Zebra mussels confirmed at the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota Game and Fish says adult zebra mussels have now been confirmed at the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea. In a release posted Oct. 27, the department said staff found two adult mussels along the northern shoreline near the Highway 83 Embankment, following earlier detections of zebra mussel larvae in the area.

Ben Holen, the department's aquatic nuisance species coordinator, said Game and Fish is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on expanded surveys to learn how widespread the mussels are. Falling water temperatures this time of year reduce the immediate risk of spread, and the department plans to use the winter to refine any regulation changes for the reservoir.

Anglers and boaters on Sakakawea are reminded to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear and to pull drain plugs before leaving the water. More information on aquatic nuisance species rules is at gf.nd.gov/ans.

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

Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department: News releases (Oct. 27, 2026).