Small Private Pond Management

[Gerry Zagorski]

My Grandson lives in a small private community in Central Monmouth County with a 2 acre pond that I assume is not more then 3 or 4 feet deep. They have a fountain in this pond which runs in the summer months which I assume keeps the water moving for mosquito control and may have some benefits for fish to keep more oxygen in the water.

This past fall they had it stocked with approval of NJDEP with some catfish, largemouth and various baitfish and it already had Bluegills that I assume were there naturally...

Are any of you managing private ponds and if so any tips on continued management like culling certain size fish, on going stocking, feeding the fish with pellets etc.

Do any of you have any tips on how to keep the Canadian Geese at bay? You can hardly step anywhere without stepping on their poop. Not sure if it's good for the grass or the run off into the lake but it certainly is annoying and so are they

Thanks all! My Grandson is really into fishing as are other kids in the community and just want to be sure we do what ever is needed to keep the pond and the fish healthy and thriving.

[foggy notion]

Gerry...several folks in my area have employed the use of the Geese Police. These dogs are trained to harass the geese by running around the outside of the pond, but they do not munch on the feathered critters. I don't know what they cost, but you can Google this type of service. Good luck.

[birddog]

There is a grape spray you can put on the grass that the geese will not eat and keeps them away since they won’t eat the grass. You will need to apply it after a rain because it will be washed away. If the area is rural enough a 12 guage works great!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks guys!

[Broad Bill]

Gerry, a few years ago when I lived in Califon, I stocked a spring fed pond with 150 trout with Musky Trout Hatchery. Think the guys name I dealt with was Jeff but not 100% sure. Even though three minks ended up eating all the trout, MTH was very helpful discussing pond management. If they can't help, maybe they can provide a name in the area your grandson lives who can. Their link is:

https://www.muskytrouthatchery.net/p...formation.html

[Gerry Zagorski]

Perfect thanks!