dead fish

[antgogz]

Went to check out a small lake in jefferson that is my go to place. Was alarmed to see about five dead fish where open water was. This happened before after a bad winter about 13 years ago. All the fish died and I had to restock it. I hope this winter didnt wipe out the whole lake. Has anyone ever seen this before? The dead 3 to 4 pound bass was really sad to see.

[AndyS]

I would let them know over at NJF&G. It may be nothing, but it doesn't hurt to drop them a line.

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/contactform.htm

[lennysky]

Common occurrence in shallow, especially man made lakes. Mostly due to lack of oxygen because plankton and plant life cannot replenish it fast enough especially if heavy snow cover exists creating too much shade. Springs and creeks coming in help oxygen replenishment but this winter was so cold that many froze too. Sorry to hear that. My local lakes still frozen and I'm afraid some mortality of bigger fish will occur as they need more oxygen than the bigger fish.

[antgogz]

Thanks for the info Lenny. I did some research online and it is common for some fish to die after a long winter. This lake used to be a zinc mine and springs shot op filling up the quarry. A small lake, but 40 ft in the middle. I am hoping it is only a minimal amount of total dead fish.