Fort Phantom Hill Lake Zebra Mussel Status Elevated to ‘Infested’

Fort Phantom Hill Lake Zebra Mussel Status Elevated to 'Infested'

Sept. 1, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN - Following additional monitoring, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has determined that the invasive zebra mussel population status in Fort Phantom Hill, near Abilene, should be elevated to fully 'infested.'

This designation signifies that an established, reproducing population of these invasive mussels is now confirmed in the lake. The waterbody initially received a "positive" designation in Sept. 2025 after initial detections.

In July of 2026, zebra mussel larvae were found in plankton samples collected from multiple sites around the lake in the spring and verified with DNA lab analysis. Upon detection of suspect zebra mussel larvae, TPWD staff immediately conducted a lake-wide search at multiple shorelines, boat ramps and other infrastructure locations for settled juvenile and adult mussels. Staff found zebra mussels of multiple size classes which confirmed an established reproducing population has developed.

In late August of 2025, TPWD received the initial report of a single adult zebra mussel next to a dock. Further analysis at the time, using routine plankton samples from the lake, found two confirmed microscopic zebra mussel veliger larvae from a sample taken near the site of the adult zebra mussel. This evidence led to the initial Sept. 2025 designation of 'positive.' However, plankton samples collected in the fall of 2025 yielded no suspect larvae nor environmental DNA detections, consistent with an early, developing population at that time.

"Unfortunately, this confirmation of an established population of zebra mussels at Fort Phantom Hill Lake is part of a trend in recent years of a spread of this highly invasive species to lakes in the western part of the state," said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. "As boaters visit waterbodies anywhere in the state, it's important they take steps to properly clean, drain and dry boats to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species."

Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, pose a significant threat to Texas lakes, altering lake ecosystems and causing harm to native species. They also damage boats and water supply infrastructure and litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.

"Confirmation of an established zebra mussel population gives the city important information for managing Lake Fort Phantom Hill as a drinking-water source," said Matthew Dane, City of Abilene water utilities director. "We will use continued monitoring and inspections to guide long-term protective measures while ensuring our customers continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water."

Because zebra mussels are most often transported on or in boats, boaters play a critical role in preventing them from spreading to new lakes. Zebra mussels attach to boats, as well as anything left in the water, including anchors, motors, boat hoists and other hard surfaces. They can survive for days out of water, often hiding in crevices where they may escape notice. Their microscopic larvae are free-floating and invisible to the naked eye, meaning they can be transported unknowingly in residual water in boats.

"Invasive mussels have now spread to 40 Texas lakes, with 36 fully infested, but there are far more lakes that haven't been invaded and are at risk," said Brian Van Zee, TPWD inland fisheries deputy division director. "Each boater taking the necessary actions to clean and drain their boat before leaving the lake and allowing compartments and gear to dry completely when they get home can make a big difference in protecting our Texas lakes."

TPWD urges boaters to follow these three simple but crucial steps to clean, drain and dry boats and gear before traveling from lake to lake. Remove plants, mud and debris; drain all water from the boat and gear; once back home, open compartments and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.

If a boat or other equipment, such as barges, docks, lifts, pumps, etc., have been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, they are likely infested and pose an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake unless they are properly decontaminated. Before moving a boat or other equipment that has been stored in the water, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.

In addition to the harm that invasive species can cause to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure and the recreational experience at lakes, the transport of these organisms can result in legal trouble for boaters. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $500 per violation. It's also the law that boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. They must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake.

For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.

TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes, but anyone who spots them on boats, trailers or equipment that is being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. Anyone who finds invasive species such as zebra mussels in lakes where they haven't been found before can help identify new introductions by emailing photos and location information to [email protected].