What Fish Are Good for Ponds in Winter? Top Hardy Species to Consider

When winter arrives, many pond owners worry about how to keep their pond fish healthy as temperatures drop and ice begins to form. Backyard pond life can take a hit without the right knowledge, especially when cold weather threatens to freeze water features and reduce oxygen levels.

Fortunately, with proper care, a smart feeding schedule, and the right fish species, your pond can survive winter and thrive. Cold-hardy fish, adequate pond depth, and proper winter pond preparation all play vital roles in maintaining a healthy, vibrant aquatic ecosystem through freezing conditions.

At Your Pond Pros, we understand the unique challenges that come with winter pond care and offer expert solutions, including ice-eaters, pond aerators, and floating pond fountains.

Read our comprehensive guide on how to build a koi pond if you’re starting from scratch.

What Makes a Fish Hardy Enough for Winter?

Some fish are naturally cold-hardy, meaning they’re biologically equipped to survive freezing temperatures, low oxygen, and cold water. Cold-hardy fish typically slow their metabolism, eat smaller portions, and become less active during winter. These fish species can overwinter successfully in a backyard pond with the correct setup and care.

Here’s why they can survive winter:

• Cold Tolerance: Some fish are built to handle cold water. Their bodies continue to function even when the temperature drops significantly. Goldfish and koi, for example, can live in water that would be too cold for tropical fish.
• Slower Metabolism and Movement: As the water temperature drops, these fish slow down. Their metabolism drops, and they don’t move around much. Some go into a state called torpor, where they barely eat or move at all until things warm up again.
• Ability to Survive with Less Oxygen: Cold water holds less oxygen, but hardy fish don’t need as much because they’re less active. Since their bodies are running slower, they can breathe more slowly too, which helps them get through times when oxygen is low, like under ice.
• Energy Reserves: During the warmer months, these fish eat more and build up energy reserves. That stored energy helps them get through winter when they might not eat for long stretches. Their bodies are used to managing with less food until things warm up again.
• Smart Behavior for Warmth: When it gets really cold, fish like koi, goldfish, and golden orfe become sluggish. They settle near the bottom where it might be slightly warmer, and eat very little. Some even bury themselves in mud to stay warmer. These habits are a natural survival mechanism that helps them endure the cold.

Top Cold-Hardy Pond Fish That Can Survive Winter

Let’s explore the best pond fish that can withstand cold weather and make a great addition to your backyard pond or outdoor pond.

Koi Fish

Koi fish, a colorful member of the carp family, are a classic choice for larger ponds. They can live for decades with the right pond size and care. Koi are hardy when given enough depth and oxygen, but they do require plenty of space and proper care. Note that koi fish:

• Thrive in larger ponds (24" depth or more)
• Require clean, oxygen-rich water
• Can grow up to 3 feet
• Need room to swim and surface when not dormant

Goldfish (Comet, Shubunkin)

Goldfish are smaller, less demanding pond fish that are also part of the carp family. Comet and Shubunkin varieties are exceptionally cold-hardy and great for backyard ponds. They are:

• Able to survive in cold temperatures with minimal care
• Easy to feed and maintain
• Less prone to disease
• A good choice for smaller fish and cohabitation with other fish

Golden Orfe

Golden orfe are social, fast-swimming fish that prefer the surface of the water. They do best in larger ponds and often school together. Golden orfe often:

• Can grow up to 2.5 feet
• Prefers clean, moving water
• Is great at removing mosquito larvae
• Must be stocked in groups

Largemouth Bass

An excellent choice for larger ponds, largemouth bass are cold-tolerant predator fish that help manage smaller fish populations and control pests. They:

• Require deep water to survive winter
• May eat smaller species, so stock with care
• Prefer a mixed habitat of plants, rocks, and depth

Catfish & Sunfish

Catfish are helpful bottom dwellers that clean up excess food and help manage algae. Sunfish, on the other hand, bring balance but may compete with bass. These two types of pond fish are:

• Great for algae control
• Thrive in cold weather with proper depth
• Good for larger ponds

Mosquito Fish

Small but mighty, mosquito fish help control pests by feeding on mosquito larvae. They adapt well to cold weather and make excellent additions to backyard ponds. They are:

• Ideal for controlling insects
• Easy to maintain with other fish, suitable for outdoor ponds
• Thrive with adequate ventilation and depth

Each of these cold-hardy fish can live alongside other fish, forming a balanced and thriving winter ecosystem when given the right feeding schedule, depth, and proper care.

How to Create the Right Environment for Winter Fish Care

A healthy pond environment in winter goes beyond just choosing the right fish. Creating an ecosystem that allows your fish to breathe, rest, and conserve energy is vital.

• First, ensure your pond size includes a depth of at least 24 inches or more for larger ponds. This prevents freeze-through and gives hardy fish a warmer refuge below the ice.
• Install a de-icer to keep a hole open in the ice for air exchange. Use aerators to ensure adequate ventilation and maintain oxygen levels, especially as toxic gases from organic matter and excess food accumulate.
• Provide shelter using plants, submerged logs, or rock structures. These offer protection and hiding spaces for fish during their slow, dormant phase.
• Throughout the fall, remove debris like leaves and muck that would otherwise decompose and create toxic conditions. Skimmers, filters, and netting help maintain a healthy water feature.

Create a well-balanced environment so your pond fish thrive even in cold conditions. Routine pond cleaning, good circulation, and proper feeding will go a long way in ensuring your outdoor pond stays beautiful and vibrant year-round.

How to Prepare Your Pond for Winter

Preparation is key. Follow these steps in the fall to help your fish survive the cold weather and maintain a beautiful backyard pond.

• Remove Debris: Scoop out leaves, sludge, and organic matter before winter hits. This helps prevent the buildup of toxic gases caused by decomposing material. Clean water creates a healthier environment for fish during hibernation.
• Clean Filters, Pumps, and Skimmers: Ensure all equipment is cleaned and working correctly before temperatures drop. Clean systems keep water flowing and reduce the chance of blockages or freezing. Well-maintained equipment supports overall pond health throughout the cold season.
• Install Aerators and a De-Icer: Aerators provide adequate ventilation and maintain oxygen levels under the ice. A de-icer keeps a hole open in the ice for air exchange, which is crucial for fish survival. Together, they prevent freeze-over and reduce the risk of toxic gases accumulating.
• Reduce Feeding: Switch to low-waste autumn food designed for hardy fish. Follow a slow, reduced feeding schedule as temperatures drop. Stop feeding entirely once the water drops below 50°F to avoid excess food rotting.
• Monitor Water Temperature: Use a pond thermometer to track water temperature regularly. This helps you time feeding and equipment use correctly for the season. Checking your water feature ensures sudden temperature shifts do not stress fish.

Without proper care, your fish won’t survive the freeze. Winterizing helps protect your pond, its inhabitants, and the time and energy you’ve put into creating your beautiful landscape.

Why Pond Owners Love Our Winter Pond Products

At Your Pond Pros, we make it easy to maintain a healthy, vibrant pond through the winter months. Our trusted products help protect your fish and support your water feature with expert-level reliability. They include:

• Pond Dyes: Enhance the look of your pond and reduce algae growth
• Aerators: Provide vital oxygen and circulation during cold months
• De-Icers: Prevent total surface freeze and allow gas exchange

Thousands of pond owners trust our products for:

• Supporting fish health in larger ponds and deep environments using our de-icers, pond heaters, beneficial bacteria, and algaecides
• Maintaining adequate ventilation and reducing toxic gases with pond fountains, waterfalls, pumps, aerators, and more
• Helping fish like koi, goldfish, golden orfe, catfish, and sunfish survive through cold weather
• Eco-friendly options like solar-powered fountains and wind-powered pond aerators to keep your pond healthy year-round
• Expert guidance for all different types of ponds from our excellent customer service team
  Products that are pond-safe and long-lasting

We help you stock and care for pond fish the right way. We'll ensure you enjoy your backyard pond all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Fish Can Survive Winter In an Outdoor Pond?

Koi, goldfish, golden orfe, mosquito fish, largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish are all cold-hardy pond fish that can survive winter outdoors. These fish species naturally slow their metabolism and activity levels as temperatures drop. With proper pond depth, clean water, and adequate ventilation, they can thrive through the cold months.

How Deep Should a Pond Be for Fish to Survive Winter?

A pond should be at least 24 inches deep to ensure fish survival in cold weather. In regions with harsher winters or if you’re stocking larger ponds, aim for even greater depth. This prevents the pond from freezing completely and gives fish a stable environment below the ice.

Should I Feed My Pond Fish During Winter?

In the fall, switch to a low-waste autumn food that supports digestion in cooler temperatures. Once the water temperature drops below 50°F, stop feeding entirely. Fish metabolism slows significantly in cold water, and uneaten food can lead to poor water quality and toxic buildup.

What Happens If My Pond Freezes Over?

If a pond freezes over completely, toxic gases from decomposing organic matter can build up and suffocate the fish. A de-icer is essential to keep a small air hole open in the ice for gas exchange. Maintaining this opening ensures adequate oxygen levels throughout winter.

Can I Keep Mosquito Fish In a Cold Climate?

Yes, mosquito fish are more cold-hardy than many pond owners realize. With proper care, a deep enough pond, and good water quality, they can survive winter in backyard ponds. They're excellent for controlling mosquito larvae even in cooler climates.

Conclusion

A thriving backyard pond in winter begins with proper preparation and cold-hardy fish. Koi, goldfish, golden orfe, and sunfish offer beauty and resilience throughout the cold months.

Proper care, including aeration, feeding adjustments, and debris removal, helps fish survive and thrive under ice. Maintaining pond size, depth, and ventilation is essential for fish health and water quality.

At Your Pond Pros, we offer expert tools like pond dyes, aerators, de-icers, and beneficial bacteria to support your pond all year long. With planning and the right products, your outdoor pond becomes a healthy, vibrant ecosystem even in the harshest cold.