McNeely lake, fish safe to eat

[DavidPT40]

The main things to watch out for when eating fish are (1) mercury (2) pcbs, and (3) disease and parasites from human or animal waste.

McNeely has a lot of exposure to both human and animal wastes. Septic tanks still drain into the lake during heavy rain flows. Signs are posted along the lake that say this. The extreme amount of waterfowl do pollute the lake, and could contribute to parasitic infection of the fish. The US Geological Survey lists the lake as having 'contaminated sediment'.

However, on the other hand, I've kept fish from Mcneely in my home aquarium. They appeared very healthy, and aside from some fin parasites, did not show any sign of disease.

Personally though, I wouldn't eat any fish from Mcneely for two reasons. First, its a relatively small lake, and keeping and eating fish makes for poor fishing. Secondly, the fish could be contaminated, so why take the chance?

[gocards40]

Not doubting you one bit on all the statements you made. So please don't take this the wrong way but if I ever go there again I will be huntin for those signs. I for one have never seen them. You would think that the signs would be posted at the Ramp where people would be taking fish from the lake. If not then they should be.

[CrappieKing79]

David is absolutely correct. I ate a couple of crappie one time out of McNeely and then saw the signs and i won't do it again. If you walk around the lake they are posted every so often.

[BCWader]

Growing up in Jefferson County I fished there a lot as a kid. Seeing the scum that used to live in those apartments and the stuff they threw in there just confirmed to me that I would never eat anything out of there. The apartments are gone but the filth remains. However some of my biggest gills have come from there so take it FWIW.

[DavidPT40]

At one time there were three sunken boats in the lake, and at least one refrigerator. I've seen several 55 gallon barrels underwater too.

The signs warning against sewage contamination are near the apartments.