Waterfowl Hunters Reminded to Help Prevent Spread of Giant Salvinia




AUSTIN –With duck hunting season getting underway in most of the state in early November, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding waterfowl hunters to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment before traveling from lake to lake to help avoid spreading invasive species like giant salvinia.

“Giant salvinia is often thought of as a plant that blocks recreational access for anglers and boaters, but it can cause serious problems for waterfowl hunters too,” said John Findeisen, Brookeland Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Team Lead. “Not only does it form thick mats that block access for hunters to prime waterfowl hunting areas, it can also outgrow and replace the native plants that waterfowl rely on for food and habitat.”

In addition to cleaning their boats and trailers, hunters should also make sure they aren’t inadvertently carrying the invasive species on other equipment like waders, decoys and marsh sleds. A video to help hunters properly clean, drain and dry can be found at bit.ly/HunterCleanDrainDry.

Giant salvinia is currently present on 16 East Texas lakes, including Caddo Lake, Lake Conroe, B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, Lake Livingston, Lake Murvaul, Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Naconiche, Lake O’ the Pines, Lake Palestine, Lake Raven, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Sheldon Reservoir, Lake Striker, Lake Texana, Lake Timpson, Hemphill City Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir. Additionally, giant salvinia can also be found in most, if not all, of the rivers, creeks, and marshes between Houston and Beaumont.

Findeisen noted that giant salvinia can hide undetected in any body of water, so proper cleaning, draining and drying procedures should be done before leaving any lake – even those that aren’t known to be infested.

Because early detection is an important part of reducing or eliminating the presence of giant salvinia, TPWD encourages hunters to report new sightings to (409) 698- 9121 or via the online report form.
Text TPWD GS to 468-311 for updates on giant salvinia (GS).

 




Tell us what you think!

Lake Sam Rayburn Real Estate with Rayburn Realty

Lake Sam Rayburn Email Updates


 

Visit our Lake Sam Rayburn Sponsors!

Lake Sam Rayburn on Social Media

 
       

Lake Sam Rayburn Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake Sam Rayburn Weather Forecast

Wednesday

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 88

Wednesday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 67

Thursday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 89

Thursday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 69

Friday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 89

Friday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 71

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 88

Saturday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 69


Lake Sam Rayburn Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/31: 164.91 (+0.51)



Lake Sam Rayburn

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 24)

GOOD. Water stained; 77 degrees; 1.31 feet above pool. The water has been calm, and this still water is an indicator that summer is around the corner. Water is off-colored. Bass are good on topwater frogs and senkos shallow. Crappie are coming out of the spawn with lots of small fish on piles biting minnows. White bass are good using jigs and minnows. Fish are starting to run on points, with a few on piles. Catfish are near the piles, deeper points and creek channels. Report by Captain Lynn Atkinson, Reel Um N Guide Service. Anticipate heavy traffic on the lake this weekend with the Memorial Day holiday. This week is National Safe Boating Week, for more information check out Texas Parks and Wildlife online and search for “Boating Safety Tips.” Happy Memorial Day!

More Fishing Reports