The “drawdown” strategy for pond management is limited to lakes and ponds with adequate water control structures and a reliable source of water for refilling the pond. Drawdowns are usually conducted during winter to expose plants to drying and freezing. The advantages include low cost as well as oxidation and consolidation of sediment. Drawdowns can also help with overpopulated bream and trash fish by concentrating them where bass or other predators will have an easier time reducing their numbers. Drawdowns also increase options for chemical control of shoreline vegetation in the spring because some chemicals are more effective when applied to dry water bottoms. One disadvantage of drawdowns is that they may reduce desirable vegetation species and allow tolerant species to spread further. There may also be some loss of recreational benefits such as duck hunting and spring fishing.

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