Colder than average temperatures could spur fish kills for species like red drum, often known as redfish. (Photo from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries)
While the snowdrifts and wonderment of Louisiana’s recent winter storm begin to melt away, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries warns that continuing frigid conditions could kill fish populations across the state.
Low water temperatures could impact coastal species such as redfish, black drum, speckled trout and white trout as the colder than average weather lingers through the coming days.
“Typically, water temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a day cause problems for spotted seatrout,” also known as speckled trout, LDWF fisheries biologist Jason Adriance said in a news release. Redfish, or red drum, are “slightly more tolerant and will begin to experience problems when temperatures dip into the mid-30s.”
Adriance explained rapid cooling would affect fish deaths more than a gradual decline in temperature, as fish can acclimate and move to warmer waters. Evidence of freeze-afflicted fish populations can sometimes be hard to gauge, as frozen fish may not appear for a week or more after they succumb to the cold.
While biologists aren’t expecting severe impacts to inland fish such as smallmouth bass or gaspergou, small populations of shad could be at risk in the chillier than average waters.
LDWF asks those who come across large numbers of dead or dying fish to contact the department to provide more details.