The Invasive Mussel Threat

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels have devastating economic, recreational, and environmental impacts. The first Texas zebra mussel infestation was found in Lake Texoma in 2009 and quagga mussels were first detected in Texas in Lake Amistad in 2021. TPWD and partners closely monitor “positive” and “suspect” lakes, as well as other lakes we consider high risk for invasive mussel introductions.

State regulations require draining of water from boats and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh waters.

Lake Status

Zebra mussels are currently found in lakes and rivers in seven river basins across the state—the Red, Trinity, Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, San Antonio, and Rio Grande river basins. Quagga mussels are currently found in a single lake in the Rio Grande basin.

Infested Lakes

Thirty-three Texas lakes can be classified as fully infested with zebra mussels, meaning the water body has an established, reproducing population: Amistad, Austin, Belton, Bridgeport, Brownwood, Buchanan, Canyon, Dean Gilbert (a 45-acre Community Fishing Lake in Sherman), Diversion (private lake downstream of Medina Lake), Eagle Mountain, Georgetown, Granger, Grapevine, Hords Creek, Inks, Lady Bird, Lewisville, Livingston, Lyndon B. Johnson, Marble Falls, Medina, O.H. Ivie, Pflugerville, Placid, Randell (local Denison access only), Ray Roberts, Richland Chambers, Stillhouse Hollow, Texoma, Travis, Town Center Pond (a 7-acre Community Fishing Lake in Early), Walter E. Long, and Worth.

Positive Lakes

Zebra mussels or their larvae have been detected on more than one occasion in Lakes Dunlap, Fishing Hole, Lavon, and McQueeney. Quagga mussel larvae have been detected on more than one occasion in Lake Amistad. So far there is no evidence of a reproducing population in these lakes. River reaches downstream of infested lakes, including portions of the Colorado, Guadalupe, Lampasas, Leon, Little, Red, and Trinity rivers, are also designated as positive for zebra mussels.

Suspect Lakes

Zebra mussels or their larvae have been found once in Lake Ray Hubbard.

A Growing Problem

A native of Eurasia, the zebra mussel had arrived in North America by the late 1980s, invading the Great Lakes Region. Since then the zebra mussel and its close relative the quagga mussel have spread to numerous states through the Mississippi waterway and have traveled overland on boats as far west as California.

Zebra Mussel Infested Waters in US/Canada
Quagga Mussel (close relative of Zebra Mussel) Infested Waters in US/Canada