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FWP confirms invasive faucet snails in Lake Frances

Posted at 5:48 PM, Aug 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-15 19:48:05-04

A Fish, Wildlife and Parks aquatic species monitoring crew has confirmed the discovery of invasive faucet snails in Lake Frances near Valier.

Faucet snails can host several exotic parasites that cause waterfowl to die when ingested.

FWP first learned of the snail from a fisherman trolling on Lake Frances in May. He picked up two clams and a snail on some vegetation and submitted the samples to FWP for identification. The clams were determined to be native pea clams, while the snail was identified as a faucet snail. 

People who use Lake Frances are asked to always clean, drain, and dry watercraft and fishing gear.

Faucet snails have been detected in Smith Lake, Rattlesnake Reservoir, Upsata Lake, Flathead Lake, and McWennegar Slough. The snails have also caused several die-offs of American coots on Georgetown Lake since 2006. 

Lake Frances is privately owned by the Pondera County Canal and Reservoir Company and is used to store and deliver irrigation water to its members from Dupuyer to Conrad.


More information about the efforts to prevent invasive water species can be found on the FWP website including the following information:

CLEAN

  • Completely remove all mud, water, and vegetation before leaving the access area.
  • Inspect your boat, trailer, and all gear. Pay attention to crevices and hidden areas.
  • Remove all vegetation (by hand or sprayer).
  • Remove all mud (use a pressurized power sprayer, found at most do-it-yourself car washes).  The hot water kills organisms and the pressure removes mud and vegetation. No need to use chemicals or soap.
  • Dispose of debris in trash or on dry land away from water or ramp.

DRAIN 

  • Drain all water from watercraft and equipment.
  • Drain or remove water from boat, bilge, live well, engine, internal compartments, and bait buckets by removing drain plugs before leaving the access area.

DRY

  • Aquatic invaders can survive only in water and wet areas.
  • Dry your watercraft and fishing equipment thoroughly; this will kill most invasive species. 
  • The longer you keep your watercraft, trailer, waders, and other equipment outside in the hot sun between fishing trips, the better.

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