Shortly after Memorial Day, watershed residents often begin to observe fish die-offs in local lakes. This was a common sighting in the lakes around Scott County during late spring/early summer in previous years. In 2014, testing confirmed that columnaris bacteria was the cause of the die-offs in Carls (McMahon) and Cedar Lakes, and it is suspected that this bacteria was also the likely cause of the die-offs seen in lakes around the area.
As we approach the same season this year, it is important to keep in mind that the die-offs caused by Columnaris disease are a natural occurrence and only affect a small percentage of the fish populations in our lakes. There is no known cure, but is believed to have little effect on the long-term health of fish populations.
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