Seasonal care calendar
November pond care in Pennsylvania
The pond settles down for winter. Set up aeration safely and write down the year.
- Safety
Never assume pond ice is safe; stay off clear ice under 4 inches; aerated ponds have open water.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Ice Fishing: ice safety tips This may be outdated
- Care
Penn State says shallow ponds with dense summer plant growth are the most likely to suffer winterkill. Plan next year's plant control with that in mind.
Source: Winterkill in Ponds; Common Causes of Fish Kills in Ponds
- Care
Write down the year: water tests, treatments and permits, stocking and contractor work. Penn State recommends routine testing to document problems and spot changes over time.
Source: Winter Pond Inspection Checklist
- Permit timing
Stocking before winter? File PFBC's free Notice of Stocking before stocking any pond; keep a copy on site; no pet-store fish.
Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: 58 Pa. Code § 71a.5, Notice of Stocking to the Commission This may be outdated
This calendar repeats every year. Permit reminders show the date we last checked the rule.
The Seasonal Pond Letter
Free, four times a year: mid-February, May 1, mid-August and November 1: what to do and file before each season. Sign up.