Ohio Pond Management
Fishes that are not desirable to stock in Ohio farm ponds

White Crappie
Black Crappie
Green Sunfish
Bullhead
Gizzard Shad
Common Carp
Yellow Perch

Undesirable Fish
It is not unusual for fishes other than the kinds stocked to show up in a pond. Simply not releasing these back into the pond may be all the control that is necessary. Undesirable fishes become a problem when they become abundant enough to affect water quality or ruin fishing for preferred fish. When this happens, the pond owner has little choice other than to start over. Draining the pond or chemical eradication of the entire fish population are recommended if undesirable types of fish become a problem. The pond can be drained completely if an outlet structure exists, or pumped dry. After draining, allow the bottom a few weeks to dry before refilling.

Rotenone “ Chemfish,” Tifa (CI) Ltd., Tifa Square, Millington, NJ 07946 Cygnet Enterprises, Box 248, 1014 N. Bridge St., Linden, MI 48451 “ Noxfish,” Roussel Bio Corp., P.O. Box 1077, 400 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 “ Prentox,” Prentiss Drug and Chemical Co.,Inc., 21 Vernon St., Floral Park, NY 11001

Chemical treatment becomes necessary when the pond cannot be drained. Five percent emulsified, or 2.5 percent synergized rotenone is effective in killing undesirable fishes. Prior to treatment, a permit from the Ohio EPA is required if the pond has an outflow into public waters. Rotenone is a restricted chemical, so only licensed, certified applicators can use it to treat ponds.