NICE >> The fish die-off on Clear Lake has spread to several sections of the lake in recent days.
The original die-off that occurred two weeks ago was limited to Glenhaven and Clearlake Oaks. This past weekend fishermen reported seeing hundreds of dead bass, crappie and bluegill along the Nice shoreline. Die-offs also were reported in north Lakeport.
The die-offs, which happen often during the hot summer months in shallow water around Clear Lake, are attributed to a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. Above-average temperatures and blue-green algae blooms combine to use up oxygen that the fish need to survive. While many fish leave the area in search of deeper water, others remain and succumb to the conditions.
Fish die-offs have occurred every summer for the past 15 years at Clear Lake. The die-offs normally subside by September when cooler weather arrives. Overall the fish population in Clear Lake remains healthy, according to fishery biologists.
