Low dissolved oxygen levels at Elaine T. Valente Lakes in Adams County lead to fish die-off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Bridget O'Rourke Kochel
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919
[email protected]

DENVER - A recent algae bloom and high water temperatures at Elaine T. Valente Lakes in Adams County have created low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and caused numerous fish to die.  

The event will impact aquatic life and fishing conditions in the immediate future.

There are no dead fish on the west lake, which is the most shallow of the three lakes. The first lake on the right, the east lake, has 500 or more dead fish around the edges of the shoreline, mostly finger-length gizzard shad, bluegill, crappie, bass and carp. 

On the north lake, which is for fly and lure fishing only, there are several hundred finger-length dead gizzard shad and bluegill along the shoreline.

CPW District Wildlife Manager Travis Harris said conditions were caused by several factors. High water temperatures, lower levels of running water feeding into the lake, and a recent algae bloom have all resulted in lower levels of dissolved oxygen available for aquatic life. Some species are more susceptible as dissolved oxygen levels fall and include minnows and gizzard shad, which is the majority of the die-off at this time.  

Several agencies including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Tri-County Health, and the local parks department have been notified of current conditions and may conduct additional monitoring and testing as they see necessary.

Last week, other recent algae bloom and high water temperatures at Mann-Nyholt Lake in Adams County created low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and caused numerous fish to die as well. To learn more, visit cpw.state.co.us.