How algal blooms impact fishing, water sports across Nebraska
BEATRICE, NEB. - As the weather warms up across Nebraska as we get into the middle and later parts of the summer, it can lead to a bloom of blue green algae.
News Channel Nebraska spoke with Daryl Bauer of Nebraska Game and Parks Fisheries Division about how blooms impact fishing and water sports around the state.
“In summer, during the hottest part of the year, that’s hone the blue green algae blooms,” Bauer said. “Those are the conditions that favor blue green algae.”
Bauer says blue green algae can contain materials that are toxic to mammals, but conditions aren’t often dangerous unless ingested and reccommends keeping pets away from water that has a green paint color on the surface.
He says fishing is safe, but swimming? Not so much.
“You want to avoid bodily contact, you can still fish, and you can still eat the fish,” Bauer said. “You can also still eat the fish, the toxins don’t accumulate in the flesh of the fish and you can still fish the way you normally would, but you probably don’t want to jump in the water or ingest any of the water.”
Bauer also says algae blooms can cause changes in fish behavior. Fish may enter shallow water to reach more sunlight and find food sources. Because of this, changing baits may be necessary.
“You may want to use baits that are more visible to the fish, contrasting colors,” Bauer said. “Top water baits, louder baits, they do great during an algae bloom.”