More Quagga Mussels Found in Snake River: What You Need to Know

Quagga Mussels Detected in Snake River: What You Need to Know

In September 2023, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed the presence of quagga mussel veligers in the Mid-Snake River. This was the first time Idaho had to put a rapid response plan into action for quagga mussels. Since then, the ISDA has kept a close eye on the situation, and as of September 24, 2024, a small number of quagga mussels were found in the Twin Falls area of the Snake River.

What Has Been Done So Far

The ISDA, along with its partners, has been working hard to tackle this invasive species. Since 2023, over 300 samples have been taken from the affected stretch of the river, with more than 3,000 samples collected statewide in 2024 alone. The good news is that recent results show fewer quagga mussels compared to the surveys done before treatment started in 2023.

In response to the initial detection, the ISDA used a chelated copper treatment—the first time such a large-scale treatment had been attempted in North America. It worked to reduce the mussel population, but as you can imagine, pest eradication is rarely a one-time fix. That's why the ISDA is gearing up for another treatment phase this fall to continue the fight.

Why Quagga Mussels Matter to You

Quagga mussels are more than just a nuisance; they can wreak havoc on Idaho’s waterways. These tiny creatures can quickly spread, clogging up pipes that supply water for drinking, agriculture, energy, and recreation. If you're into fishing or enjoy Idaho’s natural wildlife, you’ll want to keep an eye on this issue since quagga mussels can also negatively impact fish populations and habitats.

If left untreated, the infestation could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in costs for Idaho, affecting anyone who relies on water—whether you’re an irrigator, power user, or just someone who enjoys water-based recreation.

How You Can Help Prevent the Spread

The main way quagga mussels spread is through human activity. Increased travel, tourism, and trade have inadvertently helped them move from one waterbody to another. They often hitch a ride on boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and even fishing gear. So, here’s where you come in: after you enjoy time on the water, it’s essential to clean, drain, and dry all your watercraft and equipment. That includes boats, canoes, oars, waders, lifejackets, fishing gear—basically anything that’s been in the water.

The ISDA has mandatory inspection and decontamination stations set up, including one at Centennial Park along the Snake River, to make sure everything stays clean. By taking these precautions, you’ll be doing your part to keep Idaho’s waterways safe.

October Closures: What’s Next and What to Expect

As ISDA prepares for another round of treatment in areas like Pillar Falls and the Twin Falls Reservoir, there will be a temporary closure from Pillar Falls to Auger Falls in mid-October 2024. This closure will last about 15 days to allow the treatment to take place, but the good news is that most of the river will remain accessible, so you can still enjoy your time on the water—just be aware of the restrictions.

To stay informed, you can visit idaho.gov/quagga for the latest updates on river access and any additional closures or inspections.

By working together, we can help stop the spread of quagga mussels and protect Idaho’s waterways from the damaging effects of these invasive species. The ISDA and its partners will continue pushing for full eradication.