On September 18, 2023, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of quagga mussels at larval life stages in the Centennial Waterfront Park area of the Snake River near Twin Falls. These findings marked the first time a rapid response plan has been put into action for quagga mussels in Idaho.
As a result of the detection of quagga mussels, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, along with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game have both put closures in place along the Snake River near Twin Falls. Both closures were put into place to allow for continued assessment of the presence of quagga mussels and to limit the potential spread of quagga mussels into other waterbodies.
The Idaho Fish and Game Director has authority under Idaho Code to declare an emergency, and under this authority has closed fishing of any kind on the Snake River from Twin Falls Hydroelectric Dam to the bridge crossing the Snake River at Highway 46 beginning Friday, September 22, 2023. This emergency closure is set to expire at 5 p.m. Friday, September 29, but discussions between agencies are ongoing, and the closure could be extended.
The benefit of closing all fishing activities in this area is to reduce angler use of a small section of the Snake River while monitoring activities continue and to minimize the potential spread of invasive mussels into other waters.
Anglers are encouraged to seek out other areas in southern Idaho to fish over the next week. Suggested alternate locations that offer fishing opportunities include Oster Lakes in Hagerman, Freedom Park Pond in Burley or Magic Reservoir in Blaine County.
The public is reminded that any watercraft that has been in the Mid-Snake River in the last 30 days will need to be decontaminated at an Idaho Department of Agriculture hot wash location. There is no charge to have watercraft or equipment decontaminated. Watercraft includes boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other devices used in water and equipment can include items such as duck decoys, waders and fishing tackle.
Hot wash locations can be found at the Twin Falls Visitors Center and Twin Falls County West and are open 7 days per week, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Watercraft owners should not attempt to decontaminate their own equipment.
For more information about the fishing closure contact the Magic Valley Region at (208) 324-4359.
