Mussels Aren’t Just For Dinner – What To Know About Crowley Lake Boat Inspections

The alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra are beautiful. They’re home to world-class fishing and an opportunity to cool off from the summer heat. It’s up to us as residents and visitors alike to do our part by recreating responsibly so that future generations can enjoy them as well. One of those things is to help combat invasive species.

Self-Inspect And Decontaminate

If your boat, kayak, or watercraft has been in a different body of water, it’s a good idea to clean, drain, and dry it. Aquatic invasive species like the Zebra clams and California Quagga are threatening the native ecosystems. By taking only a few minutes, you can stop the spread of these destructive species that can destroy a lake.

Watercraft Inspections

In addition to self-inspection, many of the lakes within the state of California require a watercraft inspection. And that includes our very own Crowley Lake. For the latest list of lakes requiring inspection, visit CA.gov. Or better yet, call the specific lake you’ll be visiting to see if it needs to be inspected.

What To Expect

As you arrive at Crowley Lake (or any lake with the requirement), you MUST do a water inspection to be allowed into the water. They will do a visual inspection to see if it’s dirty or wet. This means not washing it the day of a trip but a few days before to really let it dry. If your boat gets flagged, they’ll be looking for ANY mussel or vegetation on the boat. This is a FREE service for anyone that wants to take their boat on our lakes.

Remember, stewardship is A LOT more than just making sure your boat is clean. It’s your commitment to bring your “mountain manners” to Bishop and actively participate in conservation every day you’re here. If you volunteer to follow these simple rules, we’ll make sure that these waterways stay as healthy and vibrant as today.

For a deeper dive on what to expect during a watercraft inspection on Crowley Lake, check out this great “Know Before You Go” video brought to you by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: