In this article, we will discuss what kinds of fish you can have in backyard ponds in Ontario.

The Clearwater Creations team has over a decade of experience creating some of the best backyard ponds in Peterborough and surrounding areas. We are Certified Aquascape Contractors, as well as Graduates of the Horticulture Technician Program from Durham College. Contact us today to get started on your small backyard pond.

Now, let’s take a look at the kinds of fish that are best suited for Ontario’s cold winters, hot summers, and everything in between.

What Fish Can You Have in Backyard Ponds in Ontario?

A small backyard pond can be a wonderful feature for your property. Adding fish brings another element, and you can sit back and enjoy the peace that comes with watching them glide through the water and feed on plants.

Ontario residents run an inherent risk of freezing over of their ponds in winter, meaning you want to populate it with fish who can survive the frigid conditions.

Types of fish best suited for backyard ponds in Ontario include:

• Archerfish

• Bluegills

• Fathead Minnows

• Golden Rainbow Trout

• Goldfish

• Koi

• Pumpkinseeds

• Redears

• Rosy Red Minnows

• Sterlets

• Sticklebacks

Goldfish and koi are particularly hardy fish that can survive water temperatures as low as 0°C. In other words, they can survive in backyard ponds in Ontario during winter months as long as it doesn’t freeze solid and they have adequate water quality and oxygen. 

Tips For Helping Pond Fish Survive in Winter

One type of fish that can survive cold Ontario winters is koi

Design your pond with winter in mind.

This begins during the design phase. The deeper your pond, the less likely it is that it will freeze all the way through. Your fish will, therefore, have room to hibernate through the winter.

Note: The entire pond does not need to be at maximum depth, but at least one sizeable section should be 2 to 3 feet deep. Larger ponds will also have much higher water volumes to minimize temperature shock during seasonal transitions.

Fall and winter feeding

Throughout the summer, your fish need to be fed high protein food so they can build up a reserve of fat for the winter. Once the water temperature hits the mid-teens, however, limit their intake of food and switch to a wheat-germ based fish food.

Once the water temperature is consistently at 10°C, you need to stop feeding your fish altogether, even if they come to the surface looking for food. This may seem difficult or even cruel, but their digestive systems actually stop working at full capacity when water temperatures reach 10°C. Any partially digested food in their digestive system could lead to a blockage and death. 

Don’t let ice cover completely.

As organics decompose in your pond water, gases are produced. In warmer temperatures, these gases escape out of the water’s surface. 

When the pond is frozen, they get stuck under the ice cover and can be toxic to your fish. To prevent these gases from getting stuck under ice, you can use a pond heater to prevent ice from covering the surface or create a hole in the ice using an aerator.

Remember not to break the ice manually as this can create shockwaves that can be harmful to your fish.

Additionally, prepare for winter by keeping your pond clean and well filtered.

This will mean that less organic matter is broken down and ultimately less gas is produced. Fall maintenance and cleaning services are a must. Click on the image below to get the job done!

Let Clearwater Take Care Of Your Backyard Ponds, Ontario

As a Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC), Clearwater Creations is proud to be part of the best team of pond builders in the world! We have the education and experience to enhance ANY outdoor living space. We have the best-trained staff a landscaping company can have. Everyone on the team is educated, knowledgeable, and experienced in our field.