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DNR Monitors Early Ice Melt on Lakes

The warmer temperatures the past few days mean ice is quickly disappearing from Northern Michigan lakes.

And that could have an impact on fish populations in some smaller lakes.

The past few years have seen some fish die off because of lack of oxygen due to ice coverage in those smaller lakes.

 This year the DNR doesn’t expect to see that happen meaning fish populations will remain steady and could mean good fishing on those lakes.

“With the early ice out this year that looks like is going to happen we expect that we won’t see those fish kills, we won’t see the oxygen depletion. It’s really those shallower weedy lakes that tend to have issues in winters with heavier snow and lots of ice,” said Mark Tonello, Fisheries Biologist.

  The DNR does not expect to see any impact on larger lakes.