Extent of each event is yet unknown, but department advises public to seek alternative White Mountains fishing locations at this time

PINETOP, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is advising anglers to avoid fishing at Becker and Luna lakes at this time after receiving calls from the public on Friday, June 27, reporting dead fish at both lakes.

AZGFD staff visited each waterbody on Friday morning and were able to confirm that each was experiencing a fish kill. Though the cause for both is slightly different, each is related to poor water quality due to the far below-average precipitation during the past year in the area.

At Becker Lake, department staff believe this fish kill is ultimately related to chronic high pH conditions for the better part of a year and the mortality of each individual fish is related to stress and poor condition of fish.

At Luna Lake, this kill is most likely the result of a harmful algae bloom (HAB), causing a decrease in dissolved oxygen. AZGFD is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Per ADEQ's website (https://azdeq.gov/AZHABs/faqs), when algae is present, keep children, pets and people away from the water and shore, do not drink the water or use it for cooking, and avoid eating fish from the water. When in doubt, stay out.

At this time, AZGFD recommends that members of the public seek alternative fishing locations in the White Mountains. A few potential options in the area are Big Lake, the Greer Lakes, and the East Fork Black River. Department staff have received reports of good fishing at each location from members of the public.

AZGFD is continuing to investigate the fish kills at both waterbodies to confirm their root cause and full extent.