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While we all agree we don't want them in our lakes, they're becoming a reality in more MN lakes every year. For those of you that have fished any infested water for a considerable time both before and after confirmed infestation, what changes have you noticed? Obviously all lakes are react different to infestation; sometimes the zeebs don't take as well in certain lakes with lower fertility, etc. Sometimes you hear about improved water clarity, with negligible impact to fishing, sometimes you hear about noticeable declines in baitfish and gamefish. Are there any personal observations from any of you out there that have experience with waters pre/post infestation?

Well it has been confirmed there are now zebra mussels in Forest Lake. It sounds as if they have been found on both the 1st and third lake basins near the boat launches. Short term they may have a positive effect on the water clarity and possibly even the fishery as they filter the water I foresee increased predation on the smaller panfish but eventually the lack of plankton will lead to a decrease in the amount of fish the lake can support. The real pain will be to the homeowners around the lake dealing with zeeb encrusted docks, boatlifts and irrigation pipes. It will be interesting to see how the fishery changes in the coming years and what problems will arise from these invasive species. Check your boats well, remove drain plugs and livewell plugs, discard unused bait in the trash or have water ready on hand to transfer your bait into. Pressure wash your rigs if you are able and let them dry for at least 5 days after being in an infested water. These are some of the DNR guidelines for boating on infested waters. It is a sad day, time will tell what effect this will have on the lake. Tunrevir~