My property has 3 ponds on it. Yesterday when we checked on one pond we found fish floating on top. The majority were catfish, only a few bass. One catfish looked to be about 6 or 8 lbs. Anyone out there know anything about ponds?

-- sallyp (sally@cvalley.net), August 15, 2000

Answers

That is so sad and we feel for you ! I'd start with water temperature. After that there are too many variables. I might suggest the Dept of Fish and Game. Here in Virginia they are always glad to help us, Maybe the will in your location also. Hope you find your problem.

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), August 15, 2000.

I agree with Joel. At this time of year, if the pond is shallow, fish can be killed through the equivalent of hyperthermia. If this turns out to be the case, you might have to have a trackhoe come in and dig out some deep holes. When my pond was being dug I told the trackhoe operator to periodically dig out a hole as deep as he possibly could. What you might do is to take water temperature from this pond at several depths and compare it to the other two ponds.

-- Ken S. in TN (scharabo@aol.com), August 15, 2000.

While I agree with Ken and Joel it also sounds like the pond had "turned over". Normally this won't kill fish but if it's too shallow and water is too hot-it could kill'm. I agree with Joel-try gettin some big wigs out there from the USDA and lett'm have a crack at it. Good Luck! Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 15, 2000.

What about oxygen depletion due to the warm water or is that what's meant by turn over? I don't have a pond and never dealt with this. I did attend a workshop through extension years ago that touched on the subject.

What a waste. Hope you get it rectified before next summer.

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), August 15, 2000.

Where do you live? Is there any kind of pesticide runoff into the pond? We are fighting army worms here. They are so destructive, some farmers that are usually careful of what they spray will bring out the big guns, chemically speaking, for army worms.

-- Mona (jascamp@ipa.net), August 15, 2000.

Sally, Is there very much vegetation in the pond? As plants die and decompose in ponds the oxygen becomes depleted. If this is the case, triploid carp could be the solution. Best bet- call in an expert.

-- Terri Perry (stuperry@stargate.net), August 17, 2000.