CASPER - Jessica's Pond, a popular community fishery located just outside of Casper along the North Platte River at the Dan Speas Fish Hatchery, is now closed due to the discovery of invasive New Zealand mudsnails. This closure is a precautionary measure to protect the nearby Dan Speas Fish Hatchery. 

While the risk of the snails reaching the hatchery is low due to construction completed in 2022, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is taking every precaution to keep the hatchery free from invasive species.

“We have previously detected and treated Jessica’s Pond for New Zealand mudsnails.  This is likely a new infestation passed to Jessica’s Pond from the nearby North Platte River.  We ask for cooperation from anglers as we look into solutions for this issue,” says Alan Osterland, Chief of Fisheries for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Other nearby fishing areas, such as the Wyoming FlyCasters Memorial Public Access Area, will remain open for anglers and other recreational activities this fall.

Anglers are reminded to "Clean, Drain and Dry" all equipment when using the access area and other Wyoming waters. Please utilize the boot scrubbing stations at the river access points and main entrance gate at Dan Speas to help prevent the spread of New Zealand mudsnails.