Originally Posted by
Rich/WIS
Any of the above could cause issues but would expect it affect all the fish. There is no run-off other than the grassy slope in my yard and the neighbor and she doesn't apply chemicals of any kind. Winter kill is unlikely, only had at most two days of ice cover a few months ago. There is plenty of vegetation on the sides and bottom. The carp was old based on its size and two years ago had another one about the same size die. My daughter teaches for the Univ of WI and she asked around the biology department at the time and was told likely cause was old age, "fish don't live forever". What puzzles me is the bass are predators and there is abundant food with the panfish reproducing in the pond. Will keep an eye on it and see what develops.
As a side note I tossed the three dead bass I found last night onto the grass. This AM one was gone and crows and black buzzard were enjoying the buffet. Tossed them into the woods and drug the carp to an open area on the far side of the pond to see how long it will take the birds to find it.