zebra mussels Zebra mussels reported in Lake Stella

[LMITOUT]

Zebra mussels reported in Lake Stella in Meeker County

 

(Released August 4, 2015)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in Lake Stella in Meeker County.

On July 6, a suspected zebra mussel was brought into the Hutchinson DNR office for positive identification. The property owner said he found the zebra mussel attached to a native mussel in about three feet of water in Lake Stella. The specimen was confirmed as an adult zebra mussel by Nicholas Brown, a DNR invasive species specialist. A second zebra mussel was later reported by a property owner in a different part of the lake. Brown confirmed that one too.

Lake Stella will be designated as an infested lake. Lake Washington, immediately downstream from Lake Stella, will also be designated, although no zebra mussels have been found there.

Preventing the spread of invasive species requires personal responsibility. Before leaving a lake, aquatic invasive species laws require boaters and anglers to:

• Clean aquatic plants and animals from watercraft.
• Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

“We want to stress that lake users need to be diligent in following the laws, including inspecting, cleaning, and draining boats and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash,” Brown said. “Following these steps will help prevent the spread of all invasive species.”

When removing boats, docks, lifts, or other water-related equipment from lakes and rivers, carefully inspect everything to make sure there are no invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil or New Zealand mudsnails attached. Examine posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as boats, pontoons and rafts that have been in water for an extended period. Docks and related equipment must be allowed to dry for 21 days before moving them into another body of water.

[bassfisher123]

That sucks...

[Avid Angler]

We all knew it was going to happen at some point. It was just a matter of time. I'm sure Manuella and Big Swan will be soon to follow. It will be interesting to see how it affects a lake like Washington. I suppose the clearer a lake comes the more weeds will grow.  Just what the lake doesn't need. More weeds. Lot of money being wasted on trying to prevent the inevitable.

Avid

[bassfisher123]

It will be interesting to see how deep the weeds will grow on Washington, but time will tell

[husky]

The weeds will go crazy on all three lakes, especially Washington . Everyone knew it was only time on all the bigger lakes in the area. Do zeebs like muck bottoms or hard bottoms better? 

[bassfisher123]

Zeebs generally like hard bottoms, and rocks, but I think the weeds will go crazy in the mud bottom areas of Washington, and not as much in the sandier parts of the lake.I think the weedline will go deeper and more weeds may occur with the clearer water, though I wonder how clear the lake will get.

[husky]

With the muck bottoms will they connect to the pond weed on the bottom?

[Avid Angler]

I noticed with a few lakes this summer that the weeds are very bad because of the early start they had with little snow on the ice.

They started growing before ice came off. The good thing is the weeds provide plenty of fish habitat that will protect from anglers and birds. Fishing might actually get better. We will have to adapt to the weeds and learn how to fish them better. Those who like to troll may have to start casting more and using bobbers.

Mother nature is always changing and man kind is not going to change her mind. I don't know why we try!

Avid