Silver City, NM – Due to extended drought and poor annual snow pack, the water levels at Quemado Lake have significantly declined leaving critically low dissolved oxygen levels for fish and other aquatic organisms. Anoxia, a combination of warm water temperatures and low water oxygen levels, have caused large numbers of fish mortality in Quemado Lake as well as other popular fishing locations across New Mexico.

In summer months, thermal layers develop in a lake. Water near the surface is too hot for fish while the cooler water at the bottom has too little oxygen.  Lakes with critically low water and elevated temperatures have decreased oxygen content available for aquatic life, triggering large fish die-offs.

According to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, fish that are caught using traditional rod, reel, and bait methods are safe for human consumption.  However, collection and consumption of dead or dying fish is not recommended. 

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila