Some Wanaka fishermen say the lake snow is clogging their gear and preventing them from fishing in certain parts of the lake. Photo: Margot Taylor : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

The inlet filter of a boat after two days in Lake Wanaka. The owner says the filter was cleaned two days before the boat entered the lake. Photo: supplied : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

''It is at the point where I am reluctant to take people fishing, simply because they say ‘what’s that on the line?’ and you can’t make up stories any more.'' - Alan Baxter : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

''Nobody really knows what the nutrient budgets of the lake are.''- Don Robertson : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

''I really feel for the people of Wanaka, because it could end up costing a lot of money in water treatment.''- Lake snow researcher Marc Schallenberg : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

ODT Graphic : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka

Fishermen first reported algae in Lake Wanaka in the early 2000s. Photo: ODT files : ‘Lake snow’ threatens Wanaka