If your favorite fishing pond, seems to develope large algae blooms every summer, there is a simple solution to the problem. Barley Bales when submerged beneath the surface of said algae prone pond in the spring after the ince is out (norhtern regions), will slow down the growth of aglae blooms by a enzime being release from the Barley Straw. This method works wonders in Minnesota on lakes that depths are shallow.
Depending on the acreage size of the pond, and its average depth, will determine how many bales of Barley Straw you might need. From reports in Minnesota by various local property owners associations , the cost of one 700 pound bale divided into 10-parts and encased in weighted mesh bags will help keep a 45 surface acre lake clear all summer.
Attach a nylon rope to the mesh bag, and affix a bouy marker for removal when autumn arrives.
I remember reading years ago in the Progressive Farmer mag that you could control aquatic weeds with grass hay. I remember my brother in law who lives by two ponds of less than an acre each dumping his lawn grass clipping to control the weeds. Then he got lazy and bought some grass carp. He put in about half what the guy who was selling the carp recommended. They have done a great job with the weeds, it’s really funny to see them extend their heads out of the water to get grass and weeds off the bank.
I am glad that “Ice Out” scenario rarely occurs down here, although I have caught fish in MS with ice on the water, just not much ice on the water.
Barley bales work best under a running water situation. By placing the bales in aerated water (as in under a waterfall/water over rocks) their is a chemical reaction that creates a low level of hydrgen peroxide that affects the fine (filamentus) algae but not broad leaved plants or fish. This is used to keep home koi ponds free of excess algae. There were a couple of excelent articles in Organic Gardening a few years back on how this works. Hope this helps.