TAMA COUNTY — A fish kill of more than 1,000 small black crappies at Casey Lake in Hickory Hills Park appears to be from natural spawning stress.
Concerned citizens reported dead fish to county park staff on June 7.
“When we get calls about one species of dead fish during the spawning season, it is usually caused by spawning stress,” said Dan Kirby, fisheries management biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Natural fish kills periodically occur when populations reach certain levels and it usually only affects the weaker fish of one species.
“Fish surveys conducted this week on Casey Lake showed that largemouth bass and bluegills are doing well, and black crappies are abundant,” said Kirby.
If you see dead fish when you are at a lake or river, call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress.