Ready To Hit The Lakes! Boating Season Approaching In Utah!

As Utah’s temperatures rise and lake season approaches, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding boaters to brush up on aquatic invasive species regulations before heading out to the water — especially at Lake Powell and Panguitch Lake.

No changes have been made to Utah’s aquatic invasive species requirements this year. All individuals launching any type of watercraft, from paddleboards to motorboats, must complete the annual mussel-aware boater course. Motorized boat users are also required to pay the annual aquatic invasive species (AIS) vessel enrollment fee, which is separate from boater registration.

Read More: Taking Your Boat To Lake Powell? Make Sure You Have Vessel Pass

Lake Powell remains a critical focus, as it is the only Utah waterbody with confirmed quagga mussels. All watercraft leaving Lake Powell must undergo an exit inspection, and in most cases, professional decontamination is required before launching elsewhere. If decontamination isn't immediately available, strict dry times must be observed: seven days in summer, 18 in spring and fall, and 30 in winter. Wakeboard boats, classified as complex, must always adhere to a 30-day dry period unless professionally decontaminated.

“These funds help prevent quagga mussels from spreading from Lake Powell to other Utah waterbodies,” stated Lt. Bruce Johnson, Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations, in a press release. “They also pay for staff and new dip tanks being installed throughout the state.”

Panguitch Lake is one of several Utah lakes where invasive Eurasian watermilfoil has been found. This fast-spreading plant forms thick underwater mats, harming native species and clogging irrigation systems. Even a single fragment can start a new infestation elsewhere, making it essential for all boaters to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft after use.

Boaters can pay the $20 resident or $25 nonresident AIS fee online, but only after completing the required mussel-aware course. Utah currently maintains over 40 inspection stations and five decontamination dip tanks.

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“We appreciate all the boaters who are committed to doing their part,” said Johnson. More information, including station maps and safety tips, is available on the STD of the Sea website.