Golden algae, the microscopic algae responsible for many fish kills in west and central Texas rivers and reservoirs since 2001, has again been active this winter.Especially disturbing are fish kills at two sites with no previous record of golden algae fish kills: Brady Creek Lake and the Clear Fork of the Brazos, just north of Hubbard Creek Lake. Although most dead fish are shad, drum, and other nongame fish, plenty of crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass have also been killed.
Brady Creek Lake has a history of excellent fishing for largemouth bass, but more than 10 years of drought and a dropping water level has not only hurt bass fishing but has made the lake vulnerable to golden algae. As water drops in west Texas reservoirs, the already somewhat saline water becomes even more so as evaporation concentrates existing salts and other minerals, leading to increased risk of golden algae blooms and, under the right conditions, release of toxins that kill gill-breathing organisms like fish, crawfish, mussels, and tadpoles. Read More
