Pass lake algae

Sounds like it’s still closed according to the algae site….


Pass Lake near Deception Pass in Skagit County, Washington is open for recreational access and fishing year-round, but it can be closed for fishing when toxic algae levels are too high:


  • When it's closed
    Pass Lake is closed to all recreational use when toxic algae levels exceed safe levels.Signs that indicate the lake is closed include:
    • A yellow and black "warning" sign


    • A red and white "Danger" sign


    • A cone barrier at the lake's edge


    • A red and white emergency closure sign
 
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I agree it's a bit confusing (yellow vs red signs). I imagine they count you as "in the water if you're bobbing around in a float tube even though you may have waders on...
 
Cottage lake, a put & take lake near me, has the same issue. The water quality association decided to treat it with Lanthanum. Unfortunately, that has not completely solved the problem. The levels took a little longer to reach toxicity...This would be a great opportunity for the biochemists to figure out a better solution. In Cottage Lake the issue "seems to be" septic tank related. Not sure if that has been proven.
 
I would like to comment on the "pea soup" water at Pass Lake. This (green) water can make the surface of the lake look like a mirror..... that is quite different from clearer water. This "mirror effect" in the right light, can be remarkable.
 
So reading Tim’s post….is the lake still closed for fishing if the levels aren’t above state levels??
I spoke with the Skagit county health department two years ago about this issue. Skagit County will open the lake when there are 2 consecutive test results at least a week apart that read below the toxic if you fish here you will die🤒🤢🤮 level.
The Oct 21 test was clean but the Oct 28 test came back dirty hence the lake is still closed.
We're getting closer though.
 
Pass Lake was a great destination 15+ years ago….. wonder does Cranberry Lake get the same toxic algae?
I had the same thought. I haven't observed Cranberry to make the list. The last two fall trips I made home, I had plans to jump in and the weather said otherwise.
 
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