Just looking for some advice on getting a jump on keeping the coontail thinned out some this year. The last few years the 3-4 acre lake we have on our place gets overrun in the spring and summer by coontail. Maybe 75 percent covered in it where you can't fish at al hardly and have a hard time getting in the boat where you can fish even.
Right now it's for maybe 10-15 percent coverage so would like to be ready to keep it at a manageable level. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've tried copper sulfate last year with some success but have heard diquat may be better. Also wonder any way to get whatever nutrients lead to the growth down possible. Grass carp maybe too?
Thanks for any help for this of you who have dealt with this issue.

There are numerous ways to tackle the vegetation issue: chemically, mechanically, and biologically. In its earliest stages a cutrine based product can be very helpful in maintaining the growth. For a long term solution there isa herbicide that will do a whole lake treatment and be very effective-Fluridone. Its a very effective product and works efficiently in a season. Grass carp will take longer but will get it done. Using both chemical and biological could be your best option, as you really need some vegetation (22%).

I think coontail can benefit a fishery and water quality if managed properly. It will help with you refuge for the forage, create and edge effect for fishing, and also be a source to take up excess nutrients. The main thing to remember is that there is a seed bed that will keep germinating till its gone. If eradicated (sorta) theres a chance it could come back. Get on it early and you will do fine.

Eat it.....