City of Bedford staff and park officials are investigating a substantial fish die-off at Boys Ranch Lake, as the cause remains unknown.
BEDFORD, Texas — Dozens of dead fish were discovered at Boys Ranch Lake over the weekend, leaving city staff and parkgoers concerned and looking for answers.
On July 26, Bedford staff were notified about the fish and quickly responded to the scene at Generations Park at Boys Ranch, the city said in a news release. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) was notified and began collecting water samples around the lake for testing. A TPWD biologist returned Sunday to collect more samples, while the City’s Parks and Recreation team worked through the weekend and into Monday to remove the dead fish from the lake.
So far, catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass are among the species lost. City officials say the die-off is substantial and deeply upsetting to those who care for the park.
“This is a difficult situation for everyone who loves and values Boys Ranch Lake,” the City said in a statement. “Our staff, who care deeply for the park and its wildlife, are devastated, and we know many in the community feel the same.”
Bedford Resident Jared Modawell, who walks along the lake daily, noticed a large number of dead fish on Saturday.
“All the way around, hundreds of them were circling the entire pond,” Modawell said. “I was just shocked. I’ve never seen anything in my 47 years. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
As of now, the exact cause remains unknown.
“I’m just hoping it’s not something too serious and that they can give us some answers quickly so we can get that full of fish again,” Modawell said.
TPWD, the Trinity River Authority, and a private fishery are all working with the City to get answers. Officials say they’ll continue to share updates as they learn more.