The City of Grande Prairie is notifying residents of a fish die-off, known as a “fish kill,” currently occurring in Bear Creek. The highest concentration of affected fish has been observed in Muskoseepi Park, in the stretch of creek running from just below the reservoir to the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion.

This seasonal event typically occurs in the spring or summer and is often caused by high water temperatures and subsequent bacterial or microbial infection. Past events in Bear Creek have been linked to outbreaks of Flavobacterium columnare (F. Columnaris) and Aeromonas species and may continue for several weeks.

Bear Creek experiences a strong white sucker spawning run each spring, bringing high numbers of fish into the area. The spawning process is physically demanding and reduces the fish’s natural ability to fight disease, making them more susceptible to infections when environmental conditions change.

The City of Grande Prairie is working in coordination with the County of Grande Prairie and Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services to monitor and respond to the situation.

Public Advisory

Residents are asked to take the following precautions in areas where dead or decomposing fish are present:

• Avoid swimming and other recreational activities such as paddle boarding in affected areas.
• Refrain from fishing in or consuming fish from areas near the die-off. (The Muskoseepi Park pond is not affected, and the stocked trout species in the pond are not impacted.) Do not consume or use dead fish as bait.
• Keep pets away from the water and from any dead fish they may encounter.

For questions or to report concerns, contact AccessGP by dialing 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com.

The City thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation as this natural occurrence is monitored.