Montana FWP Explain Why Fish Died At Laurel Pond

Most of the dead fish appear to be gone from South Pond in Laurel.

• Low water oxygen levels are to blame for the large fish-kill.
• Water is currently safe for fishing and pets, per MT FW&P.
• Scavengers or workers have cleaned up the dead fish.
• We still won't be swimming in Laurel's South Pond

As a Laurel resident, I'm quite familiar with South Pond. I occasionally fish there when I get skunked on the river and want to feel better about catching something. Maybe a small trout or bass or one of the crazy goldfish that probably shouldn't be there.

Years ago, when my older kids were younger, we'd go splash around in the water when the heat of summer got unbearable. Everyone usually came home with itchy, rashy skin; I suspect because the water isn't exactly the cleanest. We no longer get in the water, although many people do.

Hot temps are likely to blame for the low oxygen levels that caused the belly-up floaters, according to a 7/17 update from FWP, below.

The stocked pond and park is a popular recreation spot.

So, low oxygen levels killed the fish, not "the dog poop that some woman flings into the pond", as someone commented on social media. Although that is kind of gross, if true, and probably excellerates algea growth and God-knows-what-else.

There is no inlet or outlet to South Pond. It's mostly shallow banks make it a relatively safe place for kids to fish (eat your catch at your own discretion), and the wheelchair-accessible dock on the north shore of the pond near the parking lot makes getting near the water easier for all outdoor lovers.

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The good news? Most of the dead fish seem to be gone.

My spouse and kid stopped by South Pond around 7 PM on Thursday, 7/17, and they reported 0 dead fish floating along the shore in the four spots they checked. Nor did they smell dead fish. Granted, they didn't walk around the entire pond. It's a great stroll if you have time, on a nicely paved path. Please pick up your litter and after your dog.

I couldn't easily locate the history of the pond, but I would guess it was once perhaps a gravel pit and it maintains it mostly-stable water level via seepage from the near-to-the-surface aquifer. Or maybe its a a former swamp that's been dregged for better fishing and recreation. I'm not sure. If you know the story of South Pond, please reach out to me at newstipsbillings@townsquaremedia.com.