Bluegill fish provides foul smells for lakegoers

BREWER LAKE, N.D. (WDAY TV) - Some people heading out to the lake this weekend might notice a few unpleasant sights and smells.

Hundreds of dead bluegill fish are washing up on the shores of Brewer and Stump lakes.

Dave Holzer and his family have spent many summer days at the Brewer Lake Recreation Area campground.

Dave Holzer, West Fargo resident: “It's been a few years, but I've been coming up here for 30 years.”

But some people might want to reconsider their lake plans this week.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has spotted hundreds on dead bluegill fish on Brewer and Stump lakes, and they say that could lead to a smelly situation.

Holzer says he hasn't noticed a smell.

Holzer: “The water's down below us, but you know, they're not smelling or anything, either.”

Persistent heat is causing these small fish to wash up on shore. Dry conditions also play a role. Recent rainfalls missed the Brewer Lake area.

Doug Leier, ND Game and Fish Department: “Warmer water doesn't hold as much oxygen. So, you've got a lot of different stressors on these fish and in some cases all these mechanisms come together and you trigger a fish kill. And that's what we've got going on in several different lakes.”

Doug Leier, a biologist with the Game and Fish Department, says there aren't any human health concerns on these lakes, but for some people, the sights and smells could dampen their plans.

Holzer says it hasn't affected his vacation, except for one thing.

Holzer:” The only thing I've got a problem with is my dog's going and picking them up.”

The Game and Fish Department does not advise swimming in areas where dead fish have washed ashore.

Tags: becky parker, news, outdoors, reporters, updates