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second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 41 winter fish kill is possible or the following spring. Although pumps can be used to partially drain and refill ponds for water level manipulation, pumping costs can be considerable. Water level manipulation can also be used to enhance emergents, with dewatering starting about mid-May and a slow, refilling process starting in September. It also crowds fish, which can make small bluegills more susceptible to predators. Water level manipulations should ideally be done every 4 to 5 years. Artificial Habitat A pond owner can install underwater structures, commonly referred to as artificial habitat, to enhance habitat available for numerous aquatic organisms. Research has shown that structures made of natural materials, such as brush and trees, are the most economical and effective types. Rocks, boat docks, wooden pallets, drain tiles, and piles of concrete blocks or bricks can all function as structure. The easiest time to install structures is while the pond is being built. They can be built quickly by pushing downed trees together with a bulldozer and then anchoring them in place. Timber left standing in the pond basin creates natural structure that is very attractive to fish. Most small trees and brush will decompose in a relatively short period of time and will need to be replaced, but hardwoods, cedars, and large trees can last for decades. Trees can be tied together in various configurations or anchored separately with concrete blocks. Trees can also be kept in place by cabling them to existing stumps or steel posts driven into the pond bottom, as long as there is no concern about the posts causing the pond to leak or becoming a boating hazard. Although any type of tree will work as habitat structure, hardwoods, osage orange, and especially red cedar, work best. Christmas trees can be used; however, they decompose rapidly and last only a few years. Large pines should be avoided because of their acidity. Plastic banding, polypropylene rope, or heavy, non-corrosive wire can be used to attach anchors directly to trees. Shoreline structure can be made by felling trees along the edge of the pond into the water. To keep these trees in place, cable them to the stump. Or half cut them, leaving a portion of the top connected to the stump. Artificial habitat can also be added after the pond fills to intentionally attract and concentrate fish for anglers. The best locations for attractors are near natural gathering places for fish and in areas accessible to anglers. Good locations are off points, at the edges of drop-offs, in the mouths of coves, and near boat docks and fishing piers. The structures can be built on the ice during the winter over 4 to 10 feet of water or, if possible, the pond can be partially drained and the structures placed on the exposed bottom. Structures can also be built on the bank and pulled out into the water or hauled in a boat to the ideal fishing spot. Pallets Used For Artificial Habitat Pallets Used For Artificial Habitat Cedars and Blocks Used For Artificial Habitat Cedars and Blocks Used For Artificial Habitat