Polluted lakes.....

[Moto]

Hey what’s up! 

Recently I’ve found a lake nearby, but I’ve noticed that it has a green disgusting looking cover on top of the water - could be algae or some thing - can’t see half an inch through the water- 

Is this a sign of a bad lake? Should I not fish it (or eat any catches from it)? 

If I do fish it, what would be the best technique to use to catch those bass under those situations? 

[Crestliner2008]

I'm not sure that it's polluted per say. Depends on whether or not there is a water flow into and out of the pond. You might check with the department of fish & game to see if they can find out this information for you. A surface algae coating is not an indication of pollution. Could be just a fertile body of water, which could contain some nice fish.

[Moto]

18 minutes ago, Crestliner2008 said:

I'm not sure that it's polluted per say. Depends on whether or not there is a water flow into and out of the pond. You might check with the department of fish & game to see if they can find out this information for you. A surface algae coating is not an indication of pollution. Could be just a fertile body of water, which could contain some nice fish.

There is I think water flowing into and out if it - it’s a pretty small and unpopular lake - I’m not sure if the DNR would know about though......

[looking45]

Has it been hot in your area lately? If it has, this might be what you're seeing. 

 

https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/BlueGreenAlgae

[Moto]

2 minutes ago, looking45 said:

Has it been hot in your area lately? If it has, this might be what you're seeing. 

 

https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/BlueGreenAlgae

Yea it’s been like 80s - 90s lately

[looking45]

The blue green toxic algae often resembles paint on the water. Warnings given out include no contact with the water and do not eat the fish. Above all, keep your pets away and don't let them drink the water

[Koz]

It's most likely a summer algae bloom. As stated above, blue-green algae can be toxic, but there are other types of algae. Is it sort of a bright green that looks like little flower type buds when you pick it up and examine it?

 

If so, it's not toxic. But it does get thick on the surface. If it has an inlet pipe or two then it's a stormwater retention pond and by Federal law (EPA) the owner needs to remedy the situation. Well. to clarify, if the pond is in a municipal area (not the entire township, but areas considered the town proper) of 10,000 residents or more it falls under MS4 guidelines.

[NE-KID]

Been a few times to a lake called Flat Creek PFA in Perry, Georgia over by the fishing dock area you'll see blue and green oil looking stuff (probably not oil but looks like it). Bunch of wasp flying around by the fishing dock and the trees and the restrooms are nasty and filthy.