A lake in Arizona is closed after all of its fish died in a “significant fish kill event,” officials said.
San Carlos Lake, a popular fishing spot about 125 miles east of Phoenix that’s usually teeming with largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and brown and rainbow trout, is closed until further notice.
“Recent drought conditions, combined with water releases from the dam, have resulted in a major fish kill affecting approximately 100% of the fish population within the lake,” the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department said.
The decomposing fish and their carcasses may pose health and safety risks to people who enter the water or try to fish, officials warned.
Officials are urging the public to stay away from the lake until further notice.
Activities including fishing, harvesting, or possessing fish from the lake and recreational activities associated with fishing are prohibited for the time being, officials said.
The lake has about 158 miles of shoreline and was formed by the construction of the Coolidge Dam. The lake is located within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
Wildlife officials say they will continue to monitor conditions. It was not immediately clear when officials believe the lake will reopen for fishing and recreational activities.
The Independent has contacted the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department for more information.
More details here...
