Lake Wisconsin Shad Die Off

[Wallydiver]

Was out on Lake Wisconsin last week and noticed literally 1000's of dead shad under the ice. There was a die-off again last year but seems to run every 4-5 years or so. My question is why do they die? I can't believe it's lack of oxygen because of the continuous flow through the system? Any ideas? Thanks.

[Bill R]

From what I've read in the past I believe its the water temperature. Shad can't take cold water for a prolonged period so they have a winter die off.

[Buckeye]

I am not a biologist but I think that is a normal thing during a cold winter for most of the shad to die. I have fished Lake Erie thru the ice (when we get ice) for years and it is common to see tons of them frozen into the surface. I've fished for perch thru the ice out at Put In Bay and could see them piled so thick you can't see the bottom. I don't think it is anything to get excited about.

[Reels]

It has been a pretty warm winter too. Maybe were not use to seeing them, because this time of year, there is still a foot of ice.

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