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Tag Archives: winterkill

Sandhill Lakes

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I hesitate to post this on my blog because I do not have any new information.  On the other hand, I continue to hear lots of questions and a lot of misinformation about our sandhill lakes. . . . Yes, the winter of 2022-2023 was a hard one and we saw widespread winterkill on sandhill lakes.  We saw winterkill on lakes that have not had an event like that in a long, long time.  So, yes, there are some lakes …

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Sandhills Winterkill Summary

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Without a doubt this has been the most asked question recently.  So, I am going to spread this around as much as possible, as soon as possible: Surveys indicate mixed bag on fish winterkill Surveys by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission show many Sandhills lakes fared better than expected after a harsh winter led to fish kills. Deep snow over thick ice this winter caused oxygen depletion in many of the region’s most shallow and vegetated lakes, causing fish …

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Sandhill Lakes

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By now you have probably heard reports and rumors of low oxygen levels in at least some of our sandhill lakes this winter.  When I say “low oxygen levels” I mean to the point of causing fish die-offs.  No, I have not said anything until now.  Even now I do not have an official news release to share with you.  Unfortunately, at this time, it is something that needs to be mentioned. Yes, I hesitate to bring the subject up.  …

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Pond owners should be wary of possible winterkill

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LINCOLN, Neb. – Private pond owners should be wary of fish possibly succumbing to winterkill. Excessive snow, especially in southeastern Nebraska, and thick ice from recent frigid weather have created conditions for potential winterkill, according to Jeff Blaser, private waters specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Winterkills typically occur in small, shallow ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. Snow and ice covering a pond prevent the water from exchanging oxygen with the air. Excessive snow and thick ice allow …

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Ice-out is good time for pond owners to check for winterkill

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LINCOLN, Neb. – Private pond owners across Nebraska should check for fish that may have succumbed to winterkill now that those ponds should be devoid of ice. Winterkills typically occur in small, shallow ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. “Snow and ice covering a pond prevent the water from exchanging oxygen with the air,” said Jeff Blaser, private waters specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Excessive snow and thick ice allows little sunlight penetration, so plants are not able …

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Pond owners should be wary of possible winterkill

NGPC Latest News logo

LINCOLN, Neb. – Private pond owners should be wary of fish possibly succumbing to winterkill. A prolonged winter and recent frigid weather are keeping ponds covered with snow and ice well into March, creating conditions for a winterkill, said Jeff Blaser, private waters specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Winterkills typically occur in small, shallow ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. Snow and ice covering a pond prevent the water from exchanging oxygen with the air. Excessive snow and …

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