Hey Anglers!
Alex here from Sweeney's Sports and Catch Happy with critical updates about the golden mussel infestation affecting our local waters.
Effective 12/3/2024 Sweeney's Sports is now authorized to apply a 30-day quarantine seal (red) on your boat. Please call us to make an appointment. The good news is that you won't have to tow your boat up the hill to Berryessa to get this done. The bad news is that you'll have to quarantine your boat for 30 days to launch at Lake Berryessa.
It's a free service we are performing for our fishing community. Please call ahead and make an appointment. 707-255-5544
New Launch Protocols at Lake Berryessa
Red Seal (30-Day Quarantine): Sweeney’s Sports is now authorized to apply this seal. Boats must remain sealed for 30 days before launch.
Green Seal (Post-Fishing): Applied after launching at Berryessa, allowing re-launch without quarantine as long as the seal remains intact.
Why Are Golden Mussels Dangerous?
Ecological Impact: These invasive species decimate fish populations by removing plankton, a key food source for small fish.
Infrastructure Damage: Mussels clog water pipes and hydro infrastructure, endangering water supplies.
Rapid Spread: They can expand 150 miles per year, posing a significant threat to lakes across Northern California.
Is there a way to launch my boat at Lake Berryessa without quarantine?
The only way you can launch at Lake Berryessa without getting the red seal applied and quarantining your boat for 30 days is to get your boat Decontaminated. Currently, the only authorized decontamination site is at Steel Canyon. Appointments can be scheduled here.
Decontamination Process
Boats must be cleaned with high-temperature pressure washing (up to 140°F) to remove mussels.
Currently, decontamination is only available at Steel Canyon, with more sites expected soon.
How much does the decontamination process cost?
Currently, decontamination service is offered for FREE at Steel Canyon. Moving forward, it'll cost $50-$200 depending on your boat type and size.
How long does the decontamination process take?
Fishing/Bass boats - 45 minutes
Ski/Pleasure boats - 45 minutes
Pontoon boats - 1 hour
Wakeboard boats - 1 hour
What’s Next?
None of this is ideal or even reasonable. But, this is the hand we were dealt. We'll do the best we can to be of service to our community and protect our precious resources. We’re working with agencies to provide accurate updates and potentially offer decontamination services at Sweeney’s in the future.
Tight lines, everyone! 🎣
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