Chad caught two nice 15" bass this evening on Club Lake. Our bass program has become pretty impressive as the population continues to grow. Largemouth Bass is a species of fish that is far better suited for a lake environment where the water temperature rises well above 70*F and dissolved oxygen levels get very low. Trout on the other hand prefer cold, moving water that is rich in oxygen. When we do experience drought in Highlands, our trout population struggles to survive (as we've seen in 2016 and 2017). Building up this bass population is a nice compliment to the trout and one day may eliminate the need to even stock rainbow trout.
On July 18th, we are getting a shipment of additional fish. 100, 5" largemouth bass will be accompanied by 100 triploid grass carp. I've been searching for grass carp to help us with aquatic weed control. I recently found a farm in Arkansas that will be supplying us with these fish. This farm recommends 5-10 carp per acre of surface area of pond. Club lake is approximately 8 acres in size. We'll be putting about 90 in Club Lake and the other 10 will be placed in the ponds on holes #1, #2 and #15. They say their contribution to weed control will start slow but by year two, we should notice a huge difference.
On July 18th, we are getting a shipment of additional fish. 100, 5" largemouth bass will be accompanied by 100 triploid grass carp. I've been searching for grass carp to help us with aquatic weed control. I recently found a farm in Arkansas that will be supplying us with these fish. This farm recommends 5-10 carp per acre of surface area of pond. Club lake is approximately 8 acres in size. We'll be putting about 90 in Club Lake and the other 10 will be placed in the ponds on holes #1, #2 and #15. They say their contribution to weed control will start slow but by year two, we should notice a huge difference.
Triploid grass carp feed on numerous species of aquatic weeds. Bladderwort is one they will eat and the common problem we battle in Club Lake. Triploid simply means the fish is sterile and cannot reproduce. I believe these carp were introduced from Asia and can create an invasive issue of their own if allowed to reproduce. I'm anxious to welcome these guys to the lake and get them started on their new life of eating aquatic weeds at Highlands CC!