Wisconsin’s lakes and ponds, whether you’re on Lake Winnebago, a small county lake in Vilas County, or a neighborhood pond near Madison, support rich aquatic ecosystems prized for fishing, boating, wildlife habitat, and scenic beauty. Yet these water...
As winter thaws across Wisconsin, pond owners, golf course superintendents and commercial property managers begin to see the first signs of spring and increased aquatic activity. While the transition may feel gradual, early spring is the most critica...
Spring is a critical season for lakes and ponds across Wisconsin, as rising temperatures and seasonal mixing, commonly called spring turnover, can dramatically affect water quality. Turnover occurs when the surface water warms and mixes with deeper l...
Wisconsin’s lakes and ponds are treasured resources for homeowners, municipalities, HOAs, and recreational anglers. From Lake Winnebago and the Chain O’ Lakes in northeast Wisconsin to small rural ponds in western Wisconsin and suburban waters around...
Because Wisconsin experiences shorter daylight hours in winter, solar fountains generally perform best from spring through fall. Many systems now include battery storage to maintain limited operation during overcast days, making them an efficient opt...
Spring fish kills are a common concern for pond and lake owners across Wisconsin as winter gives way to warmer temperatures. Discovering fish along the shoreline can be unsettling, but in most cases, these events are the result of natural seasonal pr...
Clear water, thriving fish, and balanced aquatic ecosystems are the result of intentional management, not luck. One of the most effective tools in maintaining healthy ponds and lakes is aeration. By improving oxygen levels and water movement, aeratio...
As spring arrives in Wisconsin, lake and pond owners have a key opportunity to manage aquatic invasive species (AIS) before peak summer growing season sets in. Invasive plants, shoreline vegetation, and aquatic animals can spread rapidly, disrupt eco...
When Wisconsin’s temperatures drop and ponds freeze over, oxygen exchange stops, and harmful gases from decaying organic matter build up beneath the ice. Without aeration, these conditions can lead to winterkill, where fish and beneficial organisms d...
Fathead minnows are an essential species in Wisconsin ponds, serving as forage for larger gamefish and helping maintain balanced aquatic ecosystems. Understanding their reproduction is critical for pond owners and managers who want thriving fish popu...
