Koi Pond Wintering: A Creative Fish Cage Solution

A 100-gallon pond owner in a cold climate sinks a fish cage into parents' 3/4-acre pond each winter. The koi and shubunkins spend 4 months below ice, aerated by a windmill, and grow vigorously. After 4 years, they're the hardiest fish around.

Why It Works

• Large volume stabilizes temperature.
• Natural food web supplements diet.
• Windmill aeration prevents winterkill.

Dreaming Bigger

The author wishes for an in-ground pond but has heavy clay. A rototiller sits unused. Someday.

Innovative, low-tech, and effective—nature does the heavy lifting.