a water rake for skimming vegetation and debris off ponds includes a handle and a frame . the frame is attached to the handle and the handle extends rearward from the frame . the frame has an open area closed by a net or web to capture the vegetation or debris as the rake is pulled through the water . a plurality of spaced - apart prongs are connected at base ends to the frame and extend from the frame generally in a rearward direction to retain collected vegetation and debris in the net or web , or otherwise collected in the frame .