KSMU told you last week about dead trout at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery due to environmental conditions. But Missouri Department of Conservation biologists say similar water quality issues are impacting Lake Taneycomo, too.
The main impact on the water is low levels of dissolved oxygen. That can be attributed to summer rains that caused sudden inflows into Table Rock Lake, which is the primary source of Taneycomo’s water. Cooler temperatures are expected to fix the problem.
In the meantime, MDC says anglers can help reduce the number of trout that die by minimizing the time they take to reel in and release the fish.
Biologists say to land trout as quickly as possible and minimize the time spent netting and unhooking the fish. Once they're unhooked, gently hold them under the water until they gain equilibrium and can swim off on their own.
If you spot any dead fish, contact the hatchery at 417-334-4859 or the MDC Springfield office at 417-895-6880.