J. Lake's turnover kills some fish

Post date: Jul 09, 2009 2:27:28 AM

By BETSY FRIEDRICH , Hub Staff Writer, July 8, 2009; Kearney HUN on line at: http://www.kearneyhub.com

JOHNSON LAKE — A natural phenomenon recently killed fish in Johnson Lake, according to park Superintendent Wayne Kelly.

“It’s a Mother Nature-type of thing. There were no chemicals or anything like that involved,” he said.

“It happens when the lake turns over; the smaller fish just can’t handle that.”

Kelly said that in the summer, more dense water, which is typically colder, settles to the bottom, and less dense water comes to the top of the lake.

“The fish on the bottom — especially the small fish — something in their makeup just can’t take that rush of cold water.”

Kelly said drum and carp are the main species affected.

He said he didn’t have any idea how many fish had died, but said on the beach next to the State Recreation Area office there were between 50 and 75 dead fish.

“Within a few weeks, they will start to sink or the birds will get to them, so it won’t last too long,” he said.

Kelly said the kill should not affect anglers and fishing can continue as usual.