LPSNRD is making visitors aware of a substantial fish kill that has occurred at Timber Point Lake, located within Timber Point Wildlife Management Area near Brainard in Butler County.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission fisheries biologists visited the lake on July 6 after receiving reports from anglers. During the visit, biologists observed numerous dead fish throughout the lake, with all fish species appearing to be affected. Testing confirmed extremely low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which led to the fish kill.
These events are unfortunate, but they can occur in lakes and ponds during the summer when several natural conditions line up at once. At Timber Point Lake, a stretch of heat and sunshine in late June likely helped fuel a large algal bloom. After rain moved through the area on July 3, cooler temperatures and cloud cover likely contributed to the bloom dying off.
When algae and other organic matter begin to break down, bacteria use oxygen in the water as part of that process. If a large amount of organic material breaks down at the same time, dissolved oxygen levels can fall quickly. When oxygen levels become too low, fish are unable to survive.
Low water levels at Timber Point Lake likely made the situation more severe by reducing the amount of available water and oxygen in the lake.
LPSNRD appreciates the reports from anglers and the public’s patience as conditions at the lake continue to be assessed.