ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A troubling scene has unfolded at a lake in Orange County where hundreds of fish have died, floating to the surface in what residents and fishermen are calling an environmental mystery.

The mass die-off includes several different species, many of which were once commonly seen in the area. Footage from the lake shows fish of various sizes scattered across the water’s surface, drawing concern and frustration from the local fishing community.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said one local angler. “You come here to relax, to fish, and now we’re seeing this. It’s not just one type — it’s everything from bass to bluegill.”

While no official cause has been confirmed, residents suspect a combination of factors, including low oxygen levels, heat, or possible pollution. Environmental officials have not yet released a full assessment, though water samples have reportedly been taken for analysis.

This incident follows similar fish kills in other parts of Southern California during the summer months, often linked to extreme heat or algae blooms, which can rob the water of oxygen and lead to widespread marine death.

Until a cause is confirmed, recreational fishing in the lake may be paused, and locals are urging authorities to act swiftly to identify the root of the problem and prevent further ecological damage.