I was wondering if anybody out there who owns a fishery or knows about fish illnesses could answer the following question:

Today I was fishing at my local still water trout pools and as I was stood in the water, no deeper than 20 cm, a huge trout swam past my feet with a terrible...what can only be described as...a growth coming out of its back.

It looked like a terrible fungal infection or something similar. It span from its tail up to about half way up its spine/back. The actual *substance* came several centimetres away from its body, almost like a bush...

Anyone able to tell me what this could have been?

Cheers.

probably damage by bad handling and part of the healing process, nothing sinister i wouldnt think.

__________________
I HATE BUNGS.........

Yer I thought this. I don't think it's anything bad, I just wanted to learn more about what goes on under the water.

Probably some form of cotton fungus, the same as you get in aquariums sometimes. It is called Saprolegnia and can be treated in the aquarium, usually with a salt bath by removing the fish, or one of the modern fungus cures, but in a lake you would have to catch the fish first. It will eventually eat into the fish and spread eventually killing it.

Saprolegnia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

__________________
Don't worry, be happy.
Sandy
Carried it in full, then carry it out empty.

Fishtales: Forgive me if this is an obvious question, but should I report such a thing to the baliff etc in a commercial fishery as and when i see a fish like this, or is this something that they will be aware of already....?

They probably pick up a few dead fish every other day but mentioning it wont do any harm It is in their interests to keep damaged fish being seen to a minimum in case it affects their income

__________________
Don't worry, be happy.
Sandy
Carried it in full, then carry it out empty.

Cheers Fishtale: I'll be mindful of this next time I'm down there and see one.

I dont know if it is contagious or not but it might be worth while disinfecting you line and net before using another fishery.


Alan

It is contagious to any injured fish and is present in all freshwater so disinfecting your kit isn't necessary.

__________________
Don't worry, be happy.
Sandy
Carried it in full, then carry it out empty.

Thanks for that info Fishtales.

Alan