The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has delayed a drawdown of Lake Bistineau, originally scheduled for July 25 until Monday, August 15, 2016, to provide additional time for recreational use and removal of watercraft in advance of low water conditions. This drawdown delay will also allow the Department to evaluate the efficacy of such actions, which will inform future aquatic plant control decisions.
The annual drawdown is a necessary component of the department’s integrated lake management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth, particularly giant salvinia, and to improve the sport fishery. Although there is a significant amount of giant salvinia in the lake, much of the lower portion of the lake remains accessible for fishing and other recreational activities.
The lake should dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day and will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The Lake Bistineau control gates are scheduled for closure on November 30, 2016, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, an estimated 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can access the lake 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.
Drawdown recommendations are designed to optimize benefits to the aquatic ecosystem and balance the desires of multiple user groups that enjoy the lake for fishing, boating, duck hunting, water sports, and other activities.
The current LDWF Lake Bistineau Management Plan can be viewed at: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/waterbody-management-plans-inland.
.33For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-3066.