New Zealand mudsnails have taken up residence in the Yuba River — and the invasive species could pose a threat to the river’s native fish populations. This news should be a clarion call for us all to practice clean angling. Clean angling means we should clean and dry our equipment after use especially when moving to a new water. It is a modest task to clean and dry your equipment after use and it can pay big dividends.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has detected the presence of the aquatic creatures both at the Sycamore Ranch park and campground in Yuba County, and at locations on the lower Yuba River above and below the Highway 20 bridge crossing in Nevada County.
A release from the agency said it’s possible the species originated from a population of mudsnails discovered recently in the lower Feather River; the snails have been known to hitch a ride between bodies of water on the gear of unsuspecting boaters or fishermen. Read More. For more background Read Background.