A fish consumption advisory has been issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for Flathead Catfish caught from Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County. This advisory is based on recent analyses of fish tissue data that indicate elevated levels of mercury.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) recommends that adults limit consumption of Flathead Catfish from Patagonia Lake to 2.5 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to 2 ounces (uncooked weight) per month.
Fishing, bird watching and other recreational activities at the lake are not affected by this advisory and are encouraged for enjoying the great outdoors. Generally, contaminant levels found in water are significantly lower than those found in fish tissue.
Patagonia Lake offers southern Arizona anglers fish included in the AZGFD/ADEQ Green Light Fisheries Program. ‘Green Light’ fish are species that ADEQ has tested and may be consumed without limits per standard dietary guidelines.
Patagonia Lake’s two Green Light fish are the Redear Sunfish and Bluegill.