State and tribal officials announced Friday that San Carlos Lake, a major recreational reservoir southeast of Globe, is closed until further notice after a fish kill that department authorities say wiped out the lake’s entire fish population. The San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department said recent drought conditions together with water releases from the dam triggered the mortality event, leaving decomposing fish throughout the reservoir.
The department posted a public notice on social media informing the public that the event has affected approximately 100% of the fish within the lake and warned that decomposing carcasses create potential health and safety hazards for anyone who enters the water or attempts to fish. As a result, the lake is off-limits for a range of activities while officials monitor conditions and determine next steps.
A mass of dead fish — illustrative of the fish kill that prompted officials to close San Carlos Lake southeast of Globe, Arizona.
In the notice, the Recreation and Wildlife Department spelled out specific prohibitions intended to protect public health. Until further notice, fishing is banned, as is harvesting or possessing any fish taken from the lake. The department also prohibited any recreational activities associated with fishing, and it asked visitors to avoid the affected area while officials continue to assess the situation.
San Carlos Lake is among the larger lakes in Arizona and is located about 25 miles southeast of Globe and roughly 125 miles from Phoenix. The reservoir has about 158 miles of shoreline and is known for holding state records for several sport fish species, including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and flathead catfish. The lake is also typically stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout throughout the year.
Officials did not provide an immediate timeline for how long the closure will remain in effect. They said they will continue to monitor the reservoir and issue updates as conditions change. The department asked that people respect the closure for their own safety and to avoid complicating response and monitoring efforts.
Members of the public with questions or who need additional information were directed to contact the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department by phone at (928) 475-2343. The department’s public notice reiterated that the closure and associated prohibitions are intended to protect public health because decomposing fish can create hazards to people who enter the water or try to harvest fish from the lake.
San Carlos Lake has long been a destination for anglers and boaters, and its size and history of record catches have made it a notable site for sport fishing in Arizona. With the closure now in place, those planning outings to the area are being asked to seek other destinations and to follow any updated guidance from the Recreation and Wildlife Department as it releases more information on the condition of the lake and the timeline for reopening.