Massive fish die-off reported at Central Coast lake. What caused it?

A large fish die-off event has hit Lake San Antonio, Monterey County spokesperson Maia Carroll told The Tribune on Monday.

Officials were still investigating the incident, but extreme temperature changes may have stripped oxygen from the water — killing the fish, she said.

Humans and pets were likely not at risk, she said.

“Lake goers can still fish, but people are advised to leave the dead fish alone,” Carroll wrote in an email to The Tribune.

County officials reported the incident to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Monterey County Parks Department manages the lake, which sits near the southern border of the county. Visitors can swim, fish, camp, boat and horseback ride at the county park.

The county would not yet release information about the type and number of fish that died, when the die-off event started and if it impacted other species.