Fort Phantom Hill Lake Now Infested With Zebra Mussels

A lake filled with memories for generations of West Texas families is now officially classified as “infested” with the invasive zebra mussels.

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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials confirmed that Fort Phantom Hill Lake has an established and reproducing zebra mussel population. The lake’s status was elevated from “positive,” which it received in September 2025, to fully “infested.”

That news absolutely breaks my heart.

This Abilene Lake Is Personal to My Family

When my children were growing up, we took them to Fort Phantom Hill Lake, where I let them fish and enjoy being outdoors.

Today, it is usually just Donna and me. We still enjoy walking through the park, sitting beside the water, and watching an early-morning sunrise or a beautiful West Texas sunset.

Knowing that this special place is now infested is saddening, but it also makes getting this warning out incredibly important.

What TPWD Discovered in the Lake

During monitoring in 2026, TPWD detected zebra mussel larvae in samples collected from several locations around the lake.

TPWD personnel then searched shorelines, boat ramps and other structures. The discovery of zebra mussels in multiple sizes confirmed that they are reproducing and have established themselves in Fort Phantom Hill Lake.

These invasive mussels can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem, harm native species, damage boats and affect water-supply infrastructure. Their sharp shells can also accumulate along shorelines, creating a hazard for people enjoying the lake.

City of Abilene officials say continued monitoring and inspections will help guide long-term protective measures while the city continues providing safe and reliable drinking water.

Boaters Must Clean, Drain and Dry

Boaters can help prevent zebra mussels from reaching other Texas lakes by following three critical steps:

Clean plants, mud and debris from boats, trailers and equipment.
Drain all water from boats, motors, bait buckets and onboard containers.
Dry boats, compartments and equipment completely, preferably for at least one week before entering another lake.

Zebra mussels can attach themselves to boats, anchors, motors, lifts and other hard surfaces. Their microscopic larvae can also hide in small amounts of water where they are not visible .

Moving Stored Equipment Requires Extra Care

Any boat, dock, lift, pump or other equipment stored in Fort Phantom Hill Lake should be considered a high risk for carrying zebra mussels.

Before moving equipment that has been sitting in the water, owners should contact TPWD at 512-389-4848 for proper decontamination instructions.

Transporting prohibited invasive species in Texas is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $500 per violation. State law also requires boaters to drain water and remove invasive plants before leaving or approaching a freshwater lake.

Please Help Protect Our Remaining Texas Lakes

Invasive mussels have now reached 40 Texas lakes, including 36 classified as fully infested.

If you take your children fishing or launch a boat at Fort Phantom Hill Lake, please remain aware. Watch for sharp shells along the shoreline and take the time to clean, drain, and dry everything before visiting another lake.

We cannot undo what has happened at Fort Phantom Hill, but each of us can help keep this infestation from spreading to another treasured Texas lake.

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