Low Oxygen Levels Blamed for Massive Trout Die-Off Near Burns

Low oxygen levels blamed for massive trout die-off near Burns

Biologists say nearly 800 rainbow trout died in a Harney County pond after low oxygen levels caused by a natural turnover event. ODFW will re-stock the pond later this fall once conditions improve.

Burns Pond fish die-off caused by natural “turnover” event; ODFW plans to re-stock trout this fall - Elkhorn Media Group

HINES-ODFW biologists confirmed that a natural mixing event, or “turnover,” likely caused the death of stocked rainbow trout recently observed at Burns Gravel Pond on Hwy 78. The pond is located two miles east of Burns, Ore., on Hwy 78 on property owned by ODFW. The pond’s two basins are connected when water levels are high in the spring but then become isolated as water levels drop during the summer. Turnover events can happen in fall when warm…