New Zealand Mudsnail Decontamination Report Released.

Myths dispelled and Treatment Protocols Unveiled.

We have finally concluded our study regarding how to control New Zealand mudsnails on wading gear. The effort was exhaustive, expensive and more time consuming than any of us could have imagined at the start. The result is the only scientifically tested and validated protocol for decontamination of wading gear.

 Was it worth it? I think this puts things into perspective:  During the field trials we had 50 anglers wade through Putah Creek then had their gear examined. 100% of the anglers were infected with NZ mudsnails and the average angler played host to 33 snails. The majority of the snails were less than 1mm and nearly invisible, yet fully capable of cloning itself in a remote site and infecting an entire watershed.

During the study, many myths were dispelled and three very viable options were proven. All options are doable in the “real world” fishing environment, will kill 100% of the mudsnails in 5 minutes, and will not cause undo wear on wading equipment.  Lab personnel and biologists might prefer the options that include using benzethonium chloride or copper sulfate; but for the average angler, the following is the most simple and cost effective technique:

Mix equal parts FORMULA 409 DISINFECTANT and WATER then soak gear for 5 minutes. Dunk gear in a bucket or put into a river runner’s “dry” bag, shake, then let steep for 5 minutes. If these options are not available, spray equipment with a squirt bottle and keep wet for 5 minutes. Pay particular attention to the inside of wading boots, under laces and inside tongue gussets.

            Testing was performed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Federation of Fly Fishers, California Trout and private anglers. Funding was provided by Cal Fed. Wading equipment was generously donated by Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms.

            The full report can be downloaded from http://flyline.com/_images/nzms_final_report.pdf  It is a very thorough and interesting review of the mudsnail issue and describes step by step the testing that went into our research. I would highly recommend that every angler download a copy.