The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Clear-Smithport Lake (Desoto Parish) for giant salvinia control and fish habitat improvement.
The water control structure is scheduled to open on or about September 5, 2023. The Clear-Smithport control gates are scheduled for closure on or about January 29, 2024, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities.
The lake should dewater at a rate of 2-4 inches per day depending on number of operational gates opened. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of approximately 4 feet below normal pool stage to a target level of 127.6 mean sea level (MSL). During the drawdown, an estimated 600-700 acres of water will remain in open areas of each lake. Boaters may still access the main waterbody from the 509 Bridge DeSoto Parish Ramp with small craft. Caution is also advised when on the water as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen are present.
The drawdown is not expected to eradicate the giant salvinia but is our most efficient and effective tool for reducing the overall amount of giant salvinia present. Drawdowns also expose organic “muck” that builds up on water bottoms to air/oxygen, accelerating the decay process, cycling nutrients, and improving spawning habitat for many sportfish species.
Drawdowns are timed to take advantage of prevalent late summer, fall, and winter weather patterns. If favorable weather patterns do not occur, the effectiveness of the drawdown is reduced. For this reason, some drawdowns are very successful, while others are less effective.
For more information about Clear-Smithport Aquatic Vegetative Management, please see the Clear-Smithport Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist Manager, at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.