In the spring, everyone is excited as their pond comes out of dormancy and pond life is getting active. This is when we get the most calls for all things pond-related, including electrofishing surveys. But, the wise, seasoned pond veteran knows that the fall season is the best season for conducting electrofishing surveys.
WHY ARE FALL SURVEYS BETTER?
- Spring electrofishing occurs when fish are on their beds and sometimes the survey can disturb spring spawning.
- Fall surveys are able to see the success or failure of the spring spawn and recruitment.
- Fall surveys can help determine true relative weights since spring-time fish are trying to bounce back from not eating as much during the winter.
Fall surveys allow us to see the end-of-season aquatic vegetation issues that may need to be addressed next year.
Overall, I prefer fall surveys over spring surveys. I think it’s a more accurate representation of your pond/lake and it’s fishery.
Contact us to schedule your fall electrofishing survey!
trent@pondmedics.com