Dying fish

[LGBASS20LB]

Around the lake i have been fishing at recently (Lake Hunter) I have noticed a lot of dead fish washed up on the bank. most of them were Tolapia, but i have seen a few largemouth bass. Why is this? did someone catch them, let the die and leave them, or is there something in the water??? They have not been spraying for mosquitoes around here, so i doubt it is pesticides or anything like that. Im concerned about the lake and how the fish will be in it, nit for just myself now, but for the future. thanks

[johnnie crain outdoors]

Cole, it's great that you're concerned with the dying fish. It's very tough to decide what is killing the fish, most likley at this time of year, it's not from being caught and handled. Bass are suseptible to a wide variety of diseases especially during the winter that make some fish die. Others simply die from the stress of wintering. There may even be an oxygen problem if the lake is low and the weeds are dying. Unless fish are literally everywhere I wouldn't be too concerned, some fish simply die. Or shad die every year and there's always plenty more to take their place. Of course, no one likes to see dead bass, but dying is a way of life in nature. Good post, keep it up. Johnnie Crain

[Eric]

I suggest contacting your state fisheries agency and reporting this.
Largemouth Bass Virus ( LMBV ) has been spreading into more and more waters throughout the country and could very possibly be the cause of a die off. Although if I am correct I beleive LMBV only effect fish in the sunfish family.
There are many causes of natural mortality in bass, your state fisheries department may be able to pinpoint the cause, I hope you can find the problem.