06/04/2026
Our Central Wisconsin trout streams are currently free of the invasive New Zealand mud snail, whereas they are spreading among rivers and streams in the Driftless Region. Many fishers from Central and Northern Wisconsin frequently fish in the Driftless and therefore we are potential spreaders of mud snails to our home waters. Clean your boots and waders, stay out if infested Driftless streams or use dedicated boots and waders.
Heading out trout fishing in Wisconsin this season? You can help protect our waters from the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) by taking a few simple precautions. Small steps can make a big impact.
Recently, a population of non-native New Zealand Mudsnails was discovered in Seas Branch, a Class 1 trout stream in Vernon County. Aquatic invasive species, such as New Zealand Mudsnails, can attach to waders, boots, and other fishing equipment and spread to new waterbodies.
Help protect Wisconsin’s trout streams by cleaning your gear every time you leave the water:
– Drain all water from waders, boots, and gear.
– Remove any attached plants, animals, and mud.
– Scrub waders and boot treads to remove small and hard-to-see invasive species, like New Zealand Mudsnails.
– Dry waders and gear as long as possible before entering another waterbody.
– Consider freezing waders and boots 24 hours before using them in a new stream.
– Consider using separate waders and boots if fishing at multiple stream locations in one day.
Check out this quick video on how wading anglers can help prevent movement of AIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jin9vALHsC8&ab_channel=WIDNRTV
