[h2ofwlr]

The key is ridding the pond of fatheads minnows-they eat the macro invertibrates (very small bugs in the water) that the ducklings almost exclusively live on, that is also what adult "dabblers" eat too in the summer time.

Having a few Nothern Pike in the pond would mean they eat minnows-but if the Northerns got over 4lbs they will start to eat the ducklings too.

Best way is to freeze them out right to the bottom of the pond.

Best way to make sure the fatheads do not get into the pond is to make sure there are no ditches the lead into or out of the pond for them to swim up into your ponsd.

As for wild celery-good choice, divers love it. Fresh water shrimp is a good choice too. Do not even think of importing the zebra mussels- felony if you did. Another veg to plant is sago pond weed as both puddlers and divers like it.

Good to see somebody trying to make a difference. :thumbsup:

 

[h2ofwlr]

98,
Laws from state to state differ. Here in Mn what constitutes state water and private is most likely different than in WA. Yeah we plant wild celery and sago pond weed to help out.

Ben,

You mean to tell me that your pond has Zebra mussels in it? I only thought lakes/rivers had them in it. I'm not sure what your definition of a pond is, but mine is under 10 acres in size-per MN state definition. For Gods sake be careful not to spread them mussels. Does your pond attach to other ponds/lakes/streams via any crreks or ditches? If so---notify the DNR right away---they may poison them mussels out before they spread all over the place! Or maybe fill in a dike to prevent them from spreading. This is very serious thing having this infestation. Please do the right thing for all concerned-report it to the DNR.

 

[h2ofwlr]

It'll be pretty hard to kill those fatheads if it is 40' deep.

Yes, under Mn definition-it is a "Lake" waters 10 acres or more are considered lakes. There are about 12-13, 000 lakes in Mn, used to be closer to 17K before so many were drained.

As for the mussels, just be sure if you hunt other places not to transport them unknowingly on gear, boat, or decoys.

Oh to have private hunting. You never realize what you have, until you are without it.