FISH KILLS POSSIBLE ON SHALLOW LAKES/PONDS

Owners of shallow ponds and lakes, especially in northern Indiana, should watch for fish kills this spring. Because ice cover measured 20 inches thick on some northern waters, Indiana fisheries biologists anticipate receiving fish kill reports once the bodies of water thaw. Shallow, weedy ponds are susceptible to winter kills. The most common cause of fish kills in Indiana ponds is suffocation due to the lack of oxygen.

Pond owners who experience a fish kill or need advice on other pond-related issues can refer to Indiana’s Pond Management Booklet atdnr.IN.gov/fishwild/3356.htm.

Biologists do not expect significant fish kills at deep natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. The exception could be gizzard shad, a species that is vulnerable to prolonged cold weather. But because shad can diminish a lake’s panfish population, a shad kill may improve fishing.

On Monday, Tom Bacula, District 1 fisheries biologist, received the first report of a shad kill on Bruce Lake in Pulaski and Fulton counties.

Lake residents and anglers who observe significant fish kills on public waters should contact their district fisheries biologist. Contact information for each district is in the 2015 Fishing Regulation Guide.