10/23/2026
Your fish survived the cold… so why didn't they survive the winter?
Imagine waiting all winter for your pond to thaw, only to find dead fish floating at the surface.
This is called winterkill, and it's a serious risk for Manitoba dugouts and ponds.
When thick ice and snow cover the water for months, sunlight can't reach aquatic plants. Oxygen production drops, while fish, bacteria, and decomposing organic matter continue using what's left.
Eventually, oxygen levels can fall so low that fish simply can't survive.
The worst part? By the time the ice melts and you see the damage, it's already too late.
The good news: Winterkill risk can often be reduced with proper aeration, oxygen monitoring, and a little planning before freeze-up.
Don't wait until spring to find out your pond had an oxygen problem.
👉 Visit cleanwaterpro.ca to learn how to protect your pond through Manitoba's toughest winters.