New Brighton, MN ~ Ramsey County

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Dead Bullheads on our beach

  • 7 Jun 2017 8:05 PM
    Quote
    Message # 4886331
    Anonymous member

    Hello - we have been experiencing something new this year. We have had many bullheads wash up on our beach with their tails missing. I'm not talking about a few here and there - we have had as many as 12 in a day. 

    Does anyone know what is causing this? 

    Thanks!

    Dave
  • 14 Jun 2017 9:30 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 4899806 on 4886331
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Thanks for posting this, Dave.  LLIA also had a lake owner email us last week about a similar situation in the North Bay where she mentioned over a dozen dead fish had washed up on her beach.

    With the water so high, we haven't had beach exposed at our house.  However, I do feel like I've seen higher than average dead fish afloat around our dock.  Not just bullheads, but also blue gill and crappie.

    Anyone else? 
  • 15 Jun 2017 8:36 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 4901824 on 4886331
    Anonymous member

    Many fishermen intentionally kill bullheads in Minnesota. Typically they chop off their tail, or break their jaw. The theory is that this "weakening" of the bullhead will allow it to be overtaken by predator fish or predator birds. And  thus lessen the bullhead population in the lake. Obviously, some bullheads die without being eaten by other animals, and wash up on the shore. Personally, I don't try to kill the bullheads as I know some folks intentionally like to catch-smoke-eat bullheads.
  • 22 May 2018 8:01 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 6254021 on 4886331
    Anonymous member

    I read about this.  Naturally occurring bacteria that will cause young fish to die when they undergo heavy stress due to spawning.  See article. Not sure but this is my guess as this has gone on for a few years now. North End

    http://www.dglobe.com/news/1370614-columnaris-disease-responsible-fish-die-little-detroit-lake
Long Lake Improvement Association of New Brighton, Inc is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.  All dues are utilized towards water quality, safety, and education. Please email us at llianewbrighton@gmail.com with questions, comments, or suggestions.  
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