WABASHA, Minn. – Hundreds of fish, all gizzard shad, have gone belly-up int he Mississippi River at Wabasha and 15 miles upstream in Lake Pepin. Wildlife biologists blame thermal stress. Gizzard shad are among species especially sensitive stress: They can’t take unseasonably warm waters. The first massive fish kill was Saturday at Lake City and the other Friday at Wabasha. The kills were not to be unexpected considering the weather, state Natural Resources Department experts said.
Gizzard shad. Called mud shad some places. Important in ecosystem for consumption of plankton. Also a food source for game fish. Typically 10 inches and two pounds.