Zebra mussels confirmed in Tulaby Lake near Waubun

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirmed zebra mussels in Tulaby Lake, near Waubun in Mahnomen and Becker counties, on Oct. 19. A lakeshore property owner found a zebra mussel on equipment taken out of the lake for the season and told White Earth Tribal staff. White Earth and DNR invasive species staff then found another one on a boat lift that was being removed.

The DNR says several recent zebra mussel finds in Minnesota were first reported by property owners and lake service providers pulling docks, boats and lifts in the fall. It is asking people to check all water equipment for invasive species before putting it away for the winter.

Minnesota law requires anglers and boaters on every lake, infested or not, to clean watercraft, trailers and equipment of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species. They must also drain all water and travel with drain plugs out, put unwanted bait in the trash, and never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into state waters. Docks, lifts and rafts must dry for 21 days before they go into a different lake. The DNR also suggests free courtesy decontamination, a high-pressure spray or rinse, and drying equipment for at least five days between lakes. Anyone who thinks they have found a new infestation should contact a DNR aquatic invasive species specialist.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Minnesota DNR — Zebra mussels confirmed in Tulaby Lake in Mahnomen and Becker counties (Oct. 19, 2026).