FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toxic Algae present in Pass Lake
Until further notice, people should not swim in Pass Lake, drink lake water or allow pets to access the lake water due to the presence of toxic algae. Areas of scum should be avoided while boating. Pass Lake continues to be a catch-and-release only lake.
In recent weeks, Skagit County lakes have been showing evidence of significant blue green algae blooms. Water samples at Pass Lake show the presence of blue green algae toxins, including Anatoxin-a and Microcystin. Anatoxin-a is an acute neurotoxin and Microcystin can cause liver damage. To learn more about cyanobacteria and their toxins please visit EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/cyanohabs
Did you notice it smelled a bit like a fish/aquarium store? Drove by it last Sunday and my wife and kids kept saying it smelled like an aquarium. I can't smell anything, so I couldn't tell.
I've never smelled the lake like I did last week. As soon as you got within 200 yards or so down the road you could smell it. It won't affect the fishing but it does form some nasty, thick fly-coating slicks in certain parts of the lake.
@sportsman I'm not sure if that was directed at me, but in case you were making an assumption I drove right past the lake twice and never casted a fly.
The algae is likely to worsen through the last bits of summer and will last into the fall. Typically once we get some colder temps it'll start to peter out, but may not clear until November or later. Depends on the weather and probably other things I don't fully understand.
Ian, not at all. Apologies if it seemed that way! I probably stop summer fishing earlier than necessary. I have a bit of an issue with people that kid themselves ignoring water temperature ànd practice catch & release & belly up all summer
Like Tim states, It just this every year and fishes just fine. Once we have some colder temperatures, it will clear right up and not miss a beat.
Please up your tippet to a minimum of 2X to get the fish in quicker. I promise you, these fish are not leader shy despite the pressure the lake sees. When the want to eat, they will do so without hesitation.
Went by there yesterday and it looked like a scum of pea soup. Saw an angler rigging up with 2 two ounce sinkers, bait and a surf rod. Talked to him and told him it was fly fishing only, and he would likely be fined. He said he didn't know and had fished it yesterday with no problems. I stayed until he started to break down his gear to leave.......
On a wet line I use 4 lb 4 feet and on indicating I use 4 lb top fly & 6x bottom fly, emerger fishing I use 6x landing fish very easy using short rods like a 5;9" bamboo rod.
The water is fine and the parking lot is open again
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