Aquatic Plant and Fish Habitat Management
Aquatic plants are good for your lake and the fish that live there. They can however become a nuisance if they cover too much of the water surface and conflict with fishing, swimming or the general appearance of the pond. The addition of fish habitat can greatly influence the health of your fish community. The following information should help you improve the fishing in your lake.
- Missouri Pond Handbook - is a great resource for pond owners. You can take a look at it here or have one mailed to you free of charge from your local MDC Regional Office.
- Plant Identification - The most important step in controlling weeds in your pond is to correctly identify the plant, because there are different methods for treating different plants.
- Algae Control In Lakes and Ponds - “Pond scum” (or algae) is a very common problem plant that can be treated in several different ways, all of which are fairly inexpensive.
- Cattail and Water Primrose Control in Missouri Lakes and Ponds - Cattails and other shoreline plants that grow up out of the water can make fishing from the bank nearly impossible if they become too thick around the lake.
- Submerged Plant Control in Lakes and Ponds - There are several species of plants that are rooted to the bottom and do not quite reach the surface of the water. These plants are commonly referred to as “grass or seaweed”.
- Grass Carp Control Weeds and Plants in Ponds - They can be treated with chemicals or by the addition of grass carp. Grass carp should be used sparingly. They take a few years to adequately control the plants and if too many are added initially they will eat many of the beneficial plants.
- Floating Leaf Plant Control in Missouri Lakes and Ponds - There are some types of plants that have floating leaves. A good example of this type of potentially nuisance plant is water lily or “lily pads”.
- Duckweed and Watermeal Control in Missouri Lakes and Ponds - One of the fastest spreading and most difficult plants to control are duckweed [link to duckweed and watermeal aquaguide] and watermeal. These plants are not rooted and can give a pond that unsightly “scummy” appearance.
- Aquatic Herbicide Suppliers List - There are several types of herbicides that can be used to control the different types of plants. Take a look at our herbicide suppliers list to find a dealer near you.
- Certified Aquatic Herbicide Applicators - If you are uncomfortable applying chemicals to your pond there are certified aquatic pesticide applicators that you can consult.
Fish Habitat Management
Fish Attractors - The addition of brush piles is one of the best things you can do to improve your fish community. - Fishing in a Barrel: A Guide to the Design and placement of Fish Attractors - There are a few important things to keep in mind when adding fish cover to your pond or lake.
- Turn Your Pond into an Aquatic Briar Patch - Although some plants can become a nuisance in ponds, there are several types of plants that are beneficial and are a good addition to any pond. They can provide fish cover as well as food for some types of wildlife.
- Commercial Aquatic Plant Dealers - These beneficial plants can be purchased from dealers throughout Missouri.
- Aeration System Suppliers - In some cases, where ponds have become too shallow to adequately support fish communities, it may become necessary to install an aeration system. Water fountain aerators are commonly used to add visual appeal to ponds. To get more information on such units or to arrange to have one installed, take a look at the list of aeration suppliers.
For more information on managing and maintaining a private body of water, call the St. Louis Regional office at 636/441-4554 and ask for the private pond biologist.
