Healthy Pond = Healthy Fish

Spring has sprung, and it is now time for Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual spring fish sale!  Our order deadline for this spring’s sale is April 7 with pick up April 13. 

As you’re gearing up to stock your pond, there are a few pond care tips you should keep in mind, a healthy pond makes healthy fish. First, we recommend an aeration system for your pond. The aerator is actively putting fresh oxygen into your pond at all times. This can help prevent things like pond turnover, causing a fish kill. When your pond turns over, it depletes the oxygen supply resulting in a the fish kill. But an aerator actively puts oxygen back in the water, helping to prevent fish kills

Another tip to keep in mind is to condition your ponds. Ashland SWC is once again offering Nature’s Pond Conditioner through our spring sale. Nature’s Pond can safely clean and clear the water while also reducing muck and sludge from the bottom of the pond. Reducing muck and sludge can improve oxygen levels, creating a healthier environment for fish. 

Nature’s Pond is safe to use while fish are in the water. It is created from a natural blend of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. This is something you can turn to instead of herbicides and algicides that can contain harsh chemicals and can be harmful for the fish or people consuming the fish.

Next, we recommend shading your pond with pond dye. An added benefit of the Nature’s Pond conditioner is that it also contains a dye. This not only makes your pond color look great, but it also helps stop sun from entering into the deep pond water. Stopping the sun rays will allow the water to be cooler and more enjoyable for the fish. It will also limit the amount of plant and algae growth in your pond because it limits the amount of photosynthesis that can take place.

You should also think about pond structures. This allows for higher reproduction potential. Once new fish hatch, they will go into hiding until they reach a larger size. Having natural cover like tree branches and small trees two to six feet in the water will give the fish the best chance at survival. 

Feeding fish can also help improve survival rates. Our fish supplier, Fender’s Fish Hatchery, recommends feeding pellets daily at the same time to get the fish into a routine. Feeding will effect the whole food chain of your pond creating less competition between fish. 

Caring for your pond is important because that means you’re also caring for your fish and giving them the best chance possible to grow and reproduce. Fish conservation helps keep the ecosystem in balance. It also allows everyone to keep the sport of fishing alive. 

Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District will be hosting a Family Fishing Day on May 8 in conjunction with Ashland County Park District to allow new or beginning anglers to get more experience with the sport. Guest speaker Art Holden will give talks at 10 a.m. and noon about beginner fishing and helping children in between. We will also be doing a give-a-way at 2 p.m. with all the fishing gear purchased for children to use during the event! For questions or to register, contact Becca Vales at 419-281-7645.