Pond owners can use several techniques to minimize fish losses. Where ponds have undesirable fish species, pond owners can use the low-water levels to their advantage, Lock said. One way to minimize losses is to minimize feeding. Adding 50 pounds of stock salt per acre foot of water will prevent nitrite poisoning in catfish ponds. Adding more salt than recommended will not harm the fish.
Nitrites are more toxic to catfish than scalefish.
Large catfish are usually the first to die. Well water can be added if available. They should first check with their local county agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service for details about shipping test samples. Ponds nearly dry with undesirable fish populations can be renovated by applying 50 pounds of hydrated lime per 100 square feet of remaining water, according to Dr. Lock. The lime will be diluted to levels safe for fish restocking as the pond fills.