Quagga Detection on Snake River

Fish and Game amends hunting, fishing and trapping closure in the Snake River previously closed due to presence of quagga mussel larvae

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 8:01 AM MST

Idaho Fish and Game has lifted the hunting, fishing and trapping closures in the previously closed reach of the Snake River upstream of “broken bridge” (Yingst Grade) to Pillar Falls. The closure was in response to the detection and treatment of the Snake River for quagga mussels and larvae earlier this year.

On Monday December 18, 2023, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) lifted their river closure in the same area under strict decontamination rules, which all river users must abide by.

Fish and Game completes fish surveys following quagga mussel treatment

Monday, December 4, 2023 - 11:56 AM MST

Quagga mussels, an invasive species capable of causing harm to waterways, fish populations and fisheries, were found in the Snake River near Twin Falls by the Idaho Department of Agriculture in September 2023. Immediately afterwards, Idaho Fish and Game assisted the Department of Agriculture in their evaluation of potential treatments to eliminate the mussels, and Idaho Fish and Game quantified the fish populations found in the six-mile stretch of river where the mussels were found, and where the treatment would occur.

Fish and Game to continue to monitor fish mortalities following quagga mussel treatment

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 3:29 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game biologists continue to monitor the mid-Snake River for fish mortalities following the chelated copper treatment after the detection of quagga mussel veligers in mid-September. The Idaho Department of Agriculture completed their 10-day quagga mussel treatment in the mid-Snake River on October 13.

As expected, the treatment, which was designed to eliminate quagga mussels, also resulted in both fish and aquatic plants dying within the treatment area. Fish and Game has detected thousands of dead fish within an

F&G Commission reopens fishing, hunting and trapping along portion of Snake River starting October 19

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 9:28 AM MDT

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission met via conference call and voted to reopen fishing, hunting and trapping starting on Thursday, Oct. 19, within the highwater mark from Highway 46 Bridge upstream to and including the partial bridge structure in the Snake River at the bottom of Yingst Grade (known as “the Broken Bridge,” “Yingst Grade Bridge,” the “Old Interstate Bridge”), which is approximately one-half mile upstream of Auger Falls.

Fish and Game and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture actively monitor for fish mortalities during quagga mussel treatment in the Snake River

Friday, October 6, 2023 - 9:01 PM MDT

Fish and Game and Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) staff are monitoring the Snake River for fish mortalities as a result of the chelated copper treatment for quagga mussels. It was anticipated that there would be significant fish mortality in the six-mile segment of the river once treatment began.

F&G surveys fish populations in the Snake River prior to quagga mussel treatment

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 10:01 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game fisheries biologists used non lethal electrofishing techniques in the Snake River to mark fish in three short reaches of the river. Two of the reaches were in areas where quagga mussel larvae were detected by Idaho Department of Agriculture’s monitoring program in mid-September. The third reach is at the lower extent of the treatment area where impacts to fish are not anticipated.

F&G Commission closes fishing, hunting and trapping along portion of Snake River due to recent detection of quagga mussel larvae

Friday, September 29, 2023 - 9:48 AM MDT

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission met via conference call on Friday morning, Sept. 29 and voted to close fishing, hunting and trapping below the high-water mark of the Snake River around Twin Falls where quagga mussel larvae were detected. The closure will span approximately 23 miles of the Snake River, from the waterfall known as Twin Falls to the Highway 46 bridge, also known as Ken Curtis Bridge.

Sportsmen/women need to respect Snake River closures due to quagga mussels

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 1:58 PM MDT

Treating the Snake River for highly invasive quagga mussels is likely to affect hunters, anglers, trappers and other recreationists during fall. Everyone needs to stay up to date on closures by checking ISDA’s website, and Fish and Game’s website for any potential hunting and fishing closures, or access closures on lands owned or managed by Fish and Game. Access to lands and waters, including ponds and lakes managed by other agencies and entities, will also likely be affected.