Idaho Watercraft Inspection Stations Open for 2026 Boating Season

State officials urge boaters to clean, drain and dry equipment to prevent spread of invasive species

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a boat floating on a calm lake, with soft, warm pools of light and color reflecting on the water's surface, conceptually representing the tranquility of Idaho's waterways and the importance of protecting them.Idaho's watercraft inspection stations aim to protect the state's lakes and rivers from the devastating impacts of invasive species.Boise Today

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has opened watercraft inspection stations and begun inspecting boats and other vessels for the 2026 recreation season. All boat owners are required to stop for a mandatory inspection when traveling past an Idaho watercraft inspection station during business hours. The purpose of the inspection stations is to stop the transfer and spread of invasive species like quagga mussels and zebra mussels.

Why it matters

In 2023, state officials announced they had detected nonnative, invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls for the first time in state history. An infestation of the invasive mussels could impact fish populations and wildlife habitat, hurt the agriculture and tourism industries, and cause millions of dollars in actual damage and indirect costs.

The details

The inspection requirements are not just limited to traditional boats. All watercraft or water-related equipment, regardless of size or whether it is motorized or not, are required to be inspected at the mandatory inspection stations, including paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and other conveyances. Last year, officials in Idaho conducted 173,000 watercraft inspections, with inspections increasing by 67% since the 2023 discovery of quagga mussels.

  • The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has opened watercraft inspection stations and begun inspecting boats and other vessels for the 2026 recreation season.
  • In 2023, state officials announced they had detected nonnative, invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls for the first time in state history.

The players

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for opening watercraft inspection stations and inspecting boats and other vessels to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Chanel Tewalt

The director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Stopping at watercraft inspection stations is a critical step in protecting Idaho from invasive species. Idaho's waters are essential to our recreation, economy and way of life. Whether coming from out of state or visiting a local waterway, we all share a responsibility to stop at inspection stations. Making the effort to clean, drain and dry all watercraft is essential to protecting Idaho.”

— Chanel Tewalt, Director, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

What’s next

State officials are encouraging boaters to practice 'clean, drain and dry' steps on their own to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Officials ask boaters to clean all of their equipment before leaving any body of water, drain water from all of their boats and compartments, and thoroughly dry everything before using their boat or equipment in a different body of water.

The takeaway

The opening of Idaho's watercraft inspection stations for the 2026 season highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the state's waterways from the threat of invasive species like quagga mussels. By requiring mandatory inspections and encouraging boaters to take preventative measures, Idaho is working to safeguard its natural resources and the industries that depend on them.