Yes, I’m thinking about a few carp. I would start with fewer though. Like 2-3 probably, and see how that goes for a season. Carp would help with the chara algae, but not the filamentous.
Well, that depends. That was only my second bag of the season. Some people feed a ton. I slowed mine down after the first month or so after the young forage started to hatch. I didn’t want my predators relying on feed to the point that they didn’t eat the bluegill fry, etc. I bet I could feed so much that I would go through a bag in a couple weeks. But instead I slowed my feeding rate down to only 3-4 seconds per day….and that has lasted almost 3 months. Depends on your goals I guess.
You said you've seen several perch floating. What do you think killed them? I see an occasional floating bluegill, but haven't seen any perch anytime I've gone out there. I haven't caught one in a long time though. I'm hoping they are just hanging out deep in this summer heat and not all dead.
Hard to know what killed them. The first couple were shortly after the spawn this spring, and I know the spawning stress takes its toll, and I expect some not to make it each year. I think there will always be a small percentage of mortality even in a healthy pond. I don’t think there’s any systemic issue. The main difference this year is the vegetation and algae explosion. Our planktonic algae bloom has greatly changed the water clarity. This is largely a good thing I believe. But a new variable nonetheless that could have thrown a few fish out of whack. I believe your perch are deep seeking cooler water. I haven’t seen any of mine up shallow. Only on camera deeper.
Ever think about throwing in 10 carp per acre to help with algae?
Yes, I’m thinking about a few carp. I would start with fewer though. Like 2-3 probably, and see how that goes for a season. Carp would help with the chara algae, but not the filamentous.
How long does that full feeder last before you’re dumping another bag in?
Well, that depends. That was only my second bag of the season. Some people feed a ton. I slowed mine down after the first month or so after the young forage started to hatch. I didn’t want my predators relying on feed to the point that they didn’t eat the bluegill fry, etc. I bet I could feed so much that I would go through a bag in a couple weeks. But instead I slowed my feeding rate down to only 3-4 seconds per day….and that has lasted almost 3 months. Depends on your goals I guess.
You said you've seen several perch floating. What do you think killed them? I see an occasional floating bluegill, but haven't seen any perch anytime I've gone out there. I haven't caught one in a long time though. I'm hoping they are just hanging out deep in this summer heat and not all dead.
Hard to know what killed them. The first couple were shortly after the spawn this spring, and I know the spawning stress takes its toll, and I expect some not to make it each year. I think there will always be a small percentage of mortality even in a healthy pond. I don’t think there’s any systemic issue. The main difference this year is the vegetation and algae explosion. Our planktonic algae bloom has greatly changed the water clarity. This is largely a good thing I believe. But a new variable nonetheless that could have thrown a few fish out of whack. I believe your perch are deep seeking cooler water. I haven’t seen any of mine up shallow. Only on camera deeper.
@@newnatureadventures I'm looking forward to catching some perch and my first walleye come fall.