MLF links Guntersville shoreline fish kill to weekend youth tournament

Dozens of dead fish showed up along the Lake Guntersville shoreline near the John Stewart Jr. boat ramp over the weekend. WAFF’s Will Eldridge, reporting Sept. 28, 2026, counted about 75 to 100 fish floating at the surface. Viewers flagged the kill first; local anglers on scene called the losses a tragedy.

Major League Fishing said it hosted a college and high school tournament on Guntersville that weekend. Based on timing, the organization believes at least some of the dead fish were left by competitors. Water temperatures hit about 89°F, which pro angler Slick Johnson called abnormal for late September. He pointed at long weigh-in waits and fish sitting in bags in near-90°F heat as a likely oxygen problem.

MLF said its events have historically released about 98% of weigh fish alive and called this many deaths unacceptable. The organization said it is reviewing the weekend and its fish-care procedures so it does not happen again.

Photo: WAFF (dead fish along Lake Guntersville shoreline near John Stewart Jr. boat ramp, Sept. 28, 2026).

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: WAFF — Nearly 100 dead fish found in Lake Guntersville; MLF takes responsibility (Sept. 28, 2026).