Parrotfeather:

Parrotfeather is an aquatic weed that has feather-like leaves in whorls of 4-6.  The leaves are 1-3cm with 20-30 divisions per leaf.  It has both submersed and emergent leaves and stems and is easily mistaken for Eurasian Watermilfoil.  The plant is bright green and may grow up to 12” above the surface. 

Parrotfeather is native to the Amazon River in South America but has been transported to North America through the shipping industry and the aquarium plant trade.  It now inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams where it will easily spread by fragmentation and take over the body of water.  It is difficult to control due to its thick, waxy cuticle and woody stems. 

    

Three-Square:

Three-Square is a member of the Bulrush family.  It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 4ft tall.  This plant will form large colonies of rhizomes underground, which enables it to reproduce quickly.  The flowers look like small brown spikes at the end of the stem and there are only a few leaves around the base of the plant.  Three-Square may grow in water up to 12” deep where it provides a habitat for many micro and macro invertebrates.  Though this plant may be important in the aquatic ecosystem, it may take over the shoreline very quickly and eliminate other natural plants. 

      

Argulus-Fish Lice:

Argulus, or fish lice, can cause morbidity and mortality in many different fish species.  Fish lice are crustacean parasites that are related to prawns, shrimp, and water fleas.  They have a direct life cycle which means that they use only the fish as a host.  Argulus are visible with the naked eye and are approximately 5mm to 10mm in length.  When they are attached to a fish they may simple look like black spots, until you notice them moving.  The lice attach themselves using curved hooks and suckers and are usually located behind the fins and head.  The best way to get rid of the lice is to treat the water using an organophosphate.  This should be applied to the water three times, ten days apart. 

   

Biological Control:

The biological control of invasive species is an up and coming method for the control of invasive species, however, it does come with risks.  This method can be used to control insects, weeds, and plant diseases by introducing the “natural enemy” of the species.  This will be done by predation, parasitism, and herbivory.  The goal it so eliminate competition between native species that are needed to keep the ecosystem in balance and the invasive species that may take over the environment.   A concern is that the control species that is introduced to eliminate the invasive species may become invasive itself. 

An example is the use of leaf-eating beetles to control the invasive species, purple loosestrife.  These beetles are said to exclusively eat the purple loosestrife plant.  A concern is that the beetles may begin to consume other, native plants in the area and the beetle will then be invasive itself. 

           

Yellow Flag Iris:

The yellow flag iris inhabits temperate climates.  It can live in water up to 2.5’ and it reproduces by underground rhizomes or seeds.  This iris is used for decoration in watergardens, as an erosion control method, and in sewage treatment facilities because of its ability to remove metals from the water.  The yellow flag iris has flat, erect leaves that are arched at the top.  The flowers are 3-4’ tall on erect stems. 

The planting of the yellow flag iris is prohibited in some states due to its invasive properties.  This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinity levels and it easily establishes itself in waterways.  It can form dense thickets similar to cattails and phragmites and can be difficult to control. 

Chara:

Chara is a form of algae that grows attached to the bottom of a pond.  It can cover large areas and be several inches thick.  The stems are hollow and are a yellow-green color.  Leaf-like projections occur in whirls around the stem.  When the stems are crushed they may feel gritty due to mineral deposits and will release a distinctive musky odor.  It is important that this algae not be confused with higher plants (aquatic weeds).  Chara has been successfully treated using copper based products and alkylamine salts of endothall. 

Winter Ecology:

The winter ecology of a pond varies by region, but for us in Ohio, winters can be harsh and animals must be able to properly adapt to the environment.   For aquatic plants and animals, the ice acts as a lid on the aquatic ecosystem which limits the amount of nutrients, energy, and oxygen that may enter this world of extremely stable temperatures.

Ectothermic animals (body temperature stays in equilibrium with surroundings) slow their metabolism, become sluggish, conserve oxygen and energy in semihibernation or undergo biochemical changes to tolerate the cold.

Semiaquatic animals must compensate for the heat loss by constant grooming with oily secretions (muskrats), heat shunting mechanisms by reducing the amount of blood flow to tails and feet (beavers), or by huddling in nests.

Poikilotherms are organisms that allow their internal body temperature to vary with the external temperature in their environment.  This includes certain types of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.  This practice allows the animal to reduce or increase their metabolism accordingly.   

PondAir Aeration Systems:

Help keep your waterfeature aerated this winter using the PondAir Aeration System.  The PondAir system has a high efficiency duel output compressor with flow dial, heavy duty seals and elevated rear air intake, 2 or 4 blue airstones, rolls of 30’ high-grade airline, check valves, and an outdoor power cord.  The PondAir 2 can be used in ponds up to 1,000 gallons while the PondAir 4 is appropriate for 2,000 gallon ponds.  The compressor for this aeration system must be protected from the elements.  The Faux Rock Cover can serve as a good way to hide and protect the aeration kit.  This rock cover has a built in vent and will protect the compressor from harsh weather conditions. 

PondAir 2 Aerator: $59.99

PondAir 4 Aerator: $79.99

Faux Rock Cover: $89.99

        

Understanding Pond Stratification & Aeration

Thermal stratification in a pond means that there is a noticeable temperature difference as the water gets deeper.  Normal thermal stratification begins to occur in May and can continue through September.  The cold water at the bottom the pond supports anaerobic bacteria.  This bacteria is not helpful in decomposition.  When leaves and other organic matter are deposited on the pond’s floor, they will not decompose quickly and black pond muck will form.  Installing an aeration system in the pond will lead to more aerobic bacteria throughout the pond.  This is the bacteria that will aid in decomposition.  If the black pond muck is allowed to accumulate, the pond may need to be dredged which can be costly. 

Muddy Pond Water

Many ponds are built to provide recreational activities and aesthetic benefits.  Chronically muddy water makes a pond unattractive and most swimmers will avoid swimming in such water.  Fishing is impacted because a chronically muddy pond reduces the amount of sunlight penetrating into the water which in turn reduces the amount of aquatic food produced by the pond’s food chain.  This will reduce the amount of fish biomass that can be supported.  High turbidity levels negatively impact the ability of bluegill and bass to feed and maintain themselves in a healthy condition.

The two primary biological causes of muddy water are fish and waterfowl.  Large populations of the common carp, goldfish, and bullheads can cause muddy water due to their spawning and feeding activities in shallow water.  Large numbers of ducks and geese cause similar problems.  Also, waterfowl often eat bank vegetation which can increase erosion. 

Watershed activities can also lead to muddy water.  Ponds that receive runoff water from nearby soils that are frequently disturbed with agricultural equipment are prone to be muddy.  Construction within the pond’s watershed can also result in considerable input of suspended clay into a pond. 

Muddy waters can be controlled by removing invasive fish species and keeping waterfowl away.  Products such as flocculants can also be added to the water that will cause the suspended particles to bind and sink to the bottom.    

Lynch, William E. Muddy Water in Ponds: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies. The Ohio State University Extension. 

Feed your Goldfish and Koi the appropriate food for the season:

Now is a good time of the year to switch your fish food to a Spring and Autumn staple food.  When the water is cooler fish will digest their food much slower.  Because of this, your fish need to eat food that will fully digest and not be left in their stomach too long.  Pondcare Spring & Autumn Premium Pellets contain the proper portions of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for coldwater feeding. 

Cattails:

Early fall is the best time of year to treat cattails that may have invaded your pond.  Cattails can grow anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall.  In the Unites States, cattails are either the broad-leaf or narrow-leaf varieties.  They reproduce by wind-dispersed seeds or through their root systems.  Most cattails only require 1-2ft of water to grow to their full potential.  Once the plants have established, it will be very difficult to maintain open water. 

Cattails can be controlled using Glyphosate, a systemic herbicide.  This product is best applied in the early to mid fall when the cattails are starting to take all of the nutrients out of their leaves to go dormant for the winter.  When the Glyphosate herbicide is applied at this time, it will be taken down into the plant’s root system along with these nutrients.  This will ensure that there is very little re-growth during the next season.    

Watershed Maintenance:

The watershed is the area of a land where the water will drain into a nearby body of water.  If the area of land outside of your pond contains nutrients from fertilizers, manure, or goose droppings, these nutrients will be washed into the pond.  The excess nutrients in the pond may cause algal blooms.  If the source of the nutrients cannot be eliminated, the next best management plan is to plant nutrient absorbing plants in the watershed area and around the pond.  Rushes, irises, and tall grasses have large root systems that can absorb the nutrients before they drain into the pond. 

OLCA Conference:

AQUA DOC is a proud member of the Ohio Lake Communities Association (OLCA).  This week at Candlewood Lake in Mt. Gilead, OH, we are attending the annual Fall Meeting and Conference.  We will be involved in discussions regarding how to keep lake communities safe and operational.  AQUA DOC is always working to keep current with what’s new in lake and pond management. 

Water Hyacinth:

Water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant that is native to tropical South America.  It has broad, thick leaves.  A single stalk rises above the surface and holds 8-15 purple flowers.  It is most common in the southern US but is sold as ornamental plants all around the country.  Water hyacinth reproduces very quickly by runners and seeds and it can easily cover the whole surface of the water.  This will deprive the water of oxygen and disrupt water flow.  It can be controlled using a 2,4 D, Diquat, or Glyphosate herbicide.  Water hyacinth is known for its ability to take heavy metals out of the water.  Currently, in some eastern countries, it is being used as a water purifier to remove arsenic from drinking water. 

Creeping Water Primrose:

Creeping water primrose is a perennial plant that can grow in wet soil as well as float out onto the water.  Its leaves are a reddish-green and are 2” long and ½” to 1” in diameter.  The plant produces small yellow flowers that are 1” to 2 “ in diameter.  This is an invasive species that forms extensive mats and will deter water flow and limit shoreline activities.  It is used as an ornamental aquatic plant and improper use and disposal has lead to its spread in waterways.  Creeping water primrose is spread by seeds and plant fragments that are carried by boats, water, wind, and wildlife.  It can be controlled using a 2,4 D, Diquat, or Glyphosate herbicide. 

    

Applying Aquatic Herbicides: Yourself or Pay Someone?

Applying Aquatic Herbicides: Yourself or Pay Someone?

In Ohio, a pond owner has the option to apply algaecides and herbicides to their pond themselves or to hire a licensed applicator.  In most other states, a licensed applicator must be hired for aquatic vegetation treatments.  A professional licensed applicator should be contacted if:

·         The pond owner does not feel comfortable handling chemicals.

o   A licensed applicator knows how to safely handle chemicals and must renew their license every 3 years in Ohio.

·         The pond owner needs to be able to properly identify aquatic plants and algae because herbicides and algaecides are very species specific and selective.

o   A licensed applicator is trained in species identification and can ensure that the correct product is used, in the appropriate amounts.

·         Pond owners usually under-estimate the volume of their pond which leads to incorrect surface acre measurements and incorrect product usage.

o   A licensed applicator is able to accurately measure the pond’s volume and calculate the proper amount of product to be used.

So, ask yourself these questions:

·         Am I willing to take the time to read product labels, making sure to pay close attention to warnings, safety instructions, and restrictions?

·         Am I able to correctly identify the plants causing the problem?

·         Can I accurately calculate the amount of product required to do the job?

·         Do I have the proper application and safety equipment to apply the herbicide?

·         Do I really feel comfortable handling chemicals?

If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, licensed applicators should be contacted.  AQUA DOC will send a licensed applicator to your home or business to assess your lake or ponds needs to properly determine the best maintenance program. 

Lynch, Bill (2010). Applying Aquatic Herbicides: Yourself or Pay Someone? Columbus, OH: OSU Natural Resources.

Coontail:

Coontail is an aquatic plant that can grow in large colonies.  It can be found in quiet lakes, ponds, and streams.  It is usually submerged but may sometimes float on the surface.  Coontail will reproduce quickly by fragmentation and can easily take over a body of water.  It can be treated using a 2,4 D such as Navigate or Diquat such as Reward.

        

AQUA DOC Blue:

AQUA DOC Blue is a great way to keep your pond aesthetically pleasing.  It gives the water a pleasant blue color, while inhibiting aquatic plant growth.  It can be used in natural and manmade lakes and ponds, ornamental, and fish farming bodies of water with little or no overflow.

This product prevents the sun’s UV light from penetrating submerged weed and algae growth, which breaks the cycle of photosynthesis.  It should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 quarts per surface acre (43,560 sq ft).  For best results, apply AQUA DOC Blue to your water in the early Spring before the plants have time to establish (February – April), and throughout the season to prevent regrowth.  There are no restrictions on swimming, fishing, irrigation, or stock watering with this product.

AQUA DOC Blue can purchased online or over the phone for the value price of $24.95 per quart.  Call today!

Pond Turnover:

Pond turnover is the mixing of the stagnant, stratified layers of water in a pond.  The upper level of water is known as the epilimnion.  This is where the water warm and has a high oxygen content.  This is also where fish are found.  The middle layer is known as the thermocline.  This is where the water temperature and oxygen level will gradually decline with increasing depth.  The lowest layer is the hypolimnion.  This is the layer that is the coldest and is the most oxygen deprived. 

Pond turnover occurs when weather conditions favor the mixing of these different layers.  In the Fall, the upper level is cooled by the colder air.  This makes the water more dense and it will sink to the bottom.  This will cause the bottom layer to then rise to the top. The opposite occurs after the winter when the water warms-up in the Spring.  Pond turnover can also be caused by cold rains or high winds during the summer.  This event can cause fish kills because the deoxygenated water is brought to the surface where the fish dwell, and can suffocate them. 

Koi:

Koi are ornamental varieties of the common carp.  The word “Koi” literally means “carp” in Japanese.  However, Koi can also mean “affection” or “love” and so the Koi is a symbol of love and friendship in Japan and all throughout the world.  Koi can have many different colors, patterns, and scalation.  Most colors are white, black, red, yellow, orange, and blue.  Koi are genetically selected carp for their coloration.  The carp that produced different colors out of a batch of fry were used to produce another generation, and over time, the fish produced brighter and brighter colors.  This is why if Koi are allowed to reproduce naturally they will become all grey-colored after a few generations. 

In order to keep Koi in Ohio, it is recommended that a pond be at least 4 feet deep.  This will help the fish to survive the cold winter.  The Koi are most active when the water temperature is between 59 and 77 degrees.  During the winter when the water temperature is low, you do not need to feed your Koi.  The digestive tract of the fish will slow down so much that if they are fed, food will just sit in their stomach and may cause them to become ill.  It is also recommended that Koi are only raised in ponds that have a liner or in watergardens.  If stocked in an earthen pond, the Koi will constantly stir up the mud on the bottom of the pond causing the water to always be turbid.  This will deter swimming and other activities. 

AQUA DOC carries several different types of Koi that you can add to your own backyard pond.

Purple Loosestrife:

Purple Loosestrife is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.  It was probably introduced to North America through the shipping trade.  It is an invasive species that can reduce the biological diversity of native plants which can affect the life cycles of other organisms such as waterfowl, fish, and amphibians. 

This is a colonial plant that can grow 1 to 1.5 meters tall.  Many long stems will grow out of one root mass.  The flowers are reddish purple and are 10mm to 20mm in diameter.  Purple Loosestrife reproduces extremely quickly as it produces 2 million seeds annually. 

      

Nostoc:

Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria.  It forms colonies encased in a gelatinous sheath.  It can be found in soil, on rocks, and in lakes and ponds.  Nostoc can live in extremely cold or arid conditions.  This ability to survive these conditions makes them particularly interesting to scientists.  Nostoc also has the ability to lie dormant for long periods of time and recover metabolic activity after it is rehydrated.  When Nostoc is in the dry soil it may not be visible to the eye.  However, after it rains, the Nostoc will expand and form visible spherical colonies.  There are over 200 species of Nostoc, some of which are edible and are considered a delicacy in China. 

   

The Great Blue Heron:

The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird.  It is common near open water and wetlands.  It has a wide distribution and can be found all throughout North and Central America, as well as the West Indies.  This heron has a blue body, a grey neck, and a white face.  Its long legs allow it to feed deeper than most other birds.  It will eat fish, shrimp, crabs, rodents, frog, turtles, and snakes. 

Unfortunately, the beautiful koi pond that you have in your back yard will attract these birds, and they will feed on your expensive koi.  They are attracted to these small ponds because it will save them time and energy when hunting for food, because the koi are right there for the taking. 

Herons can be deterred from your pond in several ways.  A “fence” can be built around the pond using fishing string.  The fence should be about 14 inches high so that the heron cannot reach over it.  However, this solution will not always work because the heron can just land directly in the pond.  Another device is the scare crow.  This will spray a stream of water at any movement that it detects and scare away the heron.  Also, a heron decoy can be placed at the pond.  This decoy will be much larger than an average-sized heron so that real herons will not want to get in the way of the larger, fake heron. 

Harmful Algal Blooms:

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are caused by planktonic bacteria.  Cyanobacteria is not a true algae.  These bacteria can float and form “scums” near the surface.  An HAB can often times be confused with duckweed or watermeal, both of which are aquatic plants.  HABs cause problems when environmental conditions, often human induced, favor their growth.

HAB cyanobacteria consists of Microcystis, Lyngbya, Anabaena, Nostoc, Aphanizomenon, Planktothrix, and Cylindrospermopsis.  Factors that contribute to HABs include:

·         Excess nutrients in water

·         Sunlight

·         Low-water or low-flow conditions

·         Calm water

·         Warm temperatures

·         Low salinity

·         Selective grazing by zooplankton. (Zooplankton may choose not to eat the cyanobacteria)

HABs can cause taste and odor problems in water, pollute beaches with scum, reduce oxygen levels for fish, cause processing problems in water supplies, and produce toxic chemicals.  The toxins produced can be nerve toxins, liver toxins, and skin toxins.  The toxicity level depends on the strains of bacteria present and on environmental conditions. 

The World Health Organization states that monitoring of public drinking water should be increased after cyanobacteria concentrations reach 1 ppb (parts per billion).  Risk of health problems from recreational contact is considered to be low at 4 ppb and moderate at 20 ppb. 

The best way to reduce your risk of being harmed by HABs is to avoid waters with HAB advisories, water that is pea green, water with floating bright green scum, and discoloration.  Rinse family members, pets, and yourself after swimming in natural waters.  Do not drink natural water and do not eat fish from waters experiencing an HAB event. 

Signs of HAB poisoning include:

·         Numbness of lips

·         Tingling in fingers and toes

·         Dizziness

·         Headache

·         Rash

·         Abdominal pain

In pets:

·         Weakness

·         Staggering

·         Convulsions

·         Vomiting

·         Respiratory distress

HABs can be prevented by eliminating excess nutrient sources.  Limiting the use of lawn and plant fertilizers, maintaining septic systems, not allowing geese to reside at your pond, and maintaining natural plants in the watershed will all help reduce nutrient sources. 

   

Sago Pondweed:

Sago pondweed is a perennial aquatic plant.  It forms thick mats under the water’s surface; it does not have any floating leaves.   Sago pondweed has leaves that grow in thick layers and produces nut-like fruit that is 1/8” to 1/4” long.  The submerged stems of this plant provide a habitat for many micro and macro invertebrates which in turn provide food for fish and other wildlife.  Because sago pondweed reproduces by fragmentation, it can easily take over an entire body of water.  This can disrupt recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.  Sago pondweed can be treated with copper, endothall, and fluridone. 

Tadpoles and Frogs:

Tadpoles, also known as polliwogs, are the larval stage of the life cycle of frogs or toads.  They metamorphosize from the tadpole stage into a fully grown frog or toad in 12 to 16 weeks.  When the tadpoles first emerge from the egg, they attach themselves to submerged leaves or grasses where they remain “stuck” for about 1 week.  Here, they consume the remaining yolk from their own egg.  After 7 to 10 days, they will detach from the pond’s bottom and begin to consume algae and phytoplankton.  At this point, they have one long tail to help them swim through the water.  After 4 to 7 weeks the tadpole will begin to develop lungs.  During this time, the tadpoles will begin to spend more time at the surface of the water to breathe.  After 6 to 9 weeks have passed, the tadpole will begin to grow small legs.  The back legs form first, followed by the arms.  The final transformation stage is when the mouth changes from a small hole, to a mouth the width of the whole head.  The entire process is complete after 12 to 16 weeks. 

Frogs are important to ecosystems because they control insect populations and they are also a food source for some fish and water fowl.  Frogs are also good bioindicators meaning that the presence of frogs in a body of water is a good indication that that water is clean and the ecosystem is healthy. 

     

K-Tea Algaecide:

K-Tea is an algaecide that can be used to treat a broad spectrum of algae including blue-green, green, diatoms, and flagellates.  It can be used in slow moving bodies of water and on free-floating or mat algae.  The active ingredient is copper hydroxide and it can be used every 10 to 14 days.  Application can be done by boat or by standing on the shore.  K-Tea can also be used in combination with other herbicides to control aquatic weeds and algae more effectively.  This product is very beneficial because it does not pose a threat to people or wildlife and there are no restrictions on water use after application. 

        

Curly-Leaf Pondweed:

Curly-leaf pondweed is an aquatic perennial plant.  It is native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.  It was accidentally introduced to the US in the mid-1800s by hobbyists who used it for aquarium décor.  Now, it is an invasive species in the US. 

The leaves are reddish-green, have wavy edges, and are about 3” long.  The stems grow between 1’ and 3’ in water that is 3’ to 10’ deep.  It also prefers water with high alkalinity and rich in nutrients.  Curly-leaf pondweed has been reported in every state except for Maine. 

Curly-leaf pondweed reproduces using burrs that float away from the mother plant through the water.  These burrs can be transported by water currents, boats, motors, fishing gear, and wildlife.  This plant is often the first to arrive in the spring because it actually begins to grow mid-winter, under the ice.  It tolerates low light levels and low temperatures.  These attributes help it to establish first, and to not allow the growth of other native plants. 

This plant spreads very quickly and can easily overtake a body of water.  It can be controlled using a diquat herbicide such as Reward, or, a salt of endothall such as Aquathall K. 

             

Join us at our next event!

AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management will be exhibiting at the Central Ohio Chapter CAI Trade Fair.  This show will feature many local business that can improve communities.  Visit us at this event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel North.

6500 Doubletree Ave.
Columbus, OH  43229

Show Hours:

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Microcystis:

Microcystis is a planktonic blue-green algae.  It forms irregular colonies where the cells cluster in a gelatinous matrix.  The colony will trap air to maintain buoyancy at the surface of the water.  Microcystis reproduces by cell division and it can easily take over the whole surface of the water.  Algae blooms that cover the entire water’s surface will prevent oxygen exchange between the water and the atmosphere which will deplete the water of oxygen.

Microcystis can grow in warm freshwater that is rich in nutrients.  It can secrete toxins into the water that will be harmful to people and wildlife.  It can also give water a bad taste and smell.  Microcystis can be treated with Cutrine Ultra. 

          

Water Shield

Water shield is a perennial aquatic plant with small floating leaves.  These leaves usually grow to about five inches in diameter and are green on the top, and a reddish brown on the bottom.  This plant has small flowers that will grow above the water’s surface that are a dull red color with three to six petals.  Submerged parts of the plant provide a habitat for micro and macro invertebrates as well as fish and amphibians.  The seeds are eaten by ducks and other waterfowl while the roots are eaten by muskrats and nutria.  Water shield thrives in lakes, ponds, and slow streams.  The plants produce specialized buds called turions.  These buds will detach from the mother plant and float away to a new location where they can establish a new plant.  In shallow lakes and ponds, water shield may cover the entire surface of the water and will not allow for the growth of native plants.  It can also make it difficult for fish to find food and for people to enjoy recreational activities on the water.  Water shield can be controlled with a combination of Aqua Pro and Cide Kick II.  These products can help reduce the amount of vegetation in the water so that people and wildlife can enjoy it. 

              

The Yellow Perch

The yellow perch, or shortform perch, is a sport fish native to North America.  It grows between 4” and 10” and can live up to 11 years.  The record-sized yellow perch is 21”, 4.2lbs.  This fish will lay 10,000 to 40,000 eggs in the early spring.  The fry will reach sexual maturity after 1-3 years.  It relies on invertebrates, other fish, fish eggs, and crayfish as food sources.  Yellow perch are distinguished by their yellow coloration and the 6-8 dark, vertical stripes. 

Yellow perch, like most other fish rely on vegetation such as shoreline reeds and aquatic plants to spawn and take shelter in.  This is why it is important to manage your lake or pond at 20% vegetation coverage. 

The yellow perch is a great sport fish because it is easy to catch, tastes good, and can be caught in any season.  AQUA DOC offers several fish stocking programs, each offering a variety of fish choices.  The yellow perch can be added to any of these orders.  The yellow perch, largemouth bass, and bluegill will ensure that you have an exciting fishing experience at your lake or pond.