Tips You Can Use All Over: Illinois anglers can find good early season bluegill action on farm ponds providing they pay attention to the tackle, the presence, absence, and location of vegetation. Very dense vegetation reduces predation and as a result has an adverse impact on fish populations. The increase in the young‑of‑the‑year survival leads to an increase in stunted fish. If the pond is on your property, you might think about using a garden rake to remove some of the vegetation.
This is not to say that you need to destroy all vegetation. You just need to thin it. Plants are important in that the microscopic ones form the base of the aquatic food chain. Larger algae and plants provide spawning areas, food, and protective cover. They provide habitat for insects and snails.
Emergent plants and near shore submerged plants protect against erosion of the shoreline. All plants produce oxygen.
Algae growth is the main vegetation that presents problems to good bluegill growth. It comes in two forms phytoplankton and in mats of filamentous algae. Often problem growth relates to the phosphorus content of the pond.
Bluegills prefer water that is deep and clean as well as having a pH of 7.2. Vegetation prefers similar conditions. Ponds abound throughout Illinois providing one or more of these factors and containing healthy populations of fish.
Early season water warms in response to the increasing hours of daylight. Sheltered areas exposed to sunlight are the first to show signs of plant growth. Continue Reading….
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