TRAVERSE COUNTY, Minn. — There's an eagle party going on in western Minnesota, but the reason is not exactly something to celebrate.
A significant fish kill on Lake Traverse near Wheaton is drawing the eagles for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Photos captured by resident Carol Bauer show dozens of the raptors perched in trees on the banks of the lake, obviously in no hurry as their endless meal isn't going anywhere.
DNR Area Fisheries Supervisor Chris Domeier says the fish kill, originally reported March 14, appears to be caused by supersaturation trauma... also known as gas bubble disease. Field data collected from the fish shows high oxygen levels in the water likely triggered by heavy algae growth.
Domeier says the mild winter of 2024 resulted in thin clear ice on Lake Traverse, lack of snow cover and plenty of sun — a recipe for rapid algae growth. The process creates surplus oxygen and high levels of other gases in the lake, which can cause health issues like heart or kidney failure in fish. He was on the lake Tuesday and counted 2 to 3 thousand dead drum fish, several hundred dead crappies, bluegills, catfish and white bass, and around 100 each of dead walleye and smallmouth bass.
"This is a weird deal," Domeier told KARE 11 in a call Wednesday morning. "A perfect storm."
While unfortunate, he emphasized that the kill is a natural event and not something caused by a spill or runoff from agricultural sources. The fish should not be harmful to the eagles, Domeier said, adding that the kill is also not expected to impact fishing on Lake Traverse this summer.
The DNR has submitted fish samples to a state lab for testing and diagnosis.
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