One of the most important things Texas freshwater anglers can do to protect their favorite fishing lakes takes place after the fishing trip is over.
Before leaving the boat ramp, take a few minutes to inspect your boat, trailer and fishing equipment for aquatic vegetation. Invasive plants such as giant salvinia and hydrilla can spread between waterways when fragments become attached to boats, trailers and other equipment.
Remove any vegetation, mud or debris before leaving the ramp, and check areas that are easy to overlook, including trailer bunks, axles, propellers and trolling motors.
It’s also important to drain livewells, bilges and other compartments that hold water. Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can be transported in residual water, potentially introducing these invasive mussels into new lakes. Texas law requires draining water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public freshwater bodies, with certain exceptions.
Allow your boat and equipment to dry thoroughly before launching in another waterway, following Texas Parks and Wildlife Department guidance for cleaning and drying equipment.
Texas reservoirs such as Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend and Lake Fork provide outstanding fishing opportunities, but invasive species can threaten aquatic habitats, interfere with access and create expensive management problems.
A few extra minutes at the boat ramp can help protect the fisheries we enjoy and reduce the risk of transporting unwanted species to another lake.