Jan. 2025: Yuba Water Agency is aware of the discovery of invasive golden mussels in the Delta and recognizes the risk they pose to the Yuba River watershed. While New Bullards Bar and Lake Francis remain open, recreators are strongly urged to thoroughly inspect and clean, drain and dry all vessels when moving between waterways. Failure to properly clean, drain and dry your vessel increases the risk of spreading these invasive mussels from the Delta to the Yuba River watershed.

Quagga, Zebra and Golden mussels are highly invasive Dreissenid Mussel species that pose a serious economic and ecological threat to California waterways. To help protect the Yuba River watershed from these harmful, non-native mussels, Yuba Water Agency regularly monitors and samples for these mussels in its reservoirs and local waterways and encourages recreators to do their part to prevent their spread.

If not properly cleaned, transported and trailered, boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other watercraft can transport these invasive mussels between watersheds, potentially causing significant damage to freshwater ecosystems, fisheries and critical water supply and hydroelectric power generation facilities. They can also damage boat hulls, motors and other equipment left in the water. 

To help prevent the introduction and infestation of these invasive mussels, Yuba Water asks boaters to self-inspect their watercraft before launching at New Bullards Bar Reservoir, Lake Francis and any other waterbody in the Yuba River watershed to ensure that all boats are cleaned, drained and dry.

If you think you’ve found a mussel, take clear, close-up photos with an object for scale, like a coin. Immediately report sightings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by emailing invasives@wildlife.ca.gov or by calling (866) 440-9530. You can also make a report online. For questions, additional information or sightings specifically in the Yuba River watershed, please contact Yuba Water Senior Environmental Specialist Jessica Nichols at jnichols@yubawater.org or call us at (530) 741-5000.

For the latest statewide information on the recently detected invasive golden mussels, visit wildlife.ca.gov.

Areas to Inspect