06/13/2026
Many of our members have commented on dead fish showing up on their shoreline. The NLLA spoke with John Kempe, MN DNR Fisheries Specialist in their Brainerd office. Here's what we found out.
Other local lakes, including Gull, Round and Perry, are also reporting fish kills. There are three causes:
- the rapidly increasing temperature; not just the temperature itself but also how quickly the temperature rose
- panfish are spawning, which is an additional stressor
- lack of rain is lowering runoff of nutrients in the the lake, reducing plant growth and therefore oxygen in the water
We should see a reduction in the numbers of dead fish next week. It you are still seeing dead fish next week, or are seeing other species such as Walleye and Pike, or are seeing issues with the appearance of the fish such as skin lesions, please send a note to [email protected].
Minnesota has a phone number for reporting fish kills or other environmental issues. The number is 800-422-0798. They will take the necessary information and contact the appropriate state agency.