New Zealand Mud Snail

Putah Creek Test

Drawing & Free BBQ

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Walk Putah Creek and get a FREE Steak BBQ and

a chance to win FREE Patagonia wading boots

As a volunteer group, Granite Bay Flycasters has been the clear leader in supporting New Zealand Mud Snail research and support actions.  Those actions have included education, posting streamside alerts, governmental advocacy, field assistance, and most recently proving support for scientific research.

These actions are remarkable considering the lack of action taken in other states and the destructive potential of New Zealand Mud snail infestations. I am frequently presented with opinions from fly fishers that question the need for research. Recent work in the Green River (Wyoming) shows a dramatic increase of mudsnails in trout stomachs especially browns. Seventy-eight percent of brown trout caught in the study area downstream from the Flaming Gorge Dam had mudsnails in their digestive system. Forty-three percent of those mudsnails were alive. Back in the lab, trout were allowed free-swimming space and unlimited food. Trout limited to mudsnails lost 0.2% of their body weight over three 100-day studies. Trout fed a diet of natural scuds gained 1% of their weight daily. This original work is concerning and certainly supports the need to slow the spread of mudsnails.

To help prevent the spread of mudsnails (and other organisms) to clean waters, we still need to clarify certain aspects of treating our wading boots. The NCCFFF is requesting volunteer assistance from fly fishers. On Saturday, November 12^th, we plan to meet at Putah Creek (Fishing Access #5) to walk a course through the mudsnail infestation and test two products that have the potential to be effective, easy-to-use, and non-damaging to equipment or the environment. Patagonia Corporation has contributed $2,100.00 to assist with expenses. Volunteers will be treated to a FREE barbeque lunch (Tri-Tip Steak, beans, tossed salad, coleslaw) catered by Buckhorn Steakhouse, several generous give-away items, and the secrets to fishing Putah Creek. The main objective of this program is to identify an equipment cleaning product that can be recommended and made available through the NCCFFF.

We plan on using staggered walks to reduce the treatment workload at the parking lot.  Volunteers will be asked to remain at the site for at least one hour to allow for secondary boot testing.  To volunteer, please contact Gary Flanagan at (916) 223-4240

Ken Davis

Aquatic biologist

NCCFFF Board Member

Directions: Take I-80 west from Sacramento to I-505 north to Winters. From Winters, take

Hwy-128 west past Lake Solano to Putah Creek ACCESS #5 as shown on the two maps below: