San Carlos Lake in Arizona Closed Indefinitely After Complete Fish Die-Off
San Carlos Lake, a popular man-made reservoir in Arizona, has been closed indefinitely following the death of its entire fish population. According to the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department, the incident was caused by a combination of severe drought conditions and water releases from the Coolidge Dam, which drastically impacted the lake's ecosystem. Officials reported that approximately 100% of the fish population was affected, leading to a significant environmental and public health concern. Decomposing fish in the lake pose health risks to those engaging in activities such as fishing or swimming. The lake, located within the San Carlos Apache tribal lands and about 125 miles from Phoenix, is known for its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, black crappie, and rainbow trout. The department has urged visitors to respect the closure and avoid the area for safety reasons.