Dead fish have been popping up around Lake Davis; CDFW says a naturally occurring bacteria may be a cause.
CDFW biologists have been working with local authorities since early June, identifying Brown Bullhead, a species of catfish, dead or dying throughout the reservoir. These fish were seen floating and washed up on the lake’s shores.
The group also discovered a small number of dead or dying Largemouth Bass and Pumpkinseed.
CDFW collected fish carcasses from around the lake and performed necropsies at the department’s fish pathology lab, which returned results indicating that Columnaris bacteria may have contributed to the fish deaths.
CDFW says Columnaris outbreaks naturally occur in the environment and can occur when water temperatures are warm. Some contributing factors to the Die may have also been from recent warm thunderstorms over the area, post-Dixie Fire run-off, or a spring turnover event.
You do not need to worry about any harm to yourself if in the waters at Lake Davis as, Columnaris isn’t considered a risk factor for humans, as the bacteria are not known to transfer to people.
CDFW and its partners will continue to monitor the fish population at Lake Davis. You are encouraged to report any sightings of dead or sick fish through CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting System.
