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second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 43 the accumulation of nutrients from uneaten pellets and the increased waste output by artificially fed fish may age a pond quickly, consume oxygen, and stimulate algae blooms. When the algae die, their decomposition can lower dissolved oxygen levels, stressing or killing fish during the night or following several hot, calm, overcast days. When this occurs, fish can be seen at the surface gasping for oxygen early in the morning. An aeration system will help reduce the likelihood of fish kills due to low oxygen levels. If a pond owner insists on feeding fish, bluegills and/or hybrid sunfish should be provided about 5 pounds of pellets per acre, per day. Make sure the pellets are small enough for them to eat. Largemouth bass do not normally eat commercial pellets because they prefer to eat live aquatic organisms, but they may benefit from increased bluegill production. To increase bluegill and hybrid sunfish growth rates and produce large fish with feeding, there still has to be adequate bass predation on small bluegills and hybrids, unless the owner is willing to spend a fortune on food. Channel catfish and wipers are practical to feed and quickly learn to eat pellets, resulting in increased growth rates. When catfish and wipers are present in relatively high numbers in multi-species ponds, they may consume the majority of the pellets, leaving little for other fish. Trout also readily accept dry pellets, and can be grown to larger sizes. The amount and size of pellets to feed will depend on the fish species present, relative numbers and size range of target fish species, and the time of year. The following guidelines will help improve the success of a feeding program: • Do not feed more than the fish will consume in 10 minutes. Keep in mind fish must first learn to come to the pellets, so start out with a small amount. • If fish stop eating, stop feeding and check for low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, diseases, spoiled pellets, or other problems. Consumption of spoiled pellets can stress or even kill fish. • Stop feeding catfish, wipers, bluegills, and hybrid sunfish when water temperatures are above 90 degrees or below 60 degrees. Stop feeding trout when water temperatures are above 70 degrees or below 50 degrees. Reduce the amount fed as water temperatures approach these temperatures. • Do not feed after sunset or before sunrise. • Feed only once and at the same time each day — preferably in the morning. • Check automatic feeders periodically to make sure they are operating properly. • Use floating pellets so you are able to observe fish while they are feeding and evaluate their health. • Consider using a floating hoop to confine the pellets, which will prevent them from drifting to the bank. • Only use pellets formulated for fish. • Do not use old pellets — check the packaging date. Nutrient benefits decrease with time. Discard pellets if more than 6 months old. Manual Fish Feeding Manual Fish Feeding Tapping on a metal post and tossing fish food into a 10-foot floating hoop each morning will signal fish to feed.