Didymo or Cyanobacteria in the Pack?

If you've been fishing the Pack this Summer, you've no doubt noticed the "pea green soup" colored water in July and August.  In fact, only in the last couple weeks (mid-September) has the water cleared up some.  What's causing this green soupy colored water?  Is it Blue-green algae or is it some other kind of algae called, "didymo" or "rock snot"?  In addition to the green soupy color water, you'll notice that as the water drops, it leaves a white chalky residue on the shoreline.  You'd think that if it's green water, it would dry green...NOT bright white.  I'll bet the reason it dries white is because of the high nutrients in the water.  These nutrients (mostly phosphorous and nitrogen) come from the water runoff from farm lands, septic systems, fertilized grass lawns, etc.

What is Didymo?  According to Wikipedia: Didymosphenia geminata, commonly known as didymo or rock snot, is a species of diatom that blooms in freshwater rivers and streams, with consistently cold water temperatures. In late Winter it can form large mats on the bottom of rivers and streams. It is not considered a significant human health risk, but it can affect stream habitats and sources of food for fish and make recreational activities unpleasant. It is considered a nuisance organism or invasive species. The microscopic algae can be spread in a single drop of water.

This makes sense because I have noticed this "rock snot" on my jigs when I was throwing them in the late Spring early Summer when the lake temp is cold.  So, I know the Pack has "rock snot".  But, is this enough to color the water a green soupy color?  I think not.  I actually think that in addition to the "rock snot" there is an infestation of blue-green algae as well...aka Cyanobacteria.

I haven't seen any "matting" on the surface of blue-green algae or the raunchy smell that accommodates it, but I know it's in the Lake.  Is it safe?  I don't know, I don't think the concentrations are as high as they are in other Lakes I've seen.  Plus, I'm sure if wasn't safe, there would be animal life dying and/or people getting sick.  And, I'm sure the EPA would be all over it.  But then again, you wonder whether any news is suppressed as not to create a "panic" of sorts.  The problem with these algae/bacteria is that they CAN become toxic.

I don't want to scare anyone, but bacteria can cause toxins that can cause disease.  Staphlococci are generally found on the surface of the skin. When they invade the body tissue, for instance through a cut, they usually produce a local infection with inflammation and pus. Occasionally a strain of staphylococcus develops that can cause an infection so bad that it starts to eat flesh.  If you don't believe me, contact my friend (and full-time fishing guide on the Pack) and ask him why he only has 4 toes on one foot.  Makes you think huh?

Fish ON! Rob