The fungus is common to natural water, but when a fish population is stressed and its immune system lowered an outbreak of the disease can set in, he said. An angler found a number of dead fish washed ashore last weekend and reported it, Ripley said. Samples of the fish have been sent to a lab to confirm the fungal disease diagnosis. The fish could have been stressed by low oxygen levels in the lake, which is sometimes caused by winter freeze-over conditions. Tests taken at the lake this week show good oxygen levels now so the fish population should shake the fungus and recover rapidly, although seriously infected fish will most likely die.
Fish injured by predators or otherwise wounded can also succumb to the fungus.
There is no sign of the fungus in fish population in the south lake at Two Lakes, about 100 km southwest of Grande Prairie, Ripley said. The north lake is stocked so fish numbers will be built up again, but some of the bigger trout have been lost to the fungus. The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information, and any statements or opinions based thereon, are not guaranteed. This publication is intended for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional. Always consult a physician if you have personal health concerns.