ATTN: WATERFOWLERS

[Bigluke1981]

According to the Grant county health district there is a toxic algae bloom in the moses lake, potholes basin that has affected a lot of the places us duck and goose hunters usually hunt on opening weekend. I saw a link on social media and decided to call the wdfw office in ephrata and they confirmed as of last thursday that most of the postholes resivour and surrounding bodies of water do in fact have a very toxic alge bloom that can be harmfull to both humans and pets/livestock. They recommend keeping dogs out of the water until the levels come down.  Does anyone have any more info on this???  I will attach the notice from health dept below.

[Sandberm]

Another thread in the fishing section with links.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,231809.0.html

[pianoman9701]

I wonder if we'll see another waterfowl die-off like last year.

[vandeman17]

Wonder if othello area bodies of water are in danger

[Mfowl]

Wonder if othello area bodies of water are in danger

Yes, some are completely shut down to water access.

[Odell]

Check your preferred body of water here:
 
https://www.nwtoxicalgae.org/Data.aspx

[eastsidemallard74]

It's because they can't flush the lake either way, . Potholes is too low, and rumor is the new damn just completed on Moses is broke , and can't open the doors. I'm surprised it's still this high, a lot of people out fishing both,and with the cooler weather we've had, i would assume the levels would lower.

[boneaddict]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Bill W]

The access isn't shut down here.  The launches are low and while it may prevent someone from launching or getting back to a section of the lake, the water is open for hunting.  Having said that I personally would not take my dog out.  Mine got sick two or three years ago and back then I thought she got overly tired.  Now I think it was blue green algae that caused her problem.  Took a vet visit to alleviate things.

For those who hunt, have fun slogging in the mud.

[vandeman17]

Is it generally bigger bodies of water?

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

It happens on the Columbia River occasionally as well.  Rufus Woods area seems to be most common. 
https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2017/aug/25/warnings-issued-about-algae-toxin-in-rufus-woods-lake/

Is it generally bigger bodies of water?

[vandeman17]

Does anyone have any resources or places to look to try and see if a small body of water I want to hunt has this algae at high levels? I have called the Moses Lake wdfw office twice now and it just goes to voicemail... 

[Special T]

Does anyone have any resources or places to look to try and see if a small body of water I want to hunt has this algae at high levels? I have called the Moses Lake wdfw office twice now and it just goes to voicemail... 

https://www.nwtoxicalgae.org/Data.aspx

Or contact the Grant County Health department

[BD1]

I would just leave the dog home...

[vandeman17]

I would just leave the dog home...

I just talked with health department and was told that is was basically "go at your own discretion" since they have only tested the big bodies of water.

[BD1]

I unfortunately won't be out this weekend and I hate hunting without a dog for any reason, but I don't think I would take the chance. Keep in mind my dog is like my 3rd child 
Good luck to all of you heading out for opener...I will be hearing the first shots in the distance Saturday morning...probably about 10 minutes before LST 

[Mfowl]

I can't believe I am saying this but I won't be participating in the opener this year. Gonna go chase some quail or something instead. So brutal! Have fun to those who go out!

[vandeman17]

I can't believe I am saying this but I won't be participating in the opener this year. Gonna go chase some quail or something instead. So brutal! Have fun to those who go out!

I am leaning towards not going as well which really sucks but I would hate to sick my dog get sick and half the reason I hunt is to be out with her

[Bill W]

I would just leave the dog home...

I just talked with health department and was told that is was basically "go at your own discretion" since they have only tested the big bodies of water.

My thoughts are the smaller bodies have the same problem but don't have the ability to flush themselves as Moses will have when it's lowered.

[seeplaker]

What about the seeplakes wildlife/columbia basin refuge area? Any word?

[vandeman17]

What about the seeplakes wildlife/columbia basin refuge area? Any word?

To my knowledge they haven't been tested so I would take the same approach I am and "go at your own risk". Note that I am not going just to be safe

[Mfowl]

What about the seeplakes wildlife/columbia basin refuge area? Any word?

To my knowledge they haven't been tested so I would take the same approach I am and "go at your own risk". Note that I am not going just to be safe

I had read somewhere previously that any body of water fed by the Potholes Canal from the Reservoir is potentially effected. Since the Canal runs through the Seep Lakes area and even right through some of the lakes I would expect they are   at risk.

[Bill W]

What about the seeplakes wildlife/columbia basin refuge area? Any word?

To my knowledge they haven't been tested so I would take the same approach I am and "go at your own risk". Note that I am not going just to be safe

I had read somewhere previously that any body of water fed by the Potholes Canal from the Reservoir is potentially effected. Since the Canal runs through the Seep Lakes area and even right through some of the lakes I would expect they are   at risk.

I've seen alerts for Rufus Woods, Moses, Potholes and Scooteny Rez.   There's one other locally and I forget what body of water it is.    I figure all our local waters are "at risk" for our furry friends.

[seeplaker]

Anymore updates about the bloom?

[Bill W]

check the link for updates.