The Wyoming Game and Fish Department have announced due to the recent discovery of invasive zebra mussels in Pactola Reservoir in South Dakota’s Black Hills, the department, in consultation with True Ranches, is closing LAK Reservoir east of Newcastle, Wyo. to all motorized and non-motorized watercraft for the remainder of 2022.
This closure will take effect at 8 a.m. Aug. 1.
Game and Fish have stated that at this time, the reservoir will remain open to anglers for shore and ice fishing.
According to Game and Fish, public access to the privately-owned LAK Reservoir for fishing and boating is provided through an access agreement between True Ranches and Game and Fish. The reservoir is approximately 122 surface acres fed by Stockade Beaver Creek. LAK is a popular fishery offering anglers the opportunity to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, tiger musky and other warm water species. The reservoir also serves as the irrigation reservoir for True Ranches properties.
“South Dakota’s recent discovery of zebra mussels in Pactola significantly increased the threat of aquatic invasive species to Wyoming’s waters,” Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Paul Mavrakis said. “True Ranches has generously allowed anglers and boaters access to their privately-owned reservoir for many years. However, this new development requires us to respond quickly to protect the reservoir and Wyoming from a possible zebra mussel introduction.”
It is just a 62-mile road trip between the two reservoirs and mussels can spread easily from just a little water left standing inside a watercraft, even in their microscopic state. Adult mussels spread easily as they can attach to hard surfaces and live up to 30 days out of the water.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan Region Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Reed Moore informed listeners that it only takes a few mussels to destroy a lake’s ecosystem.
R. Moore
According to the Game and Fish, LAK Reservoir is not the only Wyoming water now facing the threat of accidental AIS introduction, but it is in an area that does not have an AIS check station in the vicinity to inspect or decontaminate watercraft. It is vital that all boaters and anglers take steps to prevent accidentally moving zebra mussels or other invasive species.
Cleaning, draining and drying watercraft and equipment between waters is the most effective way to prevent moving AIS to new locations.
For steps to prepare your watercraft and prevent the spread of AIS, follow the Game and Fish, Clean, Drain, Dry practices, here.
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Last modified: July 28, 2022