4/23/2009 10:14:00 AM Anderson Lake is closed to fishing due to toxic algae; don't eat fish from Leland, Gibbs lakes
The toxic blue-green algae problem is back for a fourth year in lowland Jefferson County Lakes. Anderson Lake remains closed to all use, and no one should eat fish caught in Leland or Gibbs lakes. Photo by Patrick J. Sullivan
Anderson Lake, what has been the most popular fishing lake in Jefferson County, remains closed due to the continued presence of toxic algae.
Thursday the Jefferson County Public Health Department released a new water quality report indicating the level of toxic blue-green algae is too high for Anderson Lake to open. Washington State Parks officials had hoped to open Anderson for Saturday's statewide opening of lowland lake season. It is a popular because fishing from shore is so easy.
Also, fish caught in Lake Leland and Gibbs Lake should not be eaten because of the water quality advisory.
In late May 2006, two dogs quickly died after drinking from Anderson Lake - the first sign of toxic algae. The problem has also occurred in other lakes here, but usually in later May or June when the weather is warmer.
This is the earliest the toxic algae blooms have appeared, according to Jefferson County Public Health.
Anderson Lake itself is off-limits for all types of water activities. Gibbs Lake and Lake Leland are open, but eating fish is not advised.
One of the best fishing lakes not on the toxic algae list - Horseshoe Lake - does not have vehicle access. Olympic Resource Management, a Pope Resources Company, has temporarily closed vehicle access to Horseshoe Lake for the 2009 lake fishing season. The closure is in effect until logging operations in the area are complete which is expected to be by July 31, according to an ORM report dated April 20.
Other public fishing lakes in East Jefferson include Ludlow, Sandy Shore, Silent, Tarboo and Teal.
All anglers age 15 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Washington. Licenses can be purchased online at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by calling 866-246-9453, or at a license dealer. An annual freshwater fishing license costs $22.
For a rundown on fishing options, check WDFW's Fishing Prospects publication at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/prospects/index.htm.
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