2006 Winter Fish Kill

You may have noticed dead or lethargic fish swimming along the shore of our lake with while blotches on their skin. On March 9th and 10th, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Conservation Officers visited our lake to access the fish kill, and take pictures for wildlife experts to view. The Conservation Officers have determined our fish kill is due to a naturally occurs bacteria in the water that has broken down the immune system of weakened fish allowing a naturally occurring fungus to invade the fish resulting in oxygen depletion.

The dead fish removed from the lake this week are a 70# Paddlefish, a 9# Wiper, as well as a number Bass, White Perch, and Walleye. At this point we have only lost a small percentage of the fish in our lake.

Game and Parks officers have advised us that the fish perishing in our lake are not as a result of toxic substance in the water. However, they encourage us to remove dead fish from our lake and bury them. They ask that we not throw these dead fish into the river.

The Officers tell us the fish dieing in our lake will stop as the water warms.

Most-likely the fish dieing are a result of naturally occurring fungus called Saprolegniasis, sometimes called winter fungus. Saprolegniasis impairs the immune system of a fish and causes a loss of the protective mucus from the skin of fish.

The weather conditions this winter were unusual. In December we had cold temperatures that froze our lake. Warm temperatures in January melted the ice, warmed the water, and caused fish to become active. In February the cold temperatures resulted in the lake freezing over again. Most-likely the fish dieing in the lake are weakened fish that are stressed, or in poor condition.

If you find dead fish near your beach and need help removing them contact Frank Lemmers or Craig Johring.