Scratched out a couple of fish today and headed back to the ramp to find hundreds of dead fish floating on the surface. Majority were shad, some panfish and quite a few catfish. Turnover???

I have never seen a lake turn over that killed fish. They have plenty of time to leave the oxygen depleted areas. Now, with algae bloom they cannot escape fast enough; as there is no warning. It could have taken place on the other side of the lake or in a cove. The wind currents push those dead and dying fish to that side of the lake over a period of time where you found them. Anyway something is wrong and it is a shame that it took place.

Thank you for the informative response.

I have seen this on fayette before, although I believe it was in may. Anyway dozens and dozens of 5lb bass floating in a fairly small cove. Just terrible to see!

I was on Fayette today & there are dead fish everywhere...coves, middle of the lake etc. Don't believe it is an algae bloom. In the back of one cove there were hundreds of fish of all species literally gasping for air at the surface side by side. Bass, bluegill, tilapia & even catfish. The lake level is down maybe 8 inches...wonder if that had anything to do with it with the water staying so hot for so long ?

Plus #1.

Dang, I was just there but never was in less then 9 feet of water.

I'd be interested to see pictures of the gasping fish. Maybe hand pick a few big ones and release them in deeper water?

I was planning a trip on Saturday, not any,more. Thanks,

There was a major fish kill in October several years ago.

I was there last night. Definitely a major fish kill. Hundreds of dead fish, all different species. I believe Donald is probably correct on the blue/green algea. I did't directly observe any algae, but the water had an unusual blue/green tinge on many places throughout the lake. I believe that stuff creates a toxin and also coats fish gills suffocating them. The entire SE corner of the lake seemed like a barren waste land to me. I didn't even graph any shad pods, which is highly unusual for Fayette. Yesterday was one of my tougher fishing days out there I've ever had. Only 8 fish in about 5 hours of grinding.

I think all the water for the lake comes from a nearby river. They haven't caught much rain out there recently so I suspect they are pumping higher than usual amounts of water in from the river. If that water is full of farm run off that could be more than enough to create problems in a super warm body of water.

I dont know much about the algea bloom, but will the cold front and maybe some rain help get rid of it?

Yup saw some kayak anglers posting about all the dead bass on Fayette. Lots of big fish too

Algea starts to slow growth below 78 degrees. Coolest spot I found on the lake yesterday was about 85. So it still has a ways to go.

Jpurdue - Where did you read that? is it just for a certain algae? I am relatively sure algae growth can occur at higher temperatures than 78 degrees