We've built a custom 7 acre bass lake with depths to 23 feet and an old road bed that crosses the lake (old dam shaved down) that comes up to 5 feet from the surface. We've also put in a lot of "cover" (trees, brush piles, 15' PVC 'trees', etc.)

Good muskgrass growth last year. Have 2 feeders that go off twice daily to feed the Bluegill/shiners/fathead minnows.

We've stocked it with:
-F1's
-Coppernose Bluegill
-Fat Head minnows
-Golden Shiners
-Some Gizzard shad

HERE IS MY QUESTION:

Last night after sundown we're walking around part of the lake with a flashlight and noticed hundreds of what appeared to be 1-3 inch "minnows" EACH just sitting in their own 3 inch diameter saucer shaped area in the sand from an area 1 inch from the shore out to a couple of feet from the shore. Not moving much if at all just sort of hanging/sleeping?

Anyone else ever seen this? Is this what Fathead minnows do at night to stay away from predators?

Thanks and God Bless.

maybe they were spawning??

That shoreline area probably has warmed significantly over recent days. They are likely up there getting comfortable and the bass won't be far behind them.

You should let me know where this pond is, so I can come get a first-hand look at it, analyze the situation, and give you a better answer! Don't wait on this - it could be apocalyptic!

Truly, it sounds like the bluegill are spawning. When they spawn, they make a "pot" and sit right in the middle of it. It looks like a burrowed out spot in the sand, hence the word "pot".

In the lakes, they usually spawn after the bass do. What is the water temp in your lake?

BTW, how are the bass?

-alton

I have seen this with baby catfish. all balled up right on the bank in about 2-3 inches of water. I would see if i could catch a couple in a net just to see what they are for sure. Also I would go by a few sacks of live crawfish and dump in the lake. I have fished tons of ponds your size and every pond that had tons of crawfish had the biggest and healthest bass even if they had lots of minnows and shad. just a suggestion from my experience..

I think I need to join Alton and see this phenomenon myself.

I love topics like this!!!!

Fathead minnows spawn from late spring into summer when water temperatures reach about 60 degrees. Males prepare nests by clearing a spot for the nest if it�s on the bottom, and they establish territories. Females lay their eggs in the nests, or underneath lily pads, stones and logs, and other objects. The male grooms the eggs, which are contained in viscous material so that they don�t scatter. Eggs hatch in six to nine days. Fathead minnows don�t often live past their third year.

If all the fish you see are very small it�s most likely the minnows spawn. Although very rare, I have seen this before. If you have seen this spawn happen in your pond your part of a lucky few. Fatheads usually get totally wiped out in ponds shortly after you put them in. They just can�t reproduce fast enough to combat the predators in the pond. Your depth of 23 feet is probably the one thing that has helped you.

I am going to have to fish this pond to gather more info before I can make a W.A. Guess lol

2012

Thanks for your informative reply.