Drain First, Then Clean and Dry the Boat

Zebra mussels live in Eagle Mountain Lake, and they can ride to another lake on a boat or trailer. Texas classifies them as a prohibited invasive species. Transporting attached zebra mussels is illegal.

The legal checklist is more exact than the familiar slogan. TPWD says boaters must drain all water from a vessel and its onboard containers when approaching or leaving public fresh water. Boaters must also remove any visible prohibited plants and animals.

Cleaning and drying still matter. TPWD urges boaters to clean the boat, trailer, and gear, then let everything dry before the next launch. Those steps can catch tiny mussels or plant pieces that a quick look may miss.

At the ramp, start with places that hold water or hide debris: bilges, livewells, bait buckets, motors, anchors, and trailer bunks. Drain and inspect before driving away, then clean and dry before the next launch. The split matters: draining and visible-species removal are legal duties, while the full clean-and-dry routine is TPWD's prevention guidance.