Friday November 13, 2026
CDFW —
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed the presence of Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) for the first time in California.
The highly pathogenic virus was found in largemouth bass and bluegill in Lake of the Pines, a private, 232-acre lake in Nevada County, following a fish die-off in September that claimed approximately 220 fish, mostly largemouth bass but some bluegill as well.
Necropsies performed at CDFW’s Fish Health Lab confirmed the viral infection. The source of the infection has not been identified. LMBV can be introduced from contaminated equipment, infected baitfish, stocking infected largemouth bass and introducing other carrier species that are infected.
LMBV does not pose any risk to humans or other warm-blooded animals. There are no health concerns to anglers who consume largemouth bass or recreational users who swim in or drink LMBV infected water. CDFW recommends that fish are properly prepared to prevent other food-borne illnesses.