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!

Toledo Bend Lake Email Updates


 

Visit our Toledo Bend Lake Sponsors!

Toledo Bend Lake on Social Media

 
       

Toledo Bend Lake Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Toledo Bend Lake Weather Forecast

Sunday

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Sunday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 75

Monday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Monday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 73

Tuesday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Tuesday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 73

Wednesday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Wednesday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 75


Toledo Bend Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 7/6: 171.34 (-0.66)



Toledo Bend Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (Jul. 2)

GOOD. Water stained; 85 degrees; 0.66 feet below pool. Rain continues to fall with more on the way, keeping the lake just a few inches below full pool. The bass bite is holding steady, with a solid shallow water bite early in the morning and again during midday. Topwater lures are producing at daylight, while midday action has been best in thick vegetation using popping frogs and flipping beaver-style baits in heavy pads and bushes. Deeper fish are being caught on Texas rigs and big crankbaits along main lake ridges in 12-24 feet of water. Crappie fishing has slowed with the heat and high water, with the best reports coming from anglers fishing at night under lighted docks or using floating flood lights–live bait is outperforming jigs. Report by Stephen Johnston, Johnston Fishing. Anticipate increased boater traffic this weekend as we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day.

More Fishing Reports