The Lakes Lakes & Fish Report

By Zach Hache, Water Resource Manager

Did you ever have the opportunity to stay at a lake-side cottage back home? Remember those pesky gnats that came out at dusk? Those pesky gnats are actually midge flies. Although some resemble mosquitoes, most midge species are non-biting insects and are not known vectors of human disease. They are nonetheless a nuisance---buzzing in your ears, flying in your face, swarming under the eaves of your home, and leaving a mess of dead little bodies or stains on your patio and window sills.

Midge flies are found near water because they are aquatic in their larval (immature) stages. The larvae are best suited to habitats with organic sediments and lots of algae. Midges are biological components of almost every lake or pond. Midges have relatively short flight patterns, but are distributed easily over long distances by wind. Adult midge flies appear to seek shelter in trees and under eaves of buildings during the warmer daylight hours.

Control of midge flies can be successful when using a multifaceted approach. Stocking with biological predators, such as gold fish or common carp, that prey on midge larvae at the lake bottom. Natural predators include dragonfly larvae, juvenile waterbugs, water boatman, backswimmers, and predacious diving beetles and their larvae (tiggers). If necessary, chemical pesticides may also be used including biologicals or growth regulators. Biological larvicides do not have negative impacts on other aquatic organisms and degrade quickly in the environment. The bio-larvicides are produced from bacteria that contain crystals containing an endotoxin. When the midge larvae consume the crystals, the toxin causes a change in the larvae's blood chemistry, paralysis, and death. Growth regulators are chemicals that interfere with the normal development of the larvae into an adult fly. They are relatively non-toxic to most other aquatic organisms.

If you see anything abnormal in the Dobson Ranch Lakes, please report it to the Dobson Ranch Administration office by calling 480-831-8314 or emailing hoa.admin@dobsonranch.com. Updates on lake activity can be found on the Dobson Ranch App. Please download today and set the alert notification.

NOTE: It is highly recommended to use single barbless hooks when catching and releasing fish. Doing so, will reduce the trauma afflicted to the fish and keep the habitat and fish population healthy! Thank you!