Clean, Drain, And Dry Is Not Just A Great Idea, It’s Texas Law

If you're planning to spend time on a Texas lake this summer, there's one thing you should do before you pull your boat out of the water, and it only takes a few minutes.

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I've spent much of my radio career around Texas lakes and some of the biggest bass fishing tournaments in the country. Our stations helped host the Big Bass Bonanza for decades, so I've seen firsthand how seriously anglers take protecting the waters they love.

Long before we left the boat ramp, we were already cleaning, draining, and drying our boats. Today, my kids have carried on that same habit with my grandkids. Before we head to the lake, and before we head home, they always say: "We've got to do the work if we want to have fun."

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials are reminding everyone that invasive aquatic species are still spreading across the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, these unwanted hitchhikers don't need much help. They can cling to the bottom of your boat, hide on your trailer, attach to an anchor, or even survive in a little leftover water inside your boat.

That's exactly how they end up invading lakes that were once free of these destructive species.

The Three Steps Every Texas Boater Should Know

The good news is preventing the spread is simple.

Before leaving any Texas lake, remember three words:

Clean. Drain. Dry.

That means:

• Remove all plants, mud and debris from your boat and trailer.
• Drain every bit of water from your boat, bait buckets, live wells and other containers before hitting the road.
• Once you're home, let everything dry thoroughly. If you can't wait several days, using a high-pressure rinse can help reduce the risk.

It may seem like a small chore after a day on the water, but those few extra minutes can help protect lakes all across Texas.

Why It Matters

Some invasive species are nearly impossible to eliminate once they become established.

One of the biggest offenders is the zebra mussel. These tiny shellfish attach themselves to docks, boat hulls, motors, anchors, and water infrastructure. They damage equipment, clog water systems, alter lake ecosystems, and even leave behind razor-sharp shells that can make walking along the shoreline painful.

Another growing concern is giant salvinia, a floating aquatic fern capable of doubling in size in about a week under the right conditions. Thick mats of plants make boating, fishing, and swimming nearly impossible and choke out native aquatic life.

It's More Than a Recommendation

Many Texans don't realize that Clean, Drain and Dry isn't simply good advice. It is Texas law.

Boaters are required to drain all water from their boats and onboard containers before leaving or approaching another body of fresh water. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species can result in fines of up to $500 per violation.

Again, as I taught my kids and they have taught the grandkids: "We've got to do the work if we want to have fun."

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