The extent of the fish kill in Hardin Creek is becoming more apparent.
According to Greene County conservation director Dan Towers, the kill involves 10 stream miles as the creek meanders through farm and pasture ground. As reported, the kill started near the bridge on Highway 4 north of Jefferson and continues almost to where the stream enters the Raccoon River.
The kill includes minnows, shiners, rough fish, a few walleyes and smallmouth bass, many channel catfish, and “a surprising ” number of big flatheads. Many of the flatheads weighed between 15 and 30 pounds and several were heavier than 30 pounds.
According to Towers, the cause of the kill appears to be something more toxic than a low oxygen level.
