Clean, Drain, Dry: Prevention

Invasive Species & Native Habitat

A simple routine to stop aquatic invasive species (AIS) from hitchhiking between waterbodies. Do it every time—before launching and when leaving.

Why This Matters

Most new AIS introductions start at access points. A few minutes of prevention protects fishing, swimming, and equipment while saving communities money on control.

Before You Arrive

Plan Gear

Bring a trash bag for weeds, a hand scraper/brush, and absorbent towels.

Stow Smart

Keep anchor lines and ropes tidy; avoid dragging gear on ramps and shorelines.

Bait Check

Use local bait where allowed; keep receipts where rules require.

At the Launch (Arriving)

  1. Inspect your boat, trailer, and gear in the staging area (not blocking the ramp).
  2. Remove all visible plants, mud, and animals from bunks, axles, lights, prop, intake screens, anchors, ropes, and nets.
  3. Drain any carry‑in water from coolers and storage bins before launching.

On the Water

  • Avoid weed beds when possible; if fouled, clear vegetation at the dock or on shore where disposal is permitted.
  • Keep live bait water separate from lake water. Never release bait or water into the lake.

Leaving the Water (Five‑Step Routine)

CLEAN

Pull to a designated area. Remove all plants, mud, and debris from hull, trailer, motor, bunks, lights, and gear. Check anchors, ropes, and carpeted bunks.

DRAIN

Empty bilge, livewell, bait buckets, ballast tanks, and motor cooling water away from the ramp.

DRY

Towel‑dry standing water. If you can, allow 5–7 days of drying before the next launch.

TRASH UNUSED BAIT

Dispose of bait in a trash container. Do not release bait or water.

CHECK HIDDEN SPOTS

Transom tie‑downs, trailer steps, spare tires, under bunks, intake screens.

Rapid Turnaround? Do a Field Decontamination

Method Details Notes
Hot‑Water Rinse 140°F (60°C) on hulls, trailers, livewells Avoid scalding; 120–130°F (49–54°C) for longer contact is safer
Contact Time At least 10 seconds Longer for thick mats/crevices
Gear Soak Hot, soapy water for nets/ropes Rinse and dry completely
Freeze Option 24 hours below 14°F (-10°C) For small gear when hot water unavailable

Special Notes for Ballast and Complex Systems

  • Ballast tanks and livewells can retain small mussels and larvae. Follow manufacturer drain/flush steps and, when in doubt, use a hot‑water flush.
  • Inboard and PWC cooling systems hold water—run briefly on muffs per manufacturer guidance to expel water before storage.

Shore Anglers, Paddlers, and Divers

Kayaks, canoes, SUPs, waders, and fins move fragments too. Rinse, drain, and dry. Brush footwells and seams; check paddle blades and skegs.

Access Etiquette & Local Rules

  • Use the staging area to avoid blocking ramps.
  • Follow inspection and decontamination station directions when present.
  • Some regions restrict certain baits or require proof of purchase; comply with posted rules.

Quick Checklist (Print or Save)

Before Launch:
  • Tools on board: brush/scraper, towels, trash bag
  • Inspect in staging area
  • Remove all debris
  • Drain carry-in water
After Use:
  • CLEAN all surfaces
  • DRAIN all water
  • DRY for 5-7 days
  • TRASH unused bait
  • CHECK hidden spots

The 5-Step Routine

  1. CLEAN all surfaces
  2. DRAIN all water
  3. DRY 5-7 days
  4. TRASH bait
  5. CHECK hidden spots

Tools to Bring

  • Hand scraper or brush
  • Absorbent towels
  • Trash bag for weeds
  • Spray bottle (optional)

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Do this routine EVERY time you launch and leave
  • Use the staging area, not the ramp, for inspection
  • 5-7 days of drying is ideal between launches
  • Hot water decontamination works for rapid turnaround
  • Kayaks and paddleboards need cleaning too

Questions About Decontamination?

Contact your local natural resources agency or lake association for guidance on inspection stations and requirements.

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