10/30/2026
Thank you to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the many partners working hard to keep aquatic invasive species out of our waters. Their swift response to the recent finding in Whitefish Lake underscores the importance of continued vigilance and why we can't let our guard down.
Invasive mussels threaten our fisheries, recreation, and critical infrastructure, including the hydropower facilities that provide much of our region’s energy.
We all have a role to play. Remember to Clean, Drain, Dry your watercraft and stop at all boat inspection stations.
Last week, Montana FWP's lab detected a single nonviable invasive mussel larva (one that was not alive) from a Whitefish Lake water sample.
Extensive follow-up sampling and a dive survey have found no live mussels, and testing of the original organism detected no evidence of mussel DNA.
While the initial results are encouraging, FWP will continue sampling and monitoring. Invasive mussels can damage water infrastructure and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, making continued vigilance and prevention important.
“We can’t let up. We have to protect our waters by following clean, drain, dry practices every time we come off the water,” said Tom Woolf, FWP’s AIS Supervisor. “All watercraft should be cleaned, drained, and dried before being moved between waterbodies, and boaters should stop at required watercraft inspection stations.”
Follow the link to read more about the recent finding, FWP’s response, and what it means for Montana: https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2026/oct/1030-nonviable-mussel-larva-found-in-whitefish-lake
