As the leaves begin to change color, football becomes a VERY important part of the weekend, and good fishing weather reaches its peak, you probably want to get your lake or pond in top notch shape. Here are 8 activities you can do this fall that will increase the value and your enjoyment of the lake or pond on your property.

1. Nuisance emergent vegetation control

Fall is a great time to control nuisance emergent (extending above the surface of the water) vegetation. During this time, cattails, alligatorweed, water primrose, lotus and other emergent aquatic weeds are sending food resources down to the submerged roots to be stored for the winter. Appropriate aquatic herbicides can be sprayed on the plants now and will also be translocated down to the roots, effectively killing the entire plant.

2. Vegetation maintenance on dams and slopes

Mow or trim grass and brush to about 6 inches high around your lake or pond. Reseed any bare spots on dams and slopes. And make sure no trees are becoming established on the dam, emergency spillway or discharge channels.

3. Inspect for potential problems

Once tall brush and grass has been cut, carefully inspect everything. Be sure to inspect the shoreline, dam, drainage structure, emergency spillway, discharge ditch or stream and the head or inflow areas. Around the shoreline look for burrowing animal damage, nuisance vegetation, fish activity, and erosion. On the dam, look for wet spots (possible leaks), sloughing (cracks or sliding soil), erosion or bare soil. The drain structure should also be observed inside and out where possible. Look for holes, leaks, clogging or any kind of damage. The emergency spillway is a low area usually at the end of the dam that allows excess water to flow out of the pond without damaging the dam. It should be flat, level, and evenly covered with grass. Be sure you carefully observe the condition of any fish feeders, fountains or compressed air bubblers, piers, docks or other structures.

4. Fountain and aerator maintenance

Fall is also a great time to clean fountains, adjust timers, and check mooring lines. Unlike up North, fountain owners in the Southeast can usually leave fountains in the water over winter. If your lake or pond ices over, be sure to either turn the fountain off or leave it running constantly. Motor damage can occur if the spray nozzle and propeller get iced over. Compressed air “bubblers” should have fans, air intakes and filters cleaned or replaced. These diffused air systems may be turned off or left operating throughout the winter.

5. Fish population sampling

Are you or is someone fishing regularly and keeping catch records? Sampling will identify types and sizes of fish present. Decisions can be made about removing some fish or restocking others. One of the best sampling methods is electro-fishing. Fall is a great time for electro-fishing. You’ll need to hire a professional, but the information obtained from him/her will allow you to maximize your investment and increase your fishing enjoyment. Management decisions can be made based on your existing fish population and your objectives.

6. Stock supplemental fish, enhance habitats, and install feeders

Now that the hot water is no longer stressing your fish, consider supplemental stocking to achieve the fishing success you desire. Larger fingerlings and semi-mature fish are often available in the fall. Their survival may be better, predation may be reduced, and you may be able to achieve your objectives more quickly. Most lakes benefit from an enhanced habitat. Artificial habitat is very easy to install, effective, and less likely to steal your hooks and lures. You can add brush or rock piles to do this. Additionally, if you feed your fish, you will get about a pound of fish weight increase for every 1.5 or 2 pounds of feed added. Only feed the fish what they will eat in 10 minutes. Feeding activity will decline as water temperatures drop.

7. Exercise drain valves

Drain valves allow the water level in your lake or pond to be lowered in a controlled way. To be effective they need to be opened and closed routinely, and fall is a good time to do that. Use a rake or pole to clean around the upstream side of the valve in the lake. You don’t want a stick or something else to be sucked into the drain preventing the valve from being closed. If valves are not exercised regularly, they may stick or seize making them very difficult to open. In that case, we usually recommend that you leave it shut. You don’t want to damage the valve preventing it from closing and draining your lake.

8. Spend time on and around your lake or pond

Last but certainly not least, you want to take the time to enjoy yourself on or around your lake. A lake or pond is a significant investment in initial cost and ongoing maintenance. It is also a significant factor in your property value. Enjoy it! Go fishing, revel in the tree colors, watch the wildlife, have a drink on the pier or shoreline. Relax and be amazed by the complexity and beauty of your aquatic ecosystem.

This guest post is courtesy of Johnny Foster, founder and president of Foster Lake & Pond Management Inc., a full-service aquatic resource management company based in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.fosterlake.com.

If you’ve got more questions, contact your local Land Professional!