[ATremor (OP)]

I wish I had a picture, but I conveniently don't. My folks live in Wisconsin, and every other summer we notice these huge jelly like masses in the lake.  The masses are semi solid and usually form around a stick but sometimes just in the weeds. They are hard enough to even play catch with without breaking.  They are basically completely clear with no sign of any inhabitants or eggs. There is, however, some type of pattern on the outside. I'm thinking hexagonal pattern, but I could be wrong. Also, they range in size from golf ball to soccer ball size. Any idea what this could be??
Thanks

[RD]

Moon Jellyfish ? ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurelia_aurita

[ATremor (OP)]

Oh no absolutely not. Not sure if it's some type of protective egg mass.

[RD]

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=18365.0;prev_next=next ?

[Don_1]

Since these jelly clumps are being found in a Wisconsin lake, I doubt the Sea Squirt or jellyfish can explain this.

Jelly clumps are found in many places. One theory is that Herons, in particular, and other birds, after eating frogs and toads, regurgitate the toxic ovaries. This jelly could be the protoplasm minus the nucleus of frog/toad spawn.

[ATremor (OP)]

Wow interesting. I had no idea that toad and frog ovaries were toxic. Even though there are numerous herons on and around the lake this is no type of regurgitation. The masses always have some object, usually a stick running right through them. Also you can just about see through all of them. If it was regurgitation you'd think there would also be some other type of remains as well.

Maybe I shouldn't use "jelly" to describe them. Sometimes you have to put significant pressure on some of them to squish between your fingers.  They will look like a regurgitated mass however if you leave them in the sun.

[ATremor (OP)]

Well I just looked up some beautiful heron regurgitation masses and it doesn't look like that. Although I was surprised to see how clear and clean it appeared to be. Do you think it's possible for this jelly to harden and form almost symmetrical ovals and circles in the water?  I could see it floating or sinking and attaching to a stick I suppose. Also strange that I haven't seen any of these masses on land.

[Don_1]

If this jelly is attached to sticks or the like, it could just be American Bullfrog spawn.

Otherwise, take a look at this from BBC Scotland Outdoors

[RD]

mucilage ? ... http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/10/photogalleries/ocean-mucus-sea-pictures/index.html

[Don_1]

Was that the result of a Blue Whale doing a snotty sneeze? Sort that one out Kleenex!

[ATremor (OP)]

Well it's a no to the mucilage, BBC link, and Bullfrog spawn. My "blobs" are too uniform and solid in consistency. Thanks for the attempt, I know the answer will show up eventually! Is there any type of mold that this could be?? I really wish I had a picture. This has been driving me bonkers.
AT

[GrumpyShedMonster]

Possibly some kind of bryozoan

newbielink:http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ead-tas-bryozoan.pdf [nonactive] 

Was the stuff actually in Lake Michigan - deep water or a smaller shallow lake?

EDIT:  Try a google image search on 'bryozoans' - some look exactly like you described

[ATremor (OP)]

GrumpyShedMonster you found it!!! Whoohooo thanks a bunch!  Bryozoan Colonies also known as Moss animals! Amazing!!