Managing a Wisconsin pond or lake isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about creating a thriving, balanced fishery that reflects your goals. Whether you want to grow trophy bass, improve panfish quality, or build a healthier ecosystem for family and friends to enjoy, one of the best tools for understanding what’s beneath the surface is a science-driven method called electrofishing.
What Is Electrofishing?
Electrofishing—often called “pond shocking”—is a fish population survey technique that temporarily stuns fish using a mild electrical current. When current passes between submerged electrodes, fish within a 6- to 7-foot radius are safely drawn to the surface for collection and study. After identifying, measuring, and weighing the fish, they are returned unharmed to your water. This process gives Wisconsin pond and lake owners a clear snapshot of the fish population, revealing which species are present, size structures, and imbalances that may limit your fishery’s potential. These insights become the foundation for targeted, science-driven management decisions.
Why Electrofishing Matters for Your Fishery
Electrofishing is a valuable first step for pond and lake owners looking to understand the true dynamics of their fishery. Here’s why:
• Reveals the True Picture: Surface activity doesn’t tell the whole story. Electrofishing uncovers what’s really happening below, from dominant species and missing size classes to unexpected species impacting your goals.
• Guides Smarter Management Decisions: Collected data allows our fisheries biologists to assess fish health, detect overpopulation, and recommend precise harvest or stocking plans that align with your goals.
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Supports Long-Term Success:
Whether you’re aiming to grow trophy bass or maintain a balanced family fishery, knowing your fish population’s structure is essential. Electrofishing ensures your management strategies are based on real data, not guesswork.
How Electrofishing Works
WLPR’s electrofishing surveys use specialized boats with mounted generators and probes that deliver a controlled current into the water. This current safely and temporarily stuns fish, allowing them to be gently netted for collection. Since every Wisconsin waterbody has unique water chemistry, our team calibrates equipment onsite to ensure effectiveness and fish safety. Each fish is examined for species, length, weight, and condition before being returned to the water. After the survey, you receive a clear, personalized report with findings and actionable recommendations to support your fishery’s goals.
A Valuable First Step for Every Pond or Lake Owner
Whether you’ve recently acquired a pond or have managed your lake for years, electrofishing is the first step in understanding your fishery and what actions will help it thrive. Annual or biannual surveys help track trends, evaluate management strategies, and fine-tune your approach as your goals evolve. Without knowing what’s beneath the surface, it’s difficult to make informed decisions that will move your fishery forward.
Ready to Discover What’s Really in Your Water?
At Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource, we’re here to help you create a fishery that’s enjoyable, healthy, and sustainable for the future. Our science-driven electrofishing surveys give you the data you need to take the next step toward a more productive pond or lake. Contact us at 866.208.0724 to schedule your fish population survey today and start building the fishery you envision.
About Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource, A Jones Lake Management Partner
Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource specializes in comprehensive lake and pond management solutions, including algae and aquatic weed control, aeration, hydraulic dredging, erosion control, and fisheries management. As a Jones Lake Management Partner, we serve a diverse range of clients, including HOAs, golf courses, municipalities, and private lake owners. With a commitment to science-driven strategies and environmental sustainability, Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource helps maintain and restore aquatic ecosystems for long-term health and enjoyment.
