The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will initiate a drawdown on Black-Clear Lake near Campti on July 1, 2014, in an attempt to improve fisheries habitat and control nuisance aquatic vegetation.
Although recent surveys show plant coverage levels are lower than previous years, they are expected to increase during the coming months. The expectation of increased plant coverage coupled with a drawdown request from the Northwest Game and Fish Commission has prompted the Department to take action.
Drawdown recommendations include a dewatering of 2 to 4 inches per day until the lake reaches a level of 4.5 feet below pool stage. Following a 60-day drying period, the control gates may be operated for minor water fluctuations to isolate additional plants. The gates will be closed no later than January 31, 2015, to allow the lake to refill.
The lake will not be closed to fishing during the drawdown, but caution is advised of boaters during the low water period, as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions. During the drawdown, an estimated 9,600 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters will be able to access the lake from the following public boat launches: Black Lake Lodge, Chandler’s, West Wind and Sandy Point.
The upcoming drawdown is part of the Department’s comprehensive management plan for Black-Clear Lake. Additional control recommendations include herbicide treatments and use of biological control agents including triploid grass carp and giant salvinia weevils.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwfffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Ricky Yeldell, LDWF Biologist Manager, at ryeldell@wlf.la.gov or (337) 286-5940. For press inquiries contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (225) 721-0489.