What is the Golden Mussel invasive danger that is facing Crowley Lake and its tributaries, and why should we care?
The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) was first discovered in California in October 2024 and has been rapidly spreading, with sightings in lakes and waterways throughout Northern and Central California. Unlike other prior invasive threats, the golden mussel is particularly concerning for Crowley Lake because it is adaptable in diverse water temperatures and both brackish and freshwater environments. They are able to thrive in waters similar to those found in the Crowley Lake fisheries area. These invasives are highly efficient at consuming large amounts of the aquatic plants and animals that native species depend on for food, and this will have substantial negative effects on trout and other fish in Crowley Lake and its tributaries. They have a high reproductive rate and spawn continuously and year-round, unlike many other species have specific seasons. The golden mussel primarily spreads from waterway to waterway by attaching themselves to boats, watercraft, nets, and fishing gear. The microscopic larvae can even be transported in ballast water, bait buckets and bilges.
Photo credit: Jeb Bjerke, CDFW
Learn about this important new threat at the DFW’s informational website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Golden-Mussel
Download the Golden Mussel Invasive Species Fact Sheet
Watch: CFF advisor Nick Buckmaster of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and CFF board member Chris Leonard discuss what the arrival of the Golden Mussel could mean for fisheries in the Eastern Sierras if it is allowed to spread into our waterways.