http://thesubtimes.com/2015/05/12/state-monitoring-dead-fish-at-american-lake/

I'd like to see WDFW solve this issue rather than keep cramming fish in there

That's scary what you are saying about the perch! Are there homes and lawns close to the lake? maybe some runoff that gets dispersed in the deeper water, but may be concentrated up shallow where the perch have been spawning? I agree with you 100% on that Big Eddy knife from CRKT! it makes easy work of those Lake Chelan kokes, and the handle is very nice. I've have a couple fillet knives, but like it so much i'm going to get next larger model too, and sell the others at my garage sale...

ncwflounderer, yes there are ton's of house around the lake but there are also a ton of remodels and new homes going in that bother me. The remove the dirt banks and then it rains and who know what the uncovered. I did see some divers out there Friday as well three boats but they might of been military but not sure? The fish I did catch were clean inside so lets hope is just a natural causes thing.....


Tmib, thanks for the info this is what is says:
State monitoring dead fish at American Lake
MAY 12, 2015 BY CITY OF LAKEWOOD 1 COMMENT

The City of Lakewood has recognized that a number of dead fish have washed ashore at American Lake parks in recent days. The City is working with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), as well as the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to determine the reason.

According to Larry Phillips, WDFW Fish Biologist, “seeing dead perch this time of year is not uncommon as they have recently spawned. We’ve received reports from several others and are monitoring the situation.”

A likely scenario is the fish are dying of natural causes due to extremely low precipitation and a mild winter. American Lake historically has developed a strong thermocline and an associated anoxic (low dissolved oxygen) zone in the 25 –to-35-feet range. Recent spawning and filamentous algae growing on the bottom of the lake can hide the food source of these bottom-dwelling fish.

Fish and Wildlife will continue to investigate, and the City will update the public as new information emerges.

3 trout over 14"...... did they change the limit or did you have another fisherman with you... lol. I remember Labor & Industries fined a contractor for a safety violation in a publicly posted picture.... The 5 Kokes I've caught while RB fishing on bottom through last 6 weeks were real fighters (my first-ever K's), had to extend my net handle 5' so when they tail-walk close to boat- I air net them; just playing them last 30' with rod tip 4' under doesn't give as much excitement, lol. Nice fish! G

greenrowboat, I was alone. The reason I only got three fish is there are two over 14 and one just under. I know the rules and follow them, once in a blue moon we all have a brain fart but this was not one of them. I always try and get my full limits if the fish goods shine down on me.

Just a few thoughts here about the perch losses. I agree with Phillips and the potential for losses post-spawn. It is also possible a portion of the loss is a result of a common bacterial infection, despite relatively low water temps. Another possibility needs a few questions answered first: Were there several days of very heavy winds prior to the noted kills? Were a good portion of the dead fish located on the downwind side of the lake? Was the lake relatively shallow at the site of the majority of the reported kill? If so, it may have been a result of fish caught in a very low oxygen event as a result of the higher winds?

No harm, no foul. I was just measuring them with a ruler on-screen, presuming your 16" WAS 16", lol. If so, you have top= 15-1/4". middle= 16", bottom= 15-1/2". That would explain it. From being a carpenter for 37 years, I guess, lol. Maybe it's the lighting...