INGRAMS POND
| Ingrams Pond 24.4 acres Millsboro The largemouth bass population at Ingrams Pond has slowly improved following the control of hydrilla by triploid grass carp that were introduced into the pond. Moderate numbers of bass were present with the most abundant size group from 12 to 15 inches. Average weights have remained low despite the removal of the dense hydrilla by grass carp. Bluegill numbers have remained moderate since the pond was last surveyed. The proportion of larger fish was good and growth was average. Black crappie, which used to “hole up” in the open pockets within the relatively solid hydrilla coverage, were less abundant but still found in the headwater stream. A fair number of larger individuals (longer than 10 inches) were present. Yellow perch was the most abundant panfish species with some nice sized individuals available. Pumpkinseed sunfish, golden shiner, creek chubsucker, and chain pickerel were generally less common. VEGETATION As noted above, hydrilla used to form a nearly solid surface in this pond by August with even motorized boat travel difficult. Three different stockings of triploid grass carp were made before any control was achieved and then the hydrilla was virtually eliminated. Most fishery managers regard 20-40 percent aquatic vegetation coverage as best for a good fish community, so the use of grass carp has not been a real effective management technique for a sport fish impoundment. Since hydrilla was nearly eliminated in the mid-1990s, no other submersed (growing under water) plant has replaced it. Spatterdock beds were very patchy in the lower main body, but cover much of the surface in the back of the pond. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Triploid (sterile) grass carp (see adjacent photo) were introduced in this pond to evaluate their use in controlling hydrilla. Although last stocked in 1992, a few old, very large fish remain. It is illegal to remove them from the pond or to fish with bow and arrow here. A special Youth Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section, is generally held at Ingram’s Pond in early June. For information about it, call 302-739-9913 or check the Fish & Wildlife website: www.fw.delaware.gov . |
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