Found a dead fish? DWR wants to know about it

Found a dead fish? DWR wants to know about it

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — While the winter’s high snowpack may be good for Utah’s reservoir levels and plant life, one species can be negatively affected by it — fish.

In early March, snow depths in the Uinta Mountains ranged from 137 percent of the average on the east side of the mountain range in the Uinta Basin and measured 183 percent of average in the Lake Fork drainage area, according to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials.

Wildlife Regional aquatics manager Trina Hedrick said the large amount of snow benefits fish by increasing the water levels in the high-elevation reservoirs around Utah, but it can also cause more fish deaths during the winter months.

The deep snow remained on the ice covering lakes for a long period of time during the winter and prevented sunlight from reaching the vegetation in the water, Hedrick said. As the vegetation died, less oxygen was produced in the bodies of water.

"If fish don't have enough oxygen, it's difficult for them to make it through the winter," Hedrick said in a news release.

As the ice begins to melt in high-elevation lakes, visiting anglers may notice an unusual smell. Hedrick said it is caused by the dead vegetation in the water and could also include some dead fish that didn’t survive as a result of the decreased oxygen levels.

Wildlife biologists are asking for anglers to report any dead fish they see in high-elevation bodies of water.

“Even if you see just a few dead fish, please let us know about it,” Hendrick said.

The winterkill likely only affected a small number of waters in northeastern Utah that are located at higher elevations. Anglers can report any dead fish to the DWR regional office in Vernal at 435-781-9453 or by calling Hedrick directly at 435-790-2283.

"Fish in most of the waters should come through the winter in great shape," Hendrick said. "Get ready for lots of water and great fishing this spring."

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Faith Heaton Jolley

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