Winnebago Fish Kill 31,000

[blake]

From the Iowa DNR:

Winnebago Fish Kill Estimated at More Than 31,000 Fish

FOREST CITY – The estimate of losses from an extensive fish kill along the Winnebago River last week has totaled more than 31,000 fish valued at approximately $63,000.

The fish kill occurred along approximately 16 miles of the Winnebago River between Forest City and Fertile.

The fish kill is believed to have been caused by silage from an operation owned by Monroe Branstad reaching Silver Creek and flowing to the Winnebago River. The silage reduced oxygen levels in the stream causing the fish to die.

The fish count and value assessed was done in accordance with guidelines and protocols established by the American Fisheries Society. Species killed included northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish and bullhead in addition to non-game species including redhorse, suckers, darters, minnows, dace and shiners.

The DNR will seek restitution for the dead fish. Additional enforcement actions could also be taken following the conclusion of the investigation.

 

[THA4]

ouch!

thats a lot of dead fish!

 

[turtlshell]

Must have been bad if it killed bullheads.

The loss of small mouth really SUCKS!

Wonder what the details were about the spill, as in amount/volume, specific cause, any buffer strips etc.

 

[Iowa1]

I have spent a lot of time on that stretch of river and there's not much there but bullheads and carp. A few northerns. Below the Fertile dam you get into the smallmouth and walleyes in decent numbers.

Hate to say it but it might actually help the river in the long run.