Popular lake closes after all the fish die

PERIDOT, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A popular lake in Arizona has closed after all of the fish have died.

Officials said Friday that San Carlos Lake, one of the largest lakes in Arizona, has closed until further notice.

According to the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department, drought conditions and water released from the dam led to the deaths of all the fish.

The fish carcasses pose health and safety risks to people who enter the water or try to fish.

The department is asking visitors to avoid the area.

Officials say the lake has about 158 miles of shoreline and holds state records for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and flathead fish. It is also usually stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout year-round.

The lake is located about 125 miles from Phoenix.