News Release

Lake Roosevelt NRA is Encouraging Clean-Drain-Dry This Waterfowl Season

Date: October 14, 2020

Coulee Dam – Autumn is here and that means waterfowl season is open on Lake Roosevelt and throughout eastern Washington. Detailed information about open seasons, bag limits, and other hunting regulations can be found on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/.

In our on-going effort to preserve Lake Roosevelt’s wildlife character, we are urging all sportsmen to do your part in keeping aquatic invasive species (AIS) out of Lake Roosevelt and all of Washington’s waters.

“Aquatic invasive species can outcompete native species, alter the ecosystem, lower biodiversity, and impair recreation opportunities” says Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area’s aquatic biologist, Cassie Hagemann. “Invasive plants can clog intakes on motors and form thick mats that interfere with boating, fishing, and waterfowl activity.” Hagemann recommends the use of non-felt soled boots to further reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.

If everyone who enjoys Lake Roosevelt, whether from the shore or from a boat, does their part to keep AIS out of the lake, we can all continue to enjoy Lake Roosevelt’s rich recreational activities for many generations to come. To that end, we are asking you to:

CLEAN – anything that’s been in the water including boats, motors, waders, decoys, and other gear or equipment. Remove any visible plants or mud.

DRAIN – pull your boat plug and drain all water from anything that might collect water including live wells, bait containers, decoys, motors, and other containers.

DRY – If you are going from one waterbody to another waterbody, first let everything that’s been in the water dry for at least five days unless you can high pressure wash at 140 degrees.

Please remember that Lake Roosevelt NRA now requires all boaters to self-certify that they have cleaned, drained, and dried their watercraft before launching. Self-certification forms are located at all boat ramp kiosks.

The cost to self-certify is free but the expense of letting an aquatic hitchhiker into the lake can be incalculable.