Striped Bass Die-Off Expected in South Carolina's Lake Murray

Boaters and anglers on South Carolina's Lake Murray should brace for an unsettling sight in the coming weeks: dead and dying striped bass. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a warning about an impending fish die-off caused by a natural phenomenon known as the "temperature-oxygen squeeze."

This annual occurrence, observed in Lake Murray since 1973, typically happens in late summer when the lake's water becomes stratified. As DNR fisheries biologist explained, "Each summer Lake Murray becomes stratified into several water layers that have cooler temperatures as you go deeper and various levels of dissolved oxygen, which fish need to survive."

The stratification creates a challenging environment for striped bass, a species that prefers cool water. As summer progresses, these fish become trapped between warmer upper layers and oxygen-depleted lower layers, leading to stress and eventual death for many.

Despite the grim outlook, the DNR assures that living fish caught during this period are safe to eat. The agency encourages anglers to continue fishing, emphasizing that special summer regulations remain in effect. From June 1 through September 30, anglers are limited to possessing five striped bass per day.

The DNR advises anglers to harvest their legal catch, as most striped bass are unlikely to survive being caught and released during summer months. This guidance aligns with responsible fishing practices aimed at minimizing unnecessary fish mortality.

Lake Murray, spanning 48,579 acres across four counties, is stocked annually with about a million fingerling striped bass. These fish typically reach the harvestable size of 21 inches at around three years old.

While the die-off is a natural occurrence, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in aquatic ecosystems and the importance of understanding and respecting fishing regulations.