WEST SACRAMENTO— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed the northernmost detection to date of invasive golden mussels in California after the species was discovered in and around the Port of West Sacramento.
The discovery marks the furthest north the invasive species has been found since golden mussels were first detected in the Port of Stockton in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024.
According to CDFW, staff conducting routine monitoring collected one mussel between the Jefferson Boulevard overpass and the west lock, and a second specimen near the intersection of Boathouse Road and Stone Boulevard. The mussels were sent to the department’s genetics laboratory, which confirmed on June 25 that both specimens were golden mussels. Additional surveys conducted around the docks in Washington Lake also located more mussels.
Officials believe the mussels found in the Port of West Sacramento originated from an established source population already present within the surrounding area.
Golden mussels are considered a serious invasive species because they can rapidly colonize waterways, damaging aquatic ecosystems while clogging water conveyance systems and other critical infrastructure. They readily attach to nearly any submerged surface, including boats, trailers, anchors, ropes, buoys and aquatic vegetation.
With heavy recreational boating activity throughout the Sacramento region and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, CDFW is urging anyone using local waterways to take precautions to help prevent the mussels from spreading farther upstream or to inland lakes and reservoirs.
The department reminds boaters and other recreationists to follow the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol every time they remove watercraft or equipment from the water.
That includes thoroughly inspecting boats, kayaks, paddleboards, life jackets, paddles and all equipment that came into contact with the water. All plants, debris and animals should be removed and disposed of in the trash. Boaters should drain all water from ballast tanks, bilges and live wells before leaving the launch area, then allow equipment to dry completely until no moisture remains.
CDFW says these simple steps are critical to preventing golden mussels from spreading into waters not connected to the Delta.
Members of the public who believe they have found a golden mussel are encouraged to report the discovery to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. Reports should include the exact location of the observation, at least one clear close-up photograph of the suspected mussel and contact information.
Reports may be submitted online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Report Golden Mussel webpage, by email atinvasives@wildlife.ca.gov, or by calling (866) 440-9530.
Keywords: West Sacramento, golden mussels, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CDFW, invasive species, Port of West Sacramento, Sacramento River, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, boating, Clean Drain Dry, Washington Lake, Yolo County, Sacramento County, aquatic invasive species, water infrastructure
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any
