The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau (Webster, Bossier and Bienville parishes) for giant salvinia control, organic reduction and fish habitat improvement.  The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of salvinia as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.
 
The water control structure is scheduled to open on July 25, 2016, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day.  The water level 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. 
 
This action 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.
 
The current LDWF Lake Bistineau Management Plan can be viewed at:  http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/waterbody-management-plans-inland. 
 
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-3066.