AIS – East Metro Water

Preserving Minnesota fishing tales for generations to come

By: angiehongmn May 15, 2026May 11, 2026

Aquatic Biology, Outdoor Adventures, UncategorizedAIS, featured, fishing, lakes, Minnesota, spiny waterflea, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

I don’t think it’s much of an exaggeration to say that fishing saved my family during the summer of 2021 when we navigated yet another summer of COVID with no day care and only a few weeks of camp. That summer was Minnesota at its quintessential, and in spite of chaos in the world, life was pretty good.

May 9, 2026 marks the beginning of another year’s fishing season, and with luck, many children just like Charlie will be making lifelong memories. As Minnesotans hit the water with fishing poles and boats, a well-trained team of watercraft inspectors, conservation officers, and even K9 officers will also be rolling out to lakes and rivers to help keep them safe from aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Zebra mussels and starry stonewort spread to more Minnesota lakes

By: angiehongmn August 29, 2025August 28, 2025

Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

This summer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reported new infestations of aquatic invasive species – zebra mussels and starry stonewort – at a dozen lakes across the state. The discoveries underscore the inherent challenge of protecting Minnesota waterways in a state with more than 11,000 lakes, thousands of natural and manmade connections, and countless ways to access the water from public and private lands.

Keeping invaders out of Minnesota waters

By: angiehongmn May 24, 2025May 20, 2025

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, Minnesota lakes, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

In 2024, Minnesota deployed more than 800 watercraft inspectors to public boat launches around the state to help staunch the spread of zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, and other aquatic invaders. The goal? Preserve Minnesota’s famed “good life” and protect fishing, tourism, and cultural mainstays such as wild ricing and “up north at the cabin.”

One reason for optimism is that we are seeing fewer new infestations and better compliance with state laws for watercraft cleaning and inspections.

Unfortunately, however, the DNR still reported 41 new AIS infestations in Minnesota lakes and rivers last year.

Zebra mussels found in Big Carnelian Lake

By: angiehongmn September 13, 2024September 10, 2024

Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, Big Carnelian Lake, Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District, featured, Washington Conservation District, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

Fourteen new zebra mussel infestations were discovered in Minnesota in 2024, including Big Carnelian Lake in northern Washington County.

While news of a new zebra mussel infestation is discouraging, it is important to remember that 96% of lakes in Minnesota do NOT have zebra mussels and can still be protected from future infestations if lakeshore landowners, contractors, boaters, and anglers commit to taking action.

Avoid spreading AIS during this year’s fishing season

By: angiehongmn May 9, 2024

Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, fishing, lakesLeave a Comment

Currently, only 8% of the lakes in Minnesota have invasive species present and we need everyone’s help to keep it that way.

If you use waders or hip boots when fishing, be sure to clean off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud when you’re done and use a stiff brush to scrub the bottom of your boots where mud gets stuck in the treads. Using non-felt soled boots will further reduce the risk of spreading AIS.

It is also important to dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash instead of throwing them in the water or on the shore.

With spring in sight, local communities prepare for an early boating season

By: angiehongmn February 26, 2024

Aquatic Biology, Partners and UpdatesAIS, curlyleaf pondweed, featured, Minnesota lakes, watercraft inspections, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

From 2016 to 2023, the number of inspected watercraft In Washington County with drain plug violations dropped from 7% to 1%. This is an indication that watercraft inspections and AIS education programs are working.

Be AIS smart this fishing season

By: angiehongmn May 12, 2023May 11, 2023

Aquatic Biology, WildlifeAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, fishing, lakesLeave a Comment

Currently, only 8% of the lakes in Minnesota have invasive species present and we need everyone’s help to keep it that way.

It is also important to dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash instead of throwing them in the water or on the shore.

Volunteer to protect Minnesota lakes from aquatic invasive species

By: angiehongmn July 20, 2022

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, featured, lakes, Minnesota lakes, starry stonewort, zebra musselsLeave a Comment

During Starry Trek, scheduled this year for Aug. 20, volunteers gather at training sites to learn how to identify starry stonewort and then head out to local water accesses to search for signs of the invasive species.

Breaking Eurasian watermilfoil’s stranglehold on Minnesota Lakes

By: angiehongmn March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, Big Marine Lake, comfort lake - forest lake watershed district, Eurasian watermilfoil, featured, Forest Lake, lakes, Minnesota lakes, Valley Branch Watershed District, Washington Conservation DistrictLeave a Comment

Researchers and lake associations search for new ways to control this aggressive invasive species. Meanwhile, watercraft inspections remain the first line of defense in preventing the spread of AIS.

Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species while fishing and boating this season

By: angiehongmn May 14, 2020May 13, 2020

Aquatic BiologyAIS, Aquatic Invasive Species, boating, featured, fishing, Minnesota lakesLeave a Comment

Last weekend, Minnesota’s 2020 fishing season opened with a bang. There was snow up north, only a few fish caught in the St. Croix River, and no cameo appearances from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. None-the-less, record numbers of Minnesotans purchased fishing licenses last week and set sail in search of walleye, pike, and lake trout…