All earth dams should be constructed Pennsylvania DEP requirements gency spillway (see above). The with side slopes stable enough to must be met for dams that are large interval between the water level prevent erosion and keep the earth enough to require a permit (see and the top of the dam is called the fill in place. In most instances, a permit section). freeboard. The freeboard interval slope of 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot is maintained by the emergency vertical (3:1) on both the upstream The spillway, including the side spillway and the outlet pipe. and downstream faces of the dam slopes and channel bottom, should will be satisfactory. Under no circum- be planted with a mixture of grass Outlet Pipe stance should either face of the dam seed that will produce a thick, tough A drop- or hood-inlet pipe should be or any excavated slope be steeper sod. Good sod prevents rushing installed through the dam to pro- than 2:1. Proper slope is especially floodwater from scouring deep ruts vide an outlet for the normal flow of important in the shallow edges of in the channel. The pond should water. The pipe, which governs the the pond. Water should be at least not be filled with water until the sod depth of water in the pond, should be 3 feet deep at a point 6 feet out from becomes well established and the positioned at a level about 12 inches the shoreline to discourage growth of spillway is ready for use. below the bottom of the emergency algae and aquatic weeds. Experience spillway. The pipe should be large indicates that it is best to slope enough to drain the full pond down the banks properly at the time of to normal water level within 24 hours construction. after the flow through the emergency spillway ends. These pipe sizes vary with drainage area and pond storage characteristics and should be deter- mined by an engineering professional.

7 Drain Dry Hydrants Construction A combination outlet pipe and drain- A dry hydrant is a nonpressurized, pipe is highly desirable for pond low-cost pipe system installed along The construction site should be management. It can be used to drain the bank of the pond at a location ac- cleared of all large rocks, trees, brush, the pond for various fish manage- cessible by fire trucks to provide easy roots, and other debris. The topsoil ment practices, pond repairs, or access to pond water during an emer- should be removed and stockpiled emergency situations. gency. It is constructed from 6-inch for later use. or larger PVC pipe that extends from The drainpipe can be closed with at least 2 feet below the water surface Most earth dams should have an anti- a valve or plugged with a bell-end through the pond embankment and seepage core built into the structure. clay tile partially filled with cement. above the ground next to the pond. (See Figure 1.) A trench for this core Even a glass jug will work. The plug Dry hydrants usually can be installed should be dug along the centerline of should be sealed in the inlet end of for less than $1,000 and often pay for the dam and then refilled and packed the pipe with asphalt cement or ce- themselves over time in insurance with the best fine-grain soil avail- ment mortar. If a breakable plug is premium savings. able. This trench should extend the used, the pond can be drained when- full length of the dam and be at least ever it becomes necessary, but it will 3 feet deep, preferably deeper. The be difficult to stop the flow without core is necessary to prevent seepage draining the pond completely. and to establish a good bond with the undisturbed foundation. Antiseep collars or drainage dia- phragms should be placed around Dry hydrant the drainpipe to prevent water from seeping along the outside of the pipe and eroding a channel through the dam. When steel pipe is used, the collars should be metal plates welded to the pipe. Prefabricated drains with antiseep collars and drain valves may be available where culverts and large corrugated pipes are sold. A drain- age diaphragm consists of sand and gravel surrounding the downstream sections of the outlet pipe.

8 Pond construction

The earth fill used in the dam should Precautionary measures at the Selecting a Contractor be free of boulders, stumps, roots, time of construction may avoid Attention to the details of construc- tree limbs, and decaying vegeta- some management problems that tion and adherence to specifications tion. Organic material buried in the commonly occur after the pond is are as important as adequate inves- dam will eventually decay and leave completed. Riprap should be ap- tigation and design. Careless and channels through which water can plied to the upstream face of the shoddy construction can make an seep and cause the dam to fail. Earth dam to control wave erosion and otherwise safe and adequate design fill should be spread in 6- to 8-inch discourage muskrats. If livestock worthless and can cause failure of layers and compacted with a heavy are nearby, a fence should be con- the dam. Adherence to specifications roller. The top of the dam should be structed to keep them from tramp- and prescribed construction methods built about 10 percent higher than the ing along the banks and polluting are the responsibility of the contrac- designed height, to allow for settling. the water. tor, who should have a reputation for high standards of workmanship. Your The emergency spillway and exposed local NRCS office may be able to faces of the dam should be planted provide you with a partial list of local with a grass mixture to make the contractors experienced in pond con- pond attractive and to prevent ero- struction. Additional contractors may sion. Trees should not be planted on be found in the telephone directory. the dam, because their root growth It may prove worthwhile to go to may cause leakage from the pond. several ponds the contractor has con- structed to see if the work completed appears satisfactory and the pond owner is satisfied with the work.

9 The type of equipment to be used is any erosion in the spillway. Inspect also important. With proper con- Maintenance and repair any fences that are used struction equipment, the cost can be to keep livestock from accessing the reduced and a safer dam constructed. A popular misconception is that a dam embankment. The contractor should have a back- completed pond provides immediate hoe to conduct soils investigations benefits to the owner that last forever Be sure that any roads provided for at the proposed dam site and bor- with little maintenance. Nothing fire trucks are maintained for the row area. A bulldozer can be used to could be farther from the truth. A passage of heavy vehicles and are clear and grub the area. If the borrow pond certainly requires as much or plowed following a heavy snowfall. area is immediately adjacent to the more attention than does any compa- To maximize fire protection benefits dam site, a bulldozer is also satisfac- rably sized piece of land. from a pond, you must ensure that tory for excavating, backfilling, and fire trucks have access to the pond placing the fill. For dams over 20 feet Many older ponds, or those that were during all seasons of the year and that high, special equipment such as a not constructed properly, may have the dry hydrant is readily accessible. sheepsfoot roller may be needed for fallen into disrepair. They may be par- fill compaction. As with all construc- tially silted in, develop leaks, or have Muskrat Damage tion, the landowner should under- unsafe dams with trees growing on Muskrats may damage a pond by stand the type of work that is to be them. Repairs to ponds are possible, building dens in the banks. They begin performed and regularly inspect the but you should obtain professional as- burrowing 6 to 18 inches below the construction to help ensure that the sistance. Consult your local NRCS of- waterline and angle up into the bank, contractor is doing a good job. fice or a consulting engineer for help. where they construct living quarters in If pond renovation is going to involve dry soil above the water line. Construction Costs modifying or enlarging any dam The cost of building a pond is highly covered under a permit issued by the The best defense against muskrat variable, depending on site condi- Pennsylvania DEP, a written permit is damage is a properly designed pond. tions and specific features of the de- required to make these changes. A wide top and sufficient freeboard sired pond. Costs can range from sev- will make a dam relatively safe from Inspection eral thousand dollars per acre to over damage. There is little danger of $30,000 per acre for a more unique Routine inspection and frequent leaks in dams with adequate top design. Although cheaper contractors maintenance protects a pond, keeps widths, because muskrats usually will may seem appealing at first, many it attractive, and extends its useful not burrow completely through. If cheaply built ponds end up costing life. Lack of inspection and prompt sufficient freeboard is provided, the their owners more in the long run repair of problems may cause more den usually will have enough ground after costly repairs are made. severe damage that is either irrepa- cover over it to prevent a cave-in. rable or more expensive to fix. Despite construction precautions, The dam structure should be checked muskrats are likely to take up house- to ensure it has complete grass cover keeping in even the best-designed and has not eroded. Soil should be ponds. They are especially attracted added and re-seeded at the first sign to areas of emergent and submergent of erosion. Cut the grass and keep vegetation such as cattails. Removal weeds, brush, and trees from grow- of this vegetation is one way to re- ing on the dam. Trees growing away duce muskrat activity in the pond. from the dam and pond embank- ments are usually acceptable. Check Burrowing can be stopped by riprap- for signs of minor leaks along the ping the shoreline with large gravel dam so they can be repaired before or small stones. These materials they become more serious. should be placed in a layer at least 6 inches thick, and should extend Remove floating debris that can clog from at least 1 foot above the normal the overflow pipe and emergency water level to at least 3 feet below spillway. Also, check the overflow it. Riprapping also protects the shore inlet and outlet to ensure that flow from erosion caused by waves. is unrestricted. Check for and repair

10 Muskrats are furbearers that can be Fixing Leaks Sodium polyphosphate is the name trapped legally during parts of the of a group of chemicals used to Seepage is less likely when precau- year. The Pennsylvania Game Law seal pond leaks. The chemicals are tions are taken at the time of con- further provides that any person may similar to some household detergents struction. If leaks develop after the kill or capture alive, at any time, any and usually are obtained in a white, pond has been filled, it will be neces- furbearing animal (except beaver) granular form. Treated lumpy soils sary to drain the pond, let the bottom in the act of destroying personal break down into fine particles that dry, then apply a sealant. Leaks usu- property. Poisons legally may not be pack together and hold water better. ally cannot be fixed without drain- used in muskrat control, but various Small channels and voids in the un- ing the pond. Before attempting any repellents may be used. Contact your treated soil fill with these dispersed sealing, consult a soils professional to local Wildlife Conservation Officer for particles. The result is a relatively ensure that the treatment is suited to further details. stable, impermeable blanket over the the pond conditions. treated area. Several products are used for sealing Ten pounds of granulated sodium pond leaks. One is bentonite, a soft, polyphosphate will adequately treat porous, moisture-absorbing mineral 200 square feet of pond bottom. clay that is worked into the soil. Thoroughly mix the soil to a depth When bentonite gets wet, it swells to of 8 inches. Apply the polyphosphate many times its original size and stops by broadcasting or drilling. Compact seepage by filling the space between the treated area with a rubber-tired the soil particles. For the average roller or a steel roller before filling pond up to 10 feet in depth, 1 pound the pond. Do not use a sheepsfoot of bentonite per square foot will roller. greatly reduce or stop seepage. It should be thoroughly disced into Sodium polyphosphate works best in the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. a limestone soil with a high silt and The area then should be rolled clay content. It does not work as well several times to pack the surface. with coarse-textured soils. Bentonite works well on coarse-textured sods, but is not effective on highly acidic soils.

Leaks in an established pond some- times may be eliminated by applying a 6-inch blanket of clay to the pond bottom. If clay is not available at the pond site, it may be transported from a nearby area. The clay should be compacted and the water should be returned to the pond as quickly as possible to prevent the clay from cracking because of excessive drying.

11 Dredging Pond Sediment Physical Water Quality Water Quality Ponds that are filled with sediment Temperature and dissolved oxygen can be renovated, but the process Water quality is critical to the ben- Temperature and dissolved oxygen is expensive. The least expensive eficial use of ponds, but the param- are the most important physical water method is to drain, pump, or siphon eters and levels of concern will vary quality concerns for pond fishes. It is the water from the pond and use a depending on the intended use of desirable to check these water quality bulldozer to remove the sediment. the pond. For example, water quality parameters when they are likely to be The more expensive but quicker criteria are much different in ponds least satisfactory (usually July through method is to remove the sediment used for animal watering or human September). with a dragline. If the pond is small drinking water compared to ponds enough, a backhoe may be used. used for irrigation or fishing. Water Trout require cool water and high quality also plays a critical role in levels of dissolved oxygen to survive. A pond with a high inflow and with- determining the types and number of They grow and survive best when out a drain may require a cut through fish species that can live in all ponds, water temperatures are between 55 the dam at a depth lower than the as well as their growth and survival and 60°F and can withstand only pond bottom to drain the water from rates. short time periods when tempera- the sediment. Drain the pond before tures exceed 75°F. Trout also require cutting through the embankment. Water quality is complicated by the water that is high in oxygen content; After removing the sediment, you fact that many parameters will vary 5 parts per million (equivalent to 5 may want to consider constructing seasonally and from year to year milligrams per liter) is considered the a bottom drain through the cut and and by differences in water quality safe minimum. then repairing the dam. between the source and the pond. Changes in water quality are normal Warmwater fish, like bass and blue- Sediment removed from the pond, or and acceptable provided that drastic gill, prefer water temperatures in the “spoil,” should be spread to promote changes do not occur in a very short 70s and 80s. They reproduce and drying. To prevent silt from washing time period, changes do not exceed grow well if the temperature remains into the pond or stream, place the extreme limits, and changes are not in the low 70s for several weeks spoil away from water bodies and caused by pollutants that are directly during early summer. The dissolved establish a vegetative buffer or sedi- or indirectly problematic. oxygen concentrations should be at ment trap between the spoil and the least 3 parts per million (3 milligrams water’s edge. Once the spoil dries, it Most ponds have not been tested for per liter) for warmwater fish. can be permanently seeded. water quality, and most pond own- ers are unaware of the important Temperature and dissolved oxygen If the pond receives excessive water quality parameters for which measurements must be made before amounts of silt, implement erosion they should be testing. This section deciding which fish species will be control practices in the watershed. discusses some of the most important stocked in a pond. It is difficult or If you do not own upstream land, water quality parameters for typical impossible to change the physical a small just upstream pond uses and describes how water characteristics of pond water to make from your pond could be built to testing might be accomplished. it more suitable for the types of fish intercept silt or debris. you prefer.

Fish kills from a lack of dissolved ox- ygen or excessive water temperature occur occasionally in Pennsylvania ponds. Refer to the “Miscellaneous Troubles and Treatments” section on page 29 of this publication for more details about this problem and other causes of fish kills in your pond.

12 Muddy water Sometimes the problem of clearing (3) Broadcast 250 pounds of alumi- num sulfate (commercial alum) per Muddy or cloudy water is perhaps muddy water is not easy to solve, surface acre. Apply treatments weekly the most common pond water quality especially when colloidal particles until the water clears. Both gypsum problem. Newly constructed ponds become suspended in the water and alum treatments will lower the nearly always have muddy water and must be precipitated by chemi- pH of water and may reduce yields until grass is established around the cal action. In these cases, one of the of fish. pond. In older ponds, muddy water following chemical additions may be is aesthetically undesirable, makes effective in clearing the water: (1) In some cases, cloudy water is actu- swimming displeasing, reduces fish Broadcast 1,000 pounds of ground ally caused by growth of microscopic growth, and interferes with fish re- agricultural limestone (calcium car- organisms called plankton. This can production. It may be caused by ero- bonate) or 740 pounds of hydrated be easily determined by holding a sion from a cultivated or unprotected lime per surface acre of water. This glass of pond water up to a strong watershed, by livestock wading in treatment should clear a pond and light. Plankton can be observed the pond, by wave action eroding the keep it clear for two years or more. moving around the glass of water. banks, and by the feeding action of Do not use burned lime or quicklime Plankton blooms can be reduced some bottom-dwelling fish. Attempts (calcium oxide), because it may kill using chemical applications (see should be made to determine the the fish. (2) Broadcast 1,000 pounds “Chemical Controls” section), but cause of the muddy water before of agricultural gypsum per surface these treatments may reduce the resorting to treatment. acre of water. It may be necessary to repeat this treatment several overall productivity of the pond. Correcting the problem may be as times a year to keep the pond clean. simple as diverting muddy surface runoff away from the pond. Muddy water from bank erosion can be corrected by adding 3 to 4 inches of stone or gravel riprap to exposed Plankton banks. Occasionally, muddy water will result from an overabundance of bottom-dwelling fish such as catfish. In this case, take steps to reduce their population through fishing, trapping, or draining the pond.

When muddy water results from the action of waves stirring up the bottom sediments, the situation may be corrected by spreading a layer of hay or straw over the bottom of the pond from the edge to a few feet from shore. This measure will have the greatest beneficial effect in shal- low areas or where wave action is especially heavy. The mat prevents the waves from picking up fine sedi- ments and provides food and cover for aquatic organisms. Introducing too much hay or straw, however, could cause oxygen depletion that could result in a fish kill.

13 Nutrient runoff Hardness Hardness is a measure of the mineral content of water, especially calcium and magnesium. Ponds with hard wa- ter have a high mineral content and are usually more fertile. These ponds are more likely to support a dense growth of aquatic plants and algae. Soft water has a low mineral content, which results in low fertility. Ponds or containing soft water often have sparse vegetation and clearer water.

Hardness measures are especially important for the use of some aquatic herbicides, especially the copper compounds used for algae control. Hardness concentrations above 50

Chemical Water Quality Nutrients mg/L as CaCO3 can interfere with the effectiveness of some of these chemi- Chemical water quality in ponds Excessive nutrients such as nitrogen cals, requiring increased dosage. is important not only for fish but and phosphorus are a common prob- also for other pond uses like animal lem in Pennsylvania ponds. These Hardness also may cause a buildup watering and swimming. Changes in nutrients usually originate from fertil- of a whitish solid known as scale in chemical water quality also are usu- izers or animal wastes applied within pipes, watering troughs, and plumb- ally responsible for excessive growth the pond watershed. They cause ing that use pond water. This is an of aquatic plants and algae. Brief excessive growth of aquatic plants aesthetic problem that will not harm descriptions of some of the most im- and algae that plague many ponds animals drinking the water. portant parameters are given below. during summer months. Nutrient lev- els in pond water can be measured Pesticides pH by testing for ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate. Measurable amounts Ponds that are located near farm The pH of a pond is a measure of of ammonia or phosphate may be fields, golf courses, or yards may be the water acidity. The pH scale runs problematic. Nitrate levels in excess susceptible to pesticide pollution from 0 to 14, with values less than of 100 mg/L may be dangerous for from surface runoff or drift during 7 indicating acidic water and values animal watering. application. Many pesticides, espe- greater than 7 indicating alkaline cially insecticides, are highly toxic water. Most fish species prefer a Nutrient management techniques to all forms of aquatic life and could pH in the range of 6 to 9, although and best management practices such also be dangerous for ponds used for values as low as 5 may be suitable as vegetated buffer strips and lim- animal watering. Pond owners should for brook trout. Ponds with a pH ited use of fertilizers and manures be especially cautious about using less than 6 are common in north- near ponds are necessary to reduce pesticides near ponds or streams. A ern Pennsylvania and may result in nutrient levels and restore the pond fish kill from pesticides may be dif- stunted or reduced fish populations. ecosystem. ficult to detect, and minute amounts Ponds used for animal watering also of a pesticide can cause losses over a should have a pH between 6 and 9. long period. Read and follow pesti- cide labels carefully and apply them as far away from ponds as possible. Since fish are generally much more susceptible to pesticides than live- stock are, fish kills are often apparent before problems occur with animals.

14 Aquatic herbicides Biological Water Quality Toxic algae A variety of herbicides are registered Coliform bacteria Algae growth is common in many for use in Pennsylvania ponds to re- ponds when nutrient and tempera- Coliform bacteria are a large group duce or eliminate aquatic plants and ture conditions are favorable. Algae of many species of bacteria that can algae. The use of aquatic herbicides growth normally occurs between May originate from animals, plants, and is generally compatible with other and October, with a peak in late sum- soil. A subgroup, fecal coliform bac- uses of the pond, but limiting certain mer. At least six species of blue-green teria, represent species that originate uses for specific time periods may algae that occur in Pennsylvania may from animals, including humans. be recommended. Always read and produce toxins that are harmful to Many of the bacteria in this group carefully follow product labels. Warn- animals. are harmless, but their presence indi- ings regarding other uses of the water cates the potential for disease-causing should be taken seriously. Some Toxic algae poisoning of livestock bacteria also to be present. herbicides, especially the copper- and pets is rare in Pennsylvania. based algaecides, are highly toxic to Symptoms include muscle tremors, Some coliform bacteria are present fish and other aquatic life if applied diarrhea, lack of coordination, col- in all ponds, but bacteria levels are in doses higher than those indicated. lapse, labored breathing, and death. highest in ponds that receive runoff Others may require that swimmers or If these symptoms appear, animals containing animal or human waste. animals be denied access to the wa- should be denied access to algae- Ponds located near barnyards or ter for some period of time to allow contaminated water. septic systems are most vulnerable. the herbicide to break down natural- High densities of waterfowl also ly. The repeated use of copper-based Toxic algae blooms can be treated can contribute to excessive bacte- algaecides also may lead to excessive using applications of copper sulfate ria levels. Pond water cannot be concentrations of copper in pond as described later in this publica- treated efficiently to reduce excessive sediments. tion. Again, this is a rare problem in bacteria numbers. Rather, reduction Pennsylvania, but it should not be must be accomplished by removing Acid mine drainage overlooked if symptoms appear in the source of the bacteria, whether animals with access to a pond with Ponds in western Pennsylvania also by diversion of polluted runoff or algae. are susceptible to pollution from acid reducing direct access by animals and mine drainage. Runoff from mined ar- waterfowl. Parasites eas can carry high concentrations of iron, manganese, aluminum, and sul- The acceptable levels of bacteria The most common parasite prob- fate. Metals like iron and manganese will depend on the intended use of lem in ponds is swimmer’s itch. It is impart an objectionable taste to water the pond. Ponds used for swimming caused by a small, free-swimming that may cause intake problems for should contain fewer than 2,000 parasite that burrows under skin, livestock. Iron concentrations above total coliform bacteria and 200 fecal where it dies. This causes an itch- 0.3 milligrams per liter and manga- coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters ing that lasts for about a week. A nese levels above 0.05 milligrams per of water. Adult livestock should not brisk rubdown with a towel imme- liter may be sufficient to reduce water drink pond water with fecal coliform diately after the swimmer emerges palatability to livestock. Iron is also bacteria above 10 per 100 milliliters, from the water will minimize the toxic to fish at low concentrations. and calves should have water free of irritation caused by this parasite. The Aluminum is toxic to fish species, fecal coliform bacteria. most practical way to control these especially trout, when the concentra- parasites is to control the snails that tion exceeds about 0.2 milligrams serve as their intermediate hosts, by per liter. draining the pond and letting it dry for several months. Stocking of redear sunfish also may be effective, since they are a natural predator of snails. No chemicals are registered for con- trolling snails.

15 Water testing Pond Fisheries Management

Whether for fishing or for aesthetic enjoyment, most pond owners are interested in developing and manag- ing a pond fishery. The success of fish in a pond depends on the water quality, the pond’s construction, and the management of the fish popula- tions. The following sections give some guidelines for the stocking and management of some common fish species in Pennsylvania ponds.

Warmwater Versus Coldwater Ponds may be stocked with warmwa- ter fish such as largemouth bass and bluegills, or with coldwater fish such as trout. The decision of which type of fish to stock is determined primar- ily by the temperature regime of the Testing Your Pond Water Quality They indicate only the most com- pond and the desire of the pond mon pollutants that should be tested Your pond water can be tested easily owner. Other water quality factors for. When doing additional testing, and inexpensively for many of the such as pH may be important to owners should evaluate the parameters listed above. Tempera- survival and reproduction. Consult symptoms of their pond, keeping in ture, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, the water quality section of this pub- mind the other special water quality hardness, and various other water lication for more information about problems described above. quality parameters can be tested us- other water quality concerns for fish. ing kits available at most local pet Fishing—test the water frequently, stores for less than $10 each. Coldwater fish like trout grow and especially during the summer, for survive best when water tempera- temperature, dissolved oxygen, and Measurement of total coliform bac- tures are 55 to 60°F. Trout may be pH. Test kits from a local pet store teria, fecal coliform bacteria, pesti- able to withstand temperatures of are adequate. cides and metals, and identification 80°F for a few hours, but long pe- of toxic algae would require more riods with temperatures exceeding Animal drinking—test the water sophisticated testing by certified 75°F will cause death. Many ponds annually for pH, nitrate, and fecal laboratories. Tests for total and fecal get too warm during the summer coliform bacteria at a certified water- coliform bacteria normally cost $10 months to support trout, but they testing laboratory. to $30 each at a certified lab. A list of may still support a put-and-take trout certified labs by county is available fishery during cooler months. Most Swimming—test the water annually from your local Penn State Extension ponds in Pennsylvania are better for total and fecal coliform bacteria at office. suited to the temperature require- a certified water-testing laboratory. ments of warmwater species like bass Routine water testing for pollutants and bluegill. These species will grow Penn State recently developed a that are important for your pond will well when water temperatures remain pond and water testing program. help identify problems before they above 80°F for several weeks in the Contact your local Penn State Exten- become too serious. The follow- summer. sion office to obtain a pond and lake ing guidelines provide some test- water testing kit. Costs for testing ing recommendations for the most range from $42 to $70. common pond uses in Pennsylvania.

16 Warmwater Pond Management Basic ecology Population structures Many fish species combinations have Largemouth bass spawn the first Bass are often stocked alone in farm been tried in small artificial ponds, spring that they reach 9–10 inches ponds in Pennsylvania. The result is but largemouth bass and bluegills in length and the water temperature a self-sustaining population of small have been the most successful in all reaches 60°F. Bluegills spawn at a bass. In bass-only ponds, the fish parts of the country. Pennsylvania ex- younger age than bass, but not until stop growing, regardless of age, at periences with largemouth bass and later in the summer when the water lengths from 9 to 12 inches, depend- bluegill sunfish range from outstand- temperature reaches 67 to 80°F. Un- ing on the fertility of the pond. Very ing successes to complete failures. like bass, bluegills may spawn several few small bass and no large bass are The difference is in the management. times during the summer in fertile present in bass-only ponds. Recent investigations at Mansfield ponds if they are not too crowded. University of Pennsylvania have A population that contains about 3 confirmed that this species combina- Bass feed effectively on bluegills as pounds of bluegills for every pound tion is capable of providing excellent large as one-third their own body of bass is bass-crowded and results in sportfishing in Pennsylvania. length. Although bass guard their relatively slow-growing bass but very eggs and fry, bluegills prey upon large bluegills. The adult bass in this them in a density-dependent manner; situation will be larger than in the that is, the number of young bass bass-only pond because of the forage recruited into the population provided by the bluegills when they is inversely proportional to spawn, but still rather small because the number of bluegills nearly all the young bluegills pro- present. Thus, bass duced will be eaten soon after they and bluegills hatch. The few bluegills that survive control each predation will grow very rapidly other by their because the invertebrate food sup- predatory habits. ply will be divided among relatively If bluegills are few individuals. The bass-crowded too numerous, condition provides excellent bluegill they can totally fishing. Many bass will be caught, but Bass and bluegill eliminate bass few will be larger than 2 pounds. reproduction, resulting in elimi- A community containing about 8 nation of bass pounds of bluegills per pound of from the pond. bass has relatively few large bass In the absence of present, but a more equal represen- bass predation, tation of different size classes than bluegills become in the bass-crowded situation. The overcrowded and stunted. When bass bluegills are crowded, and few will are able to spawn successfully, blue- exceed 6 inches in length. This con- gills will be adequately controlled. dition provides a great deal of bass When bass become too dominant, forage and allows them to achieve very few bluegills survive their preda- their maximum growth potential. tion and the bass become crowded Bass in Pennsylvania ponds like this and stunted. often grow a pound per year, result- ing in real trophy fishing.

17 Table 2. Average bass and bluegill size in ponds. Determining the bass harvest

Years after stocking Little was written about the possibility of bass overharvest before 1970, pos- 1 2 3 4 5 sibly because of the slowly chang- Bass ing notion that fisheries must be consumptive to be successful. Today, Length (inches) 8 10 12 14 15 nearly all biologists working with largemouth bass recognize overhar- Weight (ounces) 5 10 15 20 24 vest as a chief reason for unsuccess- Bluegill ful bass-bluegill ponds. Regulation of bass harvest is applied to maintain Length (inches) 5 6 7 8 8 an adequate bass population which, Weight (ounces) 2 4 6 7 8 in turn, regulates the abundance of small bluegills. The remaining bluegills then grow to a harvestable size while converting forage biomass Stocking bass-bluegill ponds Bass and bluegill fingerlings usually in smaller bluegills to valuable bass grow quickly during the first few When small bass and bluegills of the flesh. In most small ponds under years after stocking (Table 2). Ac- same age were stocked simultane- private ownership, the fishing can be tual growth rates will vary consider- ously in Alabama, balanced popu- closely monitored. As a result, a pond ably depending on food availability, lations always resulted. When this manager can easily implement a population structure, and many other stocking strategy was followed in the quota to regulate numbers of bass re- pond characteristics. The numbers North, the result nearly always was moved from the pond and stop bass in the table above are given only as a stunted bluegill population and harvest when the quota is reached. broad averages and should not be a bass population unable to spawn A 15-inch size limit, in addition to expected in any given pond. successfully. Research at Cornell a quota, appears to be necessary to University showed that to achieve protect bass in small ponds. Since en- Pond owners in Pennsylvania com- successful bass-bluegill populations forcing a quota on public lakes with monly stock their ponds with adult in northern states, the initial stocking uncontrolled access is very difficult, fish obtained from other ponds. At must consist of bass that are at least 1 if not impossible, the bass harvest is least 6 bass over 10 inches and 100 year older than the bluegills. This can controlled with a size limit. bluegills over 5 inches should be be achieved by stocking yearling bass stocked per pond, or per acre in 1 year ahead of yearling bluegills or Based on research from other states, ponds larger than 1 acre. This stock- it appears that a proper quota for combining 2-year-old bass (over 6 ing strategy has been very successful. bass harvest in Pennsylvania is about inches) with yearling bluegills less Properly stocked ponds should result 30 percent of the adult bass per year. than 2 inches long. Researchers cur- in balanced populations that will be- If this figure is exceeded, the popula- rently believe that the proper number come bass-crowded if the ponds are tion shifts toward crowded bluegills, of fingerling fish to stock is 100 bass not fished. Removal of bass (and their and if the harvest is less than 30 and 200 to 500 bluegills per surface predation on the bluegill population) percent, the population shifts toward acre. This stocking strategy has been allows the bluegill population to in- crowded bass. If the bass harvest ex- shown to be successful in Pennsylva- crease. Excess harvest of bass by an- ceeds 50 percent per year, irreversible nia ponds. gling will shift the population toward bluegill crowding is likely to occur. the bluegill-crowded condition. In this case, bluegills eventually become Bass-bluegill ponds in Pennsylvania so numerous that the few remaining will contain 50 to 300 pounds of fish bass are unable to spawn successfully per acre, depending on the fertility. and the abundant bluegill are stunted Suppose a 30 percent quota of bass is sought for a pond of average fertil- in their growth. ity containing 250 pounds of fish per acre. The ratio of bass to bluegills is defined by the population structure. A pond containing small bass and large bluegills would contain ap- proximately 1/4 bass and 3/4 bluegills, by weight.

18 Therefore, the total weight of bass tions. Bluegill-only populations and Bluegill in the pond would be: 250 x 0.25 = ponds that are irreversibly bluegill- 62.5 pounds. The average size of the crowded are generally drained to Mouth small adult bass in this bass-crowded pond remove all the fish and then re- would be about 1.5 pounds. Thus, stocked. It may be possible, however, the annual bass quota would be: 62.5 to obtain enough adult bass from pounds of bass ÷ 1.5 pounds each another pond to establish bass in x 30 percent = 13 bass per acre of bluegill-only populations, especially pond per year. in very small ponds. Black ear flap In a bluegill-crowded pond, the Other fish species for warmwater Dark blotch on rear of fin 1 8 proportion might be ⁄9 bass to ⁄9 ponds bluegills, or only 28 pounds of bass Many pond owners stock several in our example of 250 pounds of fish. Redbreast sunfish species of fish in their ponds; in fact, The average adult bass is probably some people stock every fish they 3 pounds. The annual harvest quota Rounded pectoral fin can get their hands on. This practice is then calculated as: 28 pounds of is undesirable, because the resulting bass ÷ 3 pounds each x 30 percent = species interactions make manage- 3 fish per acre per year. ment much more difficult and unreli- able. However, some other fish show Calculating these harvest rates reveals promise as candidates for pond man- the importance of carefully monitor- agement. Many ponds in Pennsyl- ing the number of bass removed from vania contain bullheads. While they farm ponds, especially small ponds. No dark spots do not seem to interfere or compete Black ear flap longer than broad Catch-and-release fishing for bass with bass or bluegills, bullheads can and fishing bluegills for an occasional become stunted and overcrowded in meal of fresh fish is appropriate man- ponds containing few bass. In some Pumpkinseed sunfish agement for small warmwater ponds. bass-crowded ponds, bullheads have It should be remembered that even been eliminated by bass predation. If Ear flap broader than long with catch-and-release fishing, some bullheads are desired, they should be of the released bass may die. Those stocked. fish must also be counted in any har- vest quota for bass. Some biologists recommend stock- ing golden shiners or fathead min- The pond manager can fine-tune the nows with bass. These forage species fish populations by regulating the give bass a good start in a pond, but bass harvest to provide the desired experience has shown that such for- type of fishing. Increasing the bass Red on ear flap age fish are soon eliminated by bass quota will make the bluegills more predation. The forage fish never grow numerous, but smaller, and the bass large enough to avoid being con- fewer, but larger. Decreasing the Green sunfish sumed by the bass, and eventually quota will provide larger bluegills the population of these fish declines and smaller bass. Satisfactory fish- Mouth large Body slim to a very low level. ing is defined differently by different people. Catching many small bass Other sunfish species are not as satis- rather than occasional large ones factory as bluegills for pond stocking. may be desirable for one angler but The common and colorful pump- not another. Bass-only ponds do not kinseed does not grow as large as provide satisfactory fishing for most the bluegill, and the redear, popular Dark blotches anglers because of the small size of in the South, cannot reliably survive the fish caught. Research at Mansfield Pennsylvania winters. Green sunfish University has shown that stocking should be avoided. of adult bluegills in these ponds can successfully establish bluegill popula-

19 Yellow perch Management of Trout Ponds Trout occupy a highly favored position among Pennsylvania game fishes. They are generally easy to catch, making them an outstanding sportfish, and they make great table fare. Water temperature constraints normally determine whether a pond owner desiring trout should imple- ment put-and-take versus year-round trout management.

Put-and-take versus year-round Yellow perch may be a suitable For several reasons, it is generally In Pennsylvania, most ponds are able substitute for bluegills as a forage more economical to manage ponds to support trout in spring and fall, for bass, especially for anglers who for warmwater species than for cold- and some pond owners may choose like to icefish. Researchers have water species. a put-and-take trout program. This is found ponds where perch success- not necessarily efficient, economical, fully coexisted with bass and other • Warmwater species are not as or recommended for most ponds, but ponds where they were crowded and exacting in their water quality re- it is discussed here for completeness. stunted. Further research is necessary quirements as trout. All ponds that Such a program is governed more by to evaluate yellow perch as a pond will support fish life permanently economics than by biology. The pond fish in Pennsylvania. will support warmwater species, owner acquires trout of an accept- but not necessarily trout. able catchable size, stocks them in Although both white and black the pond, and begins to fish for them crappie are often of interest to pond • Most properly managed warmwa- immediately. The number of fish owners, these species seldom are ter species develop a self-sustain- stocked should not exceed the num- successfully managed in a small im- ing population. Trout usually must ber needed to provide the desired poundment. The typical end result of be maintained through periodic level of sportfishing until the water their stocking will be stunted crap- restocking. temperature is no longer suitable for pie and decreased success of large- trout (usually sometime in June). Un- mouth bass reproduction. Crappie • Warmwater species are generally der such a program, it is desirable to spawn before bass in the spring, and more tolerant of herbicides for harvest as many of the stocked trout both the adults and young compete aquatic vegetation control when as possible if they cannot survive for food with similar sizes of bass. the herbicides are used correctly. through the summer. Crappie below about 7 inches also Trout are very sensitive to copper compete with bluegills to some de- sulfate, a herbicide often used for The pond owner should bear in mind gree. Because of these characteristics, algae control, and may be killed that adult trout will compete for food introducing crappie into farm ponds by the chemical. with other insect-eating fish (includ- is discouraged. ing young bass) present in the pond. Nevertheless, many pond owners This is true even though the trout are still interested in managing their will be present for a relatively short pond as either a seasonal or annual period of time. Artificial feeding of trout fishery. Tips for managing trout trout may alleviate the competition in ponds are discussed in the next for natural food, but care must be section. exercised so that artificial feeding is not overdone. Excessive amounts of feed could result in water quality deterioration. Minnows should not be stocked as a food source for trout.

20 Some ponds in Pennsylvania can Brook trout support a year-round trout fishery. These ponds may be supplied by a Wormlike markings on back fin groundwater spring that supplies cool No tail spots groundwater even during the summer months or may be small and shaded during most of the day. When free from competition with other species, trout thrive in an insect-rich pond that remains cool during the summer.

Species of trout White edge on lower fins Blue halos around red spots on sides Brook trout and rainbow trout are best suited for small lakes or ponds. This is especially true if the pond Rainbow trout owner wants to establish a perma- Spots throughout tail nent fishery of trout only, but also true if occasional put-and-take trout fishing is an objective.

Brook trout are easier to “fish out,” making them a good option for a put-and-take trout pond. Rainbow trout are generally considered to be more spectacular fighters. A mixture of these two kinds of trout can be Pink or reddish band on sides Black spots on sides and back stocked in a pond to provide variety in fishing. If both species are stocked, they should be about the same size so one group will not prey heav- No wormlike markings No tail spots ily upon the other. Brown trout are generally more difficult to catch than brook or rainbow trout.

Stocking year-round trout ponds Either spring fingerlings (2 to 3 inches long, 2 to 3 months old) or fall fingerlings (5 to 6 inches long, 7 to 8 months old) may be used in stocking No white fin edges Red spots on sides and back trout ponds. Both types reach catch- able size about the same time; that is, in the spring following stocking. A stocking rate of 600 fall fingerlings To minimize losses, stock trout only However, results with spring finger- (or 2,000 spring fingerlings) per in the cool or cold weather of spring lings are much more variable and un- surface acre of pond should produce and fall. If the weather is warm, predictable than with fall fingerlings. the best yield and satisfactory growth. ice should be packed around the Highly productive trout ponds on transporting tank to keep the water When trout are obtained from commer- limestone soils may accommodate below 55°F. Do not put ice made cial hatcheries, fall fingerlings usually 700 fall fingerlings per acre, while from chlorinated water in with the provide considerably more catchable- ponds located on more acidic soils fish, because chlorine is toxic to fish. sized trout per dollar than spring probably will support fewer fall fin- Oxygen-producing tablets, available fingerlings. It is economically unwise gerlings per acre. in sport or bait shops, may be used to purchase trout longer than about 6 when transporting trout. Do not inches for pond stocking, unless they release the fingerlings near the over- are to be fished out within a year. flow structure of your pond.

21 Fishing trout ponds Table 3. Average trout size in ponds after stocking as fall fingerlings (5–6 inches).

Natural losses of trout will reduce the After 1 year After 2 years After 3 years population of unfished ponds by 90 Length (inches) 10 12 14 percent in two years. For this reason, pond owners should harvest as many Weight (ounces) 8 14 22 trout as possible during this period. The time interval between stock- ing and initial harvest is a matter of Restocking and feeding trout Growth, survival, and spawning owner preference, but the longer the Because trout have a relatively short Brook and rainbow trout in ponds owner waits before harvesting trout, survival time, a pond should be grow at about the same rate, al- the lower the total harvest. restocked with trout every 2 years though growth may vary considerably to maintain adequate fishing. Fall from one pond to another. Growth Pond trout generally are much easier fingerlings should always be used generally slows as fish become older, to catch in spring and fall than in for restocking. “Holdover” trout are and usually is faster in summer than the summer. Successful methods of less likely to prey on them than they in winter. Growth may be slower fishing may vary with the season and are on spring fingerlings, because in newly constructed ponds, since with the skill of the angler. Minnows fall fingerlings are larger than spring aquatic insect life may be limited, and should not be used as bait when fish- fingerlings. Fall fingerlings for pond in soft (acid) water. Table 3 illustrates ing trout ponds. If they escape and restocking must be purchased from average growth rates. reproduce, they may eventually ruin commercial sources. the pond for trout production. In general, it is best not to fertilize At stocking rates of 600 fall finger- trout ponds. A single application of lings or 2,000 spring fingerlings per 10-10-10 fertilizer at 300 pounds per acre, trout grow rapidly on natural acre may hasten the establishment food produced in an established of a natural food supply in newly pond. Supplemental feeding may in- constructed ponds. Heavier fertiliza- crease the growth rate an inch or two tion may harm the trout and cause per year, but it is expensive. summer or winter fish kills.

Some pond owners feed trout as a Pond trout survival rates depend on hobby or to maintain much larger the size of fingerlings stocked and trout populations than the 600 per many environmental factors. Survival acre recommended for stocking. rates may vary considerably from Feeding is one way to increase the pond to pond and from year to year. fishing potential, especially in a small Larger fish generally have better pond. Pelleted trout food is available chances for survival. During the sum- through farm supply stores. Trout mer immediately following stocking, usually come to the surface for pel- the survival rate of spring fingerlings lets and become conditioned to feed- in ponds averages 30 percent. In ing at the same area of the pond. each subsequent year, the rate aver- ages about 50 percent. At the end of Use only as much food as the trout the second year, only 5 to 10 per- will eat immediately. Excess food will cent of the original number remain. settle to the bottom and decompose, Few trout remain in a stocked pond removing dissolved oxygen from after 3 years. Fish death from natural the water and possibly causing fish causes is a gradual and continuous kills. Feeding should be done only in process, even though dead fish ponds that have a year-round supply seldom are seen. of good water.

22 Total poundage of trout in a pond at Sources of Fish for Stocking Regulations and Laws Affecting any time following stocking depends Ponds Fish Ponds on two opposing processes: growth, Ponds may be successfully stocked The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat which increases poundage, and with fish caught from other water. If Commission has the chief regulatory death or fish losses, which reduce this is done, it must be in accordance and legal responsibility for fishery the poundage. Total poundage rises with all state regulations. Both warm- resources of all waters in the state. rapidly the first year after stocking, water and coldwater fish species also For the most part, anglers over the then decreases. In an unfished 1-acre can be purchased from dozens of pri- age of 16 are required to have a valid pond stocked with 600 fall fingerlings vate commercial hatcheries through- Pennsylvania fishing license to fish or 2,000 spring fingerlings, an aver- out Pennsylvania. A list of licensed in any Commonwealth water, in- age of 230 trout will remain after 1 private fish hatcheries showing the cluding privately owned ponds. The year. They will weigh a total of about addresses and the species each has Fish and Boat Code does contain a 110 pounds. Two years later, only 45 available can be obtained from the provision allowing landowners and trout will remain and they will weigh Pennsylvania Department of Agricul- their families to fish in private ponds a total of about 41 pounds. ture. Hatcheries should be contacted on their own lands without a license. directly for other specific details. This license exemption does not ap- Most ponds lack suitable spawning ply to guests, employees, temporary sites, so trout rarely reproduce in residents, or tenants on the land. Pennsylvania ponds; however, they For a list of commercial fish may go through the act of spawning. hatcheries, visit the Penn State A separate statute applies to “farm A suitable spawning site for trout is Extension pond website at fish ponds,” which are defined as arti- a gravel area through which well- extension.psu.edu/water ficial ponds on a farm holding “water, oxygenated water circulates during /ponds. the source of which is wholly within the incubation period. In ponds with the limits of the farm.” On farm fish exceptionally large, heavily flow- ponds, the resident owner or lessee ing springs, limited trout reproduc- Once the pond, either warmwater or of the farm, members of his or her tion may occur naturally or may be coldwater, and its fish populations family, and persons who are regularly achieved by development of gravel are established, it is important to employed on the farm, all of whom beds in suitable locations. Reproduc- regulate activities involving the pond. must permanently reside there, are tion is usually limited to brook trout Regulations probably constitute the exempt from license requirements because rainbow and brown trout re- pond owner’s most valuable manage- and other fishing regulations (includ- quire tributary streams for spawning. ment tool. ing season, size, and creel limits) So far, no economical method has when fishing in the farm fish pond. been developed to achieve adequate natural reproduction in the average In addition to existing state regula- spring-fed pond. tions, pond owners should carefully manage the harvesting of fish from their pond. Ponds have a finite ca- pacity to produce fish biomass. The amount that can be harvested by an- glers is controlled and determined by the amount of fish production in the pond, and the two processes must be in balance. The need for pond owners to regulate harvest cannot be overemphasized. State regulations provide pond owners with a frame- work for effectively managing the harvest of the pond’s fish resources, but owners may establish their own regulations and restrictions on fish- ing, as long as they are not more liberal than the state laws. Enforce- ment of personal regulations is the

23 responsibility of the pond owner. Aquaculture Pond owners especially might want Aquatic Plants and Algae Aquaculture is the husbandry of to consider additional regulations for aquatic organisms. Fish culture, a ponds with a great deal of fishing Aquatic plants and algae occur to specific form of aquaculture, varies pressure. some degree in most Pennsylvania from raising baitfish for sportfish- ponds. Under normal circumstances, ing to producing fish for human If fish are transported from a pond they are beneficial to the pond eco- consumption. Certain kinds of fish during a closed fishing season, the system in many ways. They take up culture can be conducted without pond owner must provide a written carbon dioxide and release oxygen interfering with other planned pond statement including the date, place, during photosynthesis, and they pro- uses, while others require the pond and by whom the fish were taken; vide food and cover for a variety of to be dedicated to aquaculture. the number and species of fish; the microscopic organisms, fish, amphib- name and address of the person ians, and wildlife. In many cases, Commercial fish culture, like any oth- transporting the fish; and the date however, pond plants and algae can er commercial venture, has rewards they were transported. become overabundant, creating un- and risks. Both should be investi- wanted or undesirable pond condi- gated thoroughly by a prospective Special permits tions. entrepreneur. Persons contemplating Regulations require pond owners to commercial fish culture will need a The desirable level of aquatic plant obtain appropriate permits before basic understanding of biology and and algae growth depends on the using traps, seines, or chemicals for water chemistry, as well as business point of view of the pond user. For weed or fish control. Propagation skills. Fish culture has too many rami- example, a pond that is overrun with permits are required for fish culture fications for detailed treatment in this plants and algae may be desirable in ponds as a whole or in cages. A publication. to waterfowl enthusiasts for attract- permit is also necessary to oper- ing ducks and geese, while the same ate a fee-fishing pond. Applications pond would be displeasing for swim- for permits may be obtained from For more information on mers who want clean, clear water. regional offices of the Pennsylvania aquaculture, contact: Pond owners need to evaluate their Fish and Boat Commission or at its Pennsylvania Department of objectives when deciding how to home page (www.fish.state.pa.us). Agriculture manage their pond’s aquatic plants 2301 North Cameron Street and algae. Remember: Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717-787-4737 Pond plants can be either planted State regulations relevant to agriculture.state.pa.us or reduced to the level desired by fish ponds are always subject the pond owner. In recent years, the to change. Consult your local For applications to start a fish aquascaping business has grown in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat culture operation, contact your response to pond owners interested Commission office or visit the local Pennsylvania Fish and in creating aquatic “gardens.” Several commission’s web page for Boat Commission office or commercial nurseries have opened to up-to-date regulations. download the application from provide many types of aquatic plants, its home page, www.fish.state and many can be accessed on the In- .pa.us. ternet. More often, pond owners are interested in controlling or eliminat- ing unwanted or overabundant plants and algae, especially during the summer months. This is a complex subject that is given proper detail in other publications. The remainder of this section gives a brief overview of identification and control of aquatic plants, along with references to these more detailed resources.

24 Identification of Plants and Algae Aquatic plants in pollination. Pondweeds, common elodea, coontail, and watermilfoils Algae Flowering aquatic plants usually are are among the common submergents. divided into submergents, emergents, Algae are the most common and Emergent plants grow along the and floaters, based on their growth widely distributed of all aquatic shoreline in shallow water and are characteristics. Submergent plants plants. They occur in some form in sometimes called marsh plants. The generally grow underwater (except all ponds. Algae can be separated most common emergents include cat- at flowering time) and are attached into three categories, including plank- tails, arrowheads, rushes, reeds, and to the muddy bottom. Flowers ton algae, filamentous algae, and sedges. Floating plants have much of protrude a short distance above the attached-branched algae. Plankton their structure floating on the surface surface, where wind and insects aid algae are the most important plants of the pond, but most are rooted to in all natural bodies of water because the bottom. Common attached float- they serve as the beginning of food Submerged aquatic vegetation ers are waterlilies, watershield, and chains that support higher forms spatterdock. Other floaters such as of aquatic life. Plankton algae may duckweed have small dangling roots “bloom” under the right conditions, that obtain their nutrients directly turning the pond water brown, yel- from the water. low, pea-soup green, or even red. Identification of the plants and algae Filamentous algae are especially in your pond will be necessary be- familiar to many pond owners in fore they can be properly managed. Pennsylvania. They usually occur in Dozens of aquatic plants and algae large floating masses, filaments, mats, occur in Pennsylvania ponds. Specific or scums that can quickly cover the identification can be very difficult pond surface. and is beyond the scope of this publication. For help in identifying Attached-branched algae are often specific plants and algae, consult the Emergent plants mistaken for an aquatic plant. They following resources: have an erect central main stem with whorls of branches at various inter- vals. Chara and Nitella are types of Aquatic Plant and Algae attached-branched algae that have a Identification strong, musky odor and are some- Experts at your local exten- times encrusted with rough, gritty, • sion office may be able to calcium deposits. help identify aquatic plants.

Algae • Penn State Extension publication AGRS-110, A Field Guide to Aquatic Plants in Pennsylvania ($11.00), provides pictures and descrip- Floaters tions of some of the most common aquatic plants in Pennsylvania.

25 Causes of Plant and Algae Growth Drawdown Excessive plant and algae growth is usually caused by nutrients entering the pond from the surrounding pond watershed. The primary materials that stimulate growth are nitrates and phosphates from agricultural fertil- izers, lawn and golf course fertilizers, animal wastes, and septic system discharges.

In addition to available nutrients, ponds with dense aquatic plant and algae growth usually have several of the following characteristics: shal- low depth, gently sloping shoreline, stable bottoms, warm water, clear water, and high fertility. In contrast, factors that inhibit aquatic plant growth are deep water, moving water, steep shoreline slopes, un- Preventing Plant and Algae Drawdown stable bottoms, cold water, colored or Growth Drawdown or partial draining can be muddy water, and low fertility. Ponds Like most problems, preventing used to prevent the growth of some with soft water (low mineral content) excessive aquatic plant and algae species. This is achieved by partially tend to have low fertility and sparse growth is more desirable than at- draining the pond beginning in late vegetation while hard water ponds tempting to control it after it has fall or early winter. Plants usually are (high mineral content) often support become a problem. Prevention can killed or rootstocks frost-heaved if a dense growth of many species. be accomplished in several ways. the bottom mud freezes to a 4-inch The composition of the mud on the Deepening shallow ponds or lakes depth for a period of 3 weeks or lake or pond bottom influences the offers the most permanent method of longer. Use caution in prolonged number and species of plants that preventing aquatic weeds. In ponds drawdowns, because oxygen deple- will grow. Most aquatic plants grow where most of the water is over 10 tion is more likely to occur when fish best in a mixture of sand and organic feet deep, submerged vegetation and organic debris are concentrated soils. Soft, mucky soils may be unfa- seldom becomes a serious problem. in a smaller volume of water. vorable to aquatic plants. Sunlight penetration at this depth usually is not sufficient to stimulate vigorous growth of aquatic plants. Pond embankments and steep sides that slope rapidly into deep water usually limit aquatic plant growth to the very edges of the pond, where emergent plants may be cut or removed easily by other mechani- cal means. Steep sides, however, may create a safety hazard to small children, equipment operators, and swimmers.

26 Nutrient management Control of Plant and Algae Growth Chemical controls Nutrient management practices are Although prevention techniques are Herbicides offer a solution to many desirable for controlling aquatic plant preferable, it is often necessary to otherwise difficult aquatic weed and algae growth because these control existing aquatic plant and problems. But chemical control of activities attempt to reduce or limit algae growth. No easy cure-all exists aquatic weeds must be undertaken nutrient entry into the pond. Reduc- for controlling undesirable aquatic with adequate planning and consider- ing nutrients will not immediately vegetation. Each of the methods able care. The correct chemical must reduce plant growth, but it will have described below can be effective, but be selected for the identified problem a long-term benefit. Nutrient reduc- many factors—including cost, effec- plant, and precise measurements of tions can be accomplished by reduc- tiveness, side effects, and difficulty— water volume and chemicals must be ing fertilizer and manure applications must be considered when deciding made. Small errors in application rates near the pond, diverting nutrient-rich which technique to undertake. can cause inadvertent damage to fish runoff away from the pond, or creat- and other aquatic life in your pond. ing vegetative buffer strips to trap Mechanical removal As a result, permits are required nutrients. If surface waters entering before you apply algaecides or her- Mechanical removal methods consist the pond are passed through a vege- bicides to your pond. These permits of cutting, mowing, raking, digging, tated drainage channel or buffer strip, are issued with joint approval of the or pulling plants and algae. As you nutrients, turbidity, and many chemi- Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commis- might expect, these methods are cal concentrations may be reduced. sion and the Pennsylvania DEP. physically demanding but inexpen- sive if you do them yourself. They Although in some cases an initial are most efficient for small quantities application of a balanced fertilizer You can obtain a permit to of plants near shorelines. Mechanical will help new ponds become produc- apply aquatic herbicides from treatments often must be repeated tive faster, it will also make a pond the following: several times during a year to elimi- more susceptible to later problems nate new growth as it appears. Cut- Your local Fish and Boat with surplus nutrients. • ting or pulling may be undesirable Commission office for some submerged plants, because Your local DEP Office Barley straw for algae • stem fragments left in the water • Some local Penn State In recent years, the use of barley straw may establish new plants. If you are Extension offices has been suggested to prevent growth physically able, consider mechanical • Downloadable form available of algae in ponds. Although this prac- removal methods because they may online at www.fish.state tice is still not completely understood, be safer, less expensive, and longer .pa.us enough evidence appears to exist to lasting than chemical controls. suggest that it is beneficial. Once you’ve obtained a permit, care- Remarkably little straw is needed— fully follow the label instructions on approximately two to three bales the herbicide, including any water use per surface acre of water. Too much restrictions. The following tips and straw can deoxygenate the pond cautions may be helpful. and possibly cause fish kills. The straw should be applied loosely or in Many herbicides are toxic to fish and cages at several locations in the fall other animals, including human or spring. It is important to note that beings, but the amounts needed to barley straw does not kill existing kill aquatic weeds are usually algae, so it must be applied before tolerable to fish and animals. Newly the algae appears. hatched fish appear to have less tolerance to herbicides than do older One of the greatest difficulties with fish. In some areas, minor fish kills this technique can be locating barley may occur when safe dosages are straw. Your local Penn State Extension inadvertently exceeded because of an office or another farm-related orga- uneven distribution of the chemical. nization may be helpful in finding a local barley straw supplier.

27 A fish kill also may occur as an indi- Grass carp rect result of chemical weed control, because oxygen is consumed by the rapid decay of plants. To minimize this danger, treat only one-third of the pond at any one time, even when plants are present in the entire pond. Make applications at least 1 week apart, or as specified on the label, so that rapid plant decay will not reduce oxygen content of the water to a dangerously low level.

Waters should be treated for aquatic weeds in late spring or early summer when plants are young and actively growing. Treatment at this time of year usually gives best control with the least amount of chemical. Applications in late summer or early Biological control (grass carp) for grass carp range from 1 to 15 fish per acre depending on the amount fall require more chemical and usu- In recent years, grass carp have be- and type of unwanted plants. Other ally give slower, erratic control. If a come a popular choice for controlling types of fish such as koi or other problem becomes apparent during some types of aquatic plants. Grass species of carp are not recommended the late summer, treat it the follow- carp can be very effective in control- for aquatic plant and algae control, ing spring, rather than immediately. ling many species of submergent since they are relatively ineffective in This probably will reduce your cost plants. They generally are not effec- controlling aquatic plants and tend to and increase the effectiveness of the tive at reducing filamentous algae or produce muddy water problems. application. emergent plant growth.

Aquatic plant control with chemicals Because grass carp are not native can be successful and satisfactory. to Pennsylvania, their sale and use Once a weed problem is under con- are regulated by the Fish and Boat trol, diligent treatment of regrowth Commission. All grass carp sold and is necessary to maintain control. It stocked must be triploid, meaning is much easier and less expensive they cannot reproduce, and pond to conduct periodic maintenance or owners must obtain a permit before to make spot treatments than it is stocking them. A permit and list to wait until treatment of the entire of commercial hatcheries that sell area is necessary. Using chemicals for triploid grass carp are available from control of certain plant species, even your local Fish and Boat Commis- though successful, is not likely to end sion office. Take care not to over- all plant problems. stock the pond with grass carp; too many can strip a pond of all vegeta- tion and muddy the water as they For more detailed information search the bottom for more plants. on chemical control of aquatic The permit process will be helpful plants and algae, see Penn State in determining the correct number Extension publication AGRS-102, for your pond. Pond owners should Management of Aquatic Plants, purchase grass carp at least 8 inches available for $4.00 from your and preferably 12 inches long. These local Penn State Extension office. large fish usually can avoid predation by other pond fish and will be large enough to begin consuming unwant- ed plants immediately. Stocking rates

28 By following a few basic guidelines, Ducks and Geese Miscellaneous Troubles you can reduce the likelihood of a Many pond owners wish to attract and Treatments fish kill occurring in your pond. Stock waterfowl to their pond for viewing only fish that are capable of surviv- pleasure. For example, wood ducks Fish Kills ing the water temperatures in your can be encouraged by building nest- pond. Obtain a permit before using Fish kills resulting from a lack of suf- ing structures. However, while small an aquatic herbicide in your pond, ficient oxygen occur occasionally in numbers of waterfowl may be de- and carefully read and follow the Pennsylvania ponds. Ponds that are sired, large flocks can create numer- label directions. Do not treat more poorly constructed, shallow, over- ous problems. In recent years, the than one-half of the pond with an populated, or have excessive aquatic large resident population of Canada aquatic herbicide. In ponds where vegetation are most likely to suffer geese has been especially problem- fish kills occur frequently because of from oxygen depletion. Most die-offs atic in Pennsylvania. The waste asso- low dissolved oxygen levels, install- are observed during an extended ciated with a large concentration of ing aeration devices may be helpful. period of hot, calm, and cloudy days waterfowl can degrade water qual- Finally, be especially cautious using in summer. Die-offs may also result ity by increasing both nutrients and pesticides on land adjacent to the from the decay of plants and algae bacteria concentrations. To prevent pond. after an application of an aquatic problems, no more than a few wa- herbicide. Occasionally, fish kills terfowl should be permitted per acre Turtles from oxygen depletion occur during of pond. Short-term visits by larger extremely cold winters when a pond Snapping turtles occasionally inhabit flocks during spring and fall migra- is covered with ice and deep snow larger ponds. They seldom cause tion are generally not a problem. for prolonged periods. problems, but are considered unde- sirable by many pond owners. Other Waterfowl can be discouraged for The best insurance against a fish kill kinds of turtles are usually desirable. a short period of time using decoys from oxygen depletion is a well- If snapping turtles become a prob- of natural predators such as hawks constructed pond. Spring-fed ponds lem, they may be removed by fishing. and owls. Vegetative barriers of tall or ponds with running water where Use large turtle hooks (1 inch be- grasses or cattails around the pond long cold winters are not the rule tween shank and point) attached to a may provide a longer-term solution. should have depths of 6 to 8 feet wire leader and heavy cord. Bait the Since geese like to eat most lawn over at least one-fourth of their total hook with dead fish or other meat. grasses, planting the pond perimeter area. Ponds without running water or Place baited hooks in shallower parts with less desirable grasses such as those located in areas with long cold of the pond. tall fescue may discourage geese winters should have depths of at least from inhabiting your pond. A mow- 10 to 12 feet over at least one-fourth ing schedule that allows somewhat of the total area. taller grasses and weeds to grow in the vicinity of the pond will also re- Occasionally, fish kills occur from duce the use of that area by Canada other water quality problems. Most geese. Tall weeds can create other notable among these would be runoff problems, though, such as attracting and drift from terrestrial applications water snakes (see next paragraph). of pesticides. Although most of the Maintaining a relatively small closely chemicals degrade quickly, they can mowed area immediately adjacent to be highly toxic to all forms of life, the pond will reduce the area attrac- especially fish. tive to geese, thereby reducing their numbers around the pond.

29 Snakes Prepared by:

The most practical way to eliminate Bryan R. Swistock, extension associ- Penn State College of Agricultural Scienc- snakes from a pond is to make it ate, Department of Ecosystem Sci- unattractive to them. Keep the pond es research and extension programs are ence and Management, Penn State funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, free of weeds and debris in which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and they can hide. Keep the banks closely Richard W. Soderberg, professor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture. mowed and clean. A few water Department of Biology, Mansfield snakes may occasionally inhabit the University of Pennsylvania Where trade names appear, no discrimination pond, but these do little or no harm. is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Harry Blanchet, county extension Extension is implied. Leeches director, Forest County, Penn State Extension This publication is available in alternative Leeches are flat, dark-colored parasites media on request. that attach themselves to animals in William E. Sharpe, professor emeritus, School of Forest Resources, Penn State The University is committed to equal access to the water and suck blood through programs, facilities, admission, and employ- punctures made in the skin. They will Adapted from R. D. Heaslip, Hesser, ment for all persons. It is the policy of the attach to swimming humans, but their University to maintain an environment free of R. B., Hock, W. K., Rader, T. D., Soder- bite is normally painless. Leeches are harassment and free of discrimination against berg, R. W., and Wingard, R. G., 1985. any person because of age, race, color, an- rarely abundant enough in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Fish Ponds. Penn State cestry, national origin, religion, creed, service ponds to warrant any concern, but they Cooperative Extension. 40 pp. in the uniformed services (as defined in state can be eliminated, if desired, by treating and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual the pond with a very high concentration orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, of copper sulfate (5 parts per million). pregnancy-related conditions, physical or men- For more information on all tal disability, gender, perceived gender, gender It is important to note that such a aspects of pond and lake identity, genetic information, or political ideas. treatment will likely kill all of the fish management, visit the Penn Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as in the pond and will require a permit State Extension pond website well as sexual misconduct and relationship from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat at extension.psu.edu/water violence, violates the dignity of individuals, im- pedes the realization of the University’s educa- /ponds. Commission. Spot treatment of only tional mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct the swimming areas in the pond may all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination be possible to avoid a large fish kill, policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Pro- but the leeches will slowly return from vost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action the untreated portions of the pond. Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802- Any chemical treatment to eliminate 5901; Email: [email protected]; Tel 814-863-0471. leeches is a drastic step that will greatly affect the pond fish and other aquatic © The Pennsylvania State University 2011 life. Given the side effects of treatment, Produced by Ag Communications and elimination of leeches can be justified Marketing only where fish are already absent from the pond. Code UH137 R1.5M09/15mpc

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Code UH137