The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) plans to extend the scheduled drawdown on Clear-Smithport Lake in Desoto Parish to allow the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to further assess damage to the dam and spillway resulting from the March 2016 floods.
The water control structure was originally scheduled to close on December 1, 2016, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities. Due to damage caused by excessive erosion during the March 2016 floods, the Clear-Smithport Dam is currently being assessed by DOTD to determine the extent of damage. The structure closure date has yet to be determined and will be announced following the DOTD assessment.
During the extended drawdown, an estimated 600 to 700 acres of water will remain in open areas of the lake. Boater access will be limited at the Hwy. 509 Bridge Ramp and contingent upon rainfall. Caution is also advised if boating on the lake as numerous obstructions are present.
The current LDWF Clear-Smithport Aquatic Vegetative Management Plan can be viewed at: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/waterbody-management-plans-inland.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist Manager, at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.