Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau in Webster, Bossier and Bienville parishes beginning July 31 with no set closure date.

The drawn down will reduce the expansion of giant saliva and benefit fisheries production by improving aquatic habitat, as well as reducing the amount of organic matter on the lake bottom.

LDWF requested the Department of Transportation and Development open the water control structure. Once it is open, the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day until it reaches a potential maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below pool stage.

This dewater rate could be impacted by local rainfall in the surrounding watershed. Aquatic habitat conditions will be monitored during the drawdown and a gate closure date will be determined and announced at a later date.

During the drawdown, an estimated 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access boat launches at Port of Bistineau, Bossier Parish launch, Grice’s and Bayou Dorcheat Public launch. Boaters are advised to use caution during the low water period as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance of underwater obstructions.

For additional information, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or 318-371-5294.

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