Robyn, would be better to leave the water level lower, so there is air
between ice and the top of the water? Then even if the fish hang out at
the end, they can't freeze into the ice because they can't reach it.
Several posts last winter seemed to suggest that leaving that air space
also helps insulate the water so it doesn't get as cold.

So sorry you've lost two of your goldfish. We were lucky when it froze
and snowed here -- the pond only had a thin layer of ice and snow that
covered about two-thirds, but since we've left the pump running, the
deep end where the water returns remained open. Hope your weather gets
warmer soon.
--
Kathy aka Zk
3500gal pond, 13 pond piggies
Oregon, USDA Zone 7

Robyn Rhudy wrote:
For the second time this winter, I found a frozen goldfish. I never had
this before in 6 years so I can't figure out why the goldfish are all
going up into the shallows and then freezing in solid. My pond has about
a foot of water in the most shallow area and it's frozen to the bottom
there with at least one goldfish frozen in time with his mouth open and
pectoral fin paddling to the side. The deep end has openings in it but
the fish hang out in the shallows presumably to remain more hidden under
the more opaque ice ... I
ran some water into the pond to raise the level a little as it goes down
from evaporation and drinking animals.