Midwest Lake Management and Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems logos

SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHY WATERS

Midwest Lake is the only company that manages fisheries in the field and builds the electrofishing equipment that work depends on, including the Infinity Stingray, the world’s only production saltwater electrofishing boat.

Midwest Lake Management fisheries biologist casting a net on a private pond

Midwest Lake Management

Pond & Lake Management

Midwest Lake Management is a team of fisheries biologists in Polo, Missouri, managing private ponds and lakes across Missouri, Kansas, and northwest Arkansas since 2003. Every plan starts with data: electrofishing surveys, water quality, and a look at the habitat you already have. From there we build around your goals, whether that’s trophy bass, clear water, or a pond the grandkids can fish. Stocking, aeration, weed and algae control, fish habitat, and docks are all handled by the same team.

Explore lake management services
Infinity Stingray electrofishing boat built by MLES running on open water

Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems

Electrofishing Equipment

Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES) designs and builds electrofishing boats, control boxes, and backpack units for state and federal agencies, universities, and fisheries consultants nationwide. Every boat is fabricated in-house by Prairie Fire Fabrication in Polo, Missouri. The same biologists who run our pond and lake surveys use this equipment in the field, and our Infinity control boxes are engineered by a physicist on staff. That’s how we built the Infinity Stingray, the only production saltwater electrofishing boat.

Explore electrofishing equipment

Midwest Lake Management is a team of fisheries biologists in Polo, Missouri, managing private ponds and lakes across Missouri, Kansas, and northwest Arkansas since 2003. Every plan starts with data: electrofishing surveys, water quality, and a look at the habitat you already have. From there we build around your goals, whether that’s trophy bass, clear water, or a pond the grandkids can fish. Stocking, aeration, weed and algae control, fish habitat, and docks are all handled by the same team.

Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES) designs and builds electrofishing boats, control boxes, and backpack units for state and federal agencies, universities, and fisheries consultants nationwide. Every boat is fabricated in-house by Prairie Fire Fabrication in Polo, Missouri. The same biologists who run our pond and lake surveys use this equipment in the field, and our Infinity control boxes are engineered by a physicist on staff. That’s how we built the Infinity Stingray, the only production saltwater electrofishing boat.

Midwest Lake Management logo

Midwest Lake Management is a team of fisheries biologists in Polo, Missouri, managing private ponds and lakes across Missouri, Kansas, and northwest Arkansas since 2003. Every plan starts with data: electrofishing surveys, water quality, and a look at the habitat you already have. From there we build around your goals, whether that’s trophy bass, clear water, or a pond the grandkids can fish. Stocking, aeration, weed and algae control, fish habitat, and docks are all handled by the same team.

Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES) designs and builds electrofishing boats, control boxes, and backpack units for state and federal agencies, universities, and fisheries consultants nationwide. Every boat is fabricated in-house by Prairie Fire Fabrication in Polo, Missouri. The same biologists who run our pond and lake surveys use this equipment in the field, and our Infinity control boxes are engineered by a physicist on staff. That’s how we built the Infinity Stingray, the only production saltwater electrofishing boat.

What Our Clients Say

"Tyler is knowledgeable and friendly, can break down the info on your pond or lake so you understand what you've got and where you should go from here, whether your concern is fish, water quality, plants or all! Electrofishing survey is excellent data to start with or follow-up with."

Jeffrey B.Google review

"Their aquatic weed control and algae treatment program keeps the water clear all summer without harming the fish, and the aeration system they installed made a noticeable difference in water quality almost immediately. They also did a fish survey and stocking plan for us, and actually explained the results instead of just handing over a report."

TJ TribleLake owner, Google review

"Their recommendations are based on understanding the biology, ecology, and goals of each individual lake, not simply applying a one-size-fits-all solution. We've worked with their team on projects where they've developed fish stocking plans, designed and installed fish habitat, and provided aeration and fountain systems."

Bulletproof Pond and LakeLake construction partner, Google review

"Tyler and Shawn are hands down a couple of our favorites to work with. … We've worked with them across Missouri, Kansas, and Northwest Arkansas, and every experience has been top notch, to say the least."

Lex E.Long-time client, Google review
EXCELLENT
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Based on 13 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Jeff profile picture
Jeff
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Midwest Lake Management is a good company to work with for lake, pond, and fish needs. These guys are professional, very knowledgeable, service is great, and honest. I have used them to stock to ponds. Their "recipe" to grow big bass and big panfish was on the mark, it has worked! They have answered questions about pond management (Weed/Alge control) even after they stocked my ponds. I have recommended Midwest Lake to a lot of people that need lake or pond services.
Posted on Google Google
Bulletproof Pond and Lake profile picture
Bulletproof Pond and Lake
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Having Midwest Lake Management involved in our lake construction projects has made a real difference. Their fisheries expertise complements what we do in the field and helps our clients think beyond construction to the long-term health and performance of their lake. What stands out about Midwest is their science-driven approach and industry-leading expertise. Their recommendations are based on understanding the biology, ecology, and goals of each individual lake, not simply applying a one-size-fits-all solution. We’ve worked with their team on projects where they’ve developed fish stocking plans, designed and installed fish habitat, and provided aeration and fountain systems. Their knowledge of fisheries and lake ecology helps ensure these elements are thoughtfully integrated into the overall design of a lake and positioned for long-term success. We especially appreciate having Midwest Lake involved early in the process. Their input on habitat placement, fish populations, aeration, water quality, and ongoing management can make a meaningful difference in how a new lake performs once construction is complete. They’ve become a trusted and valuable partner for our team due to the reasons listed above. They understand the realities of construction, communicate well, and work alongside our team to develop solutions that make sense for both the lake and the property owner. We value our relationship with Midwest Lake Management and look forward to continuing to collaborate on new lakes and improvements to existing ones. If you’re building a lake and want to approach the fishery and long-term management from a scientific and professional perspective, thank you Midwest Lake Management!
Posted on Google Google
Lex E. profile picture
Lex E.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Midwest Lake Management has been our go to for pond and lake ecology and habitat management for years now! Tyler and Shawn are hands down a couple of our favorites to work with, but honestly, everyone on their team, from the owner to the leadership, the office staff, and the boots on the ground crew, is easy to work with, honest, straightforward, and incredibly knowledgeable, and that’s barely a drop in the bucket of the good things I could say explaining just how educated they are. They’ve taught us a great deal over the years about fish habitat, ecology balance, various treatments, electrofishing, aeration, best practices for lake management systems, and much much more. They really have a way of making complicated topics easy to understand. We even visited their facility in the winter to be educated in person, beyond just the projects they’ve done for us, and it’s clear how deep their expertise runs. They’re extremely talented on the electrofishing and fisheries side of things, and it shows in every project. It’s impressive how much of what they use, they actually fabricated and designed themselves. They’ve invented several tools annd equipment exclusive to their operation and successfully put them to work in the field. That kind of innovation is rare, and it’s a big part of why they’re the real deal when it comes to fisheries and lake management. They’ve been around for a long time, and over the years we’ve seen plenty of companies pop up trying to copy what they do. None of them seem to be able to match that same integrity, consistency, or results that we experience that Midwest delivers. Midwest is really the originator, and we’re just so glad we found them years back. We’ll be sticking with them for the long haul. We often call them first when it comes to properly planning fish habitat or lake management, whether it’s a brand new pond or lake or an existing one. Their team is full of experts who are down to earth, fun to talk to, quick to respond, and just genuinely good people with a real passion for the water. A lot of them live that lake life outside of work too, which says a lot. We’ve worked with them across Missouri, Kansas, and Northwest Arkansas, and every experience has been top notch, to say the least. Thank you, Midwest, for your reliable collaboration over the years. We recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, honest, down to earth yet extremely skilled and passionate pond and lake management team, especially for trophy fishing lakes.
Posted on Google Google
TJ Trible profile picture
TJ Trible
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Midwest Lake Management has taken care of our lake for the past few seasons and they've been excellent. Their aquatic weed control and algae treatment program keeps the water clear all summer without harming the fish, and the aeration system they installed made a noticeable difference in water quality almost immediately. They also did a fish survey and stocking plan for us, and actually explained the results instead of just handing over a report. Their crew shows up when they say they will, communicates well, and clearly knows pond and lake management inside and out. Highly recommend them to any property owner looking for a professional lake management company.
Posted on Google Google
Mandy Caruthers profile picture
Mandy Caruthers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great company and people! Helped us treat the weeds in our pond and got it looking clearer than ever.
Posted on Google Google
Jeffrey B profile picture
Jeffrey B
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend. Tyler is knowledgeable and friendly, can break down the info on your pond or lake so you understand what you've got and where you should go from here, whether your concern is fish, water quality, plants or all! Electrofishing survey is excellent data to start with or follow-up with.
Posted on Google Google
Jeff D profile picture
Jeff D
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have received great customer service, especially from Tyler. Tyler is so knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I would consider Midwest Lake Management for all of your questions and needs.
Posted on Google Google
Tory Mason profile picture
Tory Mason
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best customer service ever
Posted on Google Google
Roy Dial profile picture
Roy Dial
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Spoke with Tyler over the phone. His knowledge and expertise were very much appreciated. Will be using these guys in the future!
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Midwest Lake Management is based in Polo, Missouri, and works primarily across Missouri and Kansas, with regular projects throughout the greater Kansas City region and the wider Midwest. We also take on select projects nationwide.

Our fisheries biologists evaluate a waterbody using electrofishing surveys, habitat assessments, water quality evaluations, and biological observations, then use those findings to build a stocking, habitat, or vegetation management plan tailored to your goals.

Both. We serve private ponds and lakes as well as HOAs, commercial properties, golf courses, event venues, and municipalities.

We stock Fathead Minnows, Golden Shiners, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Feed-Trained Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass (Wipers), Walleye, Channel Catfish, Triploid Grass Carp, and Diploid Grass Carp, with rainbow trout, goldfish, and tilapia available seasonally depending on availability and state regulations.

Midwest Lake Management has been in business since 2003. Our fisheries team is led by Shawn Banks, M.S., who holds an advanced degree in fisheries science and previously worked as a fisheries management biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Tyler Ruoff, B.S., our Senior Fisheries Biologist and division director, who previously worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Ready to improve your water or equip your team?

Introducing the infinity Stingray

The Infinity Stingray is the world’s first full-strength saltwater electrofishing boat engineered specifically for professional marine fisheries research and low-impact fish stock assessment.