Devils Lake algae bloom status

Devils Lake algae bloom history

The Oregon Health Authority has issued 4 advisories and precautions for Devils Lake since 2013, covering 4 of the 13 years from 2013 to 2025.

3 were recreational use health advisories, issued when toxins or cyanobacteria are above Oregon's guideline values for people. 1 was a precaution, which Oregon uses when levels are below the guidelines for people but still a risk to dogs.

Recent Devils Lake algae reports

What the Oregon results mean

The Oregon Health Authority issues two kinds of notice for waterbodies it monitors.

Health advisory

Toxins or cyanobacteria are above Oregon's recreational guideline values for people. Avoid swimming and water activities that could make you swallow water, and keep pets and children out.

Precaution

Toxins are below the guidelines for people but still above Oregon's guideline values for dogs. Keep pets away from blooms and avoid foamy, scummy or paint-like water.

Is Devils Lake safe for dogs?

Dogs are at the greatest risk from toxic algae. They swallow water while swimming, eat scum on the shore and lick algae off their fur afterwards, and a small amount can kill a dog within hours. With blooms recorded in 4 different years here, take particular care at Devils Lake.

• Keep your dog on a lead near water that looks green, scummy, foamy or discoloured, and away from algae washed up on the shore.
• If your dog gets in, rinse it straight away with clean water and don't let it lick its coat.
• Call a vet immediately if your dog vomits, drools, has diarrhoea, staggers, shakes or seems weak after being near the water.

Read the full guide to toxic algae and dogs: symptoms, what to do in the first minutes and how vets treat it.

Health effects of toxic algae

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that affect the liver, nervous system and skin. Swallowing water during a bloom can cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact can cause rashes, and breathing spray from the water can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Children are at higher risk because they are smaller and more likely to swallow water.

How to spot a bloom

Toxic blooms can look like pea soup, spilled paint or green streaks on the surface, and they can also be blue, brown, white or red. Scum often collects along the shore downwind. If you can't see your feet in knee-deep water, or you aren't sure, stay out.

Don't drink untreated lake water, and don't boil it to make it safe: boiling doesn't destroy algal toxins. If you feel unwell after contact with the water, contact a doctor or Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222.

Questions about Devils Lake

Is there algae in Devils Lake right now?

Oregon issued a precaution for Devils Lake in 2025, listed on 21 October 2025. Oregon publishes its data once a year, so for today's conditions check the OHA current advisories page and the signs at the shore.

When was the last algae bloom at Devils Lake?

The most recent entry in Oregon's data is from 21 October 2025: a precaution.

Has Devils Lake had toxic algae before?

Yes. Blooms are recorded in 4 of the 13 years from 2013 to 2025.

Can dogs swim in Devils Lake?

Keep dogs out of the water whenever a bloom is reported or the water looks green, scummy or discoloured. Dogs are the animals most often killed by algal toxins because they swallow water and lick their fur. If your dog swims in water that might have algae, rinse it with clean water and call a vet if it vomits, drools, staggers or seems weak.

Can you eat fish caught in Devils Lake during a bloom?

If you keep fish caught during a bloom, health agencies advise removing the guts and liver and rinsing the fillets in clean water before cooking, because toxins collect most in the organs. Some agencies advise not eating fish from an active bloom at all, so follow local guidance.