Giant salvinia is trying to steal more of our summer fun this year by attacking Lake Bistineau.  And to combat the fast growth of this noxious, life choking aquatic vegetation, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled another drawdown of Lake Bistineau in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes for the purpose of reducing further expansion of giant salvinia. The drawdown will additionally benefit fisheries production by improving aquatic habitat and reducing the amount of organic matter on the lake bottom.

The water control structure is tentatively scheduled to be opened sometime between July 15 and July 31, 2019, depending on nuisance vegetation conditions on the lake. LDWF’s Lake Bistineau Waterbody Management Plan is designed to provide as much use of the lake as possible prior to water levels dropping. However, during the summer, salvinia growth is at its peak. Due to the lake’s large watershed and giant salvinia’s rapid growth capability, the likelihood of an effective drawdown is reduced with a later start date. The public will be notified as soon as an exact date is determined.

Once the water control structure is open, the lake will 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. During the drawdown, the department will monitor aquatic habitat conditions to determine the best time to conclude the drawdown and allow the lake to refill for early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the lake during the drawdown from the following public boat launches: Port of Bistineau Launch, Bossier Public 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.

The drawdown is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve the Lake Bistineau sport fishery. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system. Herbicide applications will continue during the drawdown period.

To assist the department with control efforts, click here to report sightings of invasive aquatic plants on the lake.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or 318-371-3066.

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