Fish and Wildlife addresses dead fish at Lake Davis
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced this morning that it has been working with local authorities in response to fish mortalities at Lake Davis. From June 4-12, Brown Bullhead, a species of catfish, were observed dead or dying throughout the reservoir. These fish were observed floating and/or washed up onshore at Lake Davis. A small number of dead or dying Largemouth Bass and Pumpkinseed were observed as well. CDFW collected fish carcasses from around the lake and performed necropsies at the department’s fish pathology lab. Necropsy results indicate that Columnaris bacteria may have been a contributing factor in the fish mortalities.
Columnaris outbreaks are naturally occurring in the environment and typically occur when water temperatures are warm. Prior to the fish die-off, the area around Lake Davis experienced consistent warm evening thunderstorms for about two weeks. This weather combined with other factors such as post-Dixie Fire runoff, or a spring turnover event, may have been contributing factors to the fish die-off.
Columnaris isn’t considered a risk factor for humans, and the bacteria is not known to transfer to humans.
CDFW and its partners will continue to monitor the fish population at Lake Davis. The public is encouraged to report dead or sick fish through CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting System.
Anyone that expects the fish and game to tell the truth please stop by my office and I have a bridge to sell you. Many of you may recall I suid them the last time they had trouble at the lake and they spent a ton of money, together with the help of a very cooperative plumas county jury, No one will dare take them on again. By the way, a good friend of mine who fishes the lake several time a week said the trout were also dying, but the fish and game didn,t mention that did they?
B. J. Pearson
So what’s the real cause?
I looked up the bacteria. Its common and deadly. It affects both wild and aquarium species, including all species mentioned in the article. It seems like a bacteria buildup after epic snowmelt is maybe unusual, something that seems more likely to occur at the end of summer when stagnation begins, not the beginning. But why would they lie about such a thing? I’m genuinely curious. What’s in it for them?