Starting Monday, April 14, 2025, all trailered or motorized boats launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine must undergo a mandatory inspection and 30-day quarantine to help prevent the spread of golden mussels, an invasive aquatic species recently detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Golden mussels pose a major threat to California’s ecosystems, water infrastructure, and recreation. Once introduced, they can clog boat engines, damage vessels, and disrupt water delivery systems like the one at Folsom Dam. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks are leading this prevention effort, prioritizing inspection over lake closures or the risk of infestation.
Under the new rules, trailered vessels must be inspected and sealed with a quarantine band for 30 days before they can launch. Starting May 14, boats with intact quarantine seals may return to the lakes. After that, boats sealed upon exit will not need to quarantine again, as long as the seal remains unbroken.
Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft (like kayaks and paddleboards), and those with electric trolling motors, are exempt. Lake Natoma will only allow hand-launched vessels under this program.
For more information – https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections
