Tests confirm a fourth West Virginia trout stream is now infected with the invasive algae Didymo. Seneca Creek is the latest fishery to be found with the material growing along the bottom.
Last year, the DNR confirmed the first observance of the algae, often referred to by the term "Rock Snot" on the Elk River in Webster County. Subsequent tests found Didymo on Gandy Creek and Glady Fork.
There is no known way to halt the advance of the material once it gains a foothold as it has in these streams. However, anglers can help slow it down.
"Anglers can certainly help slow down the spread by taking certain precautions,” said DNR Coldwater Fisheries Chief Mike Shingleton. "Washing their equipment after fishing in very hot water using a salt solution."
Freezing equipment after use or drying the equipment is also effective in killing the spores that generated the material. One of the worst known culprits for spreading Didymo is felt soled waders, which are very popular with trout anglers.
In other states Didymo has spread in streams with a complete covering of the bottom, which wipes out most aquatic insect life and ruins the fishery. Shingleton says because of the wild fluctuations with West Virginia trout streams a severe case is unlikely. Flooding as we’ve experienced this week tends to wash the material away. Low flows allow it to die on the dry banks in the summer.
"The development of those big mats I don’t think is going to occur," Shingleton said.
The material is traced back to a series of islands off of Scotland. It gained a foothold in the western United States and has slowly spread eastward.
"A lot of places in the east where they’ve been finding it are below dams where the flows are pretty steady and even," Shingleton said.
The ill effects to aquatic life may be in question, but the bigger issue with the Rock Snot is the impact on anglers. Shingleton compares the stuff to dragging your flies and other tackle through wet toilet tissue.