The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in conjunction with the False River Watershed Council and Pointe Coupee Parish Government, has scheduled a drawdown for False River to begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Water level reductions are utilized as a management tool to improve water quality, reduce the impacts of sedimentation, and improve sportfish habitat. Since lake restoration efforts began in 2014, including the implementation of drawdowns and watershed improvements, LDWF biological samples have noted positive responses from the Largemouth Bass population. LDWF recommends drawdowns for False River every 3 years, with the last drawdown having been conducted in the winter of 2021-2022.
The lake will be lowered at a rate of 1.5 inches per day to a maximum of 6 feet below the pool stage of 16 feet. The drawdown structure is scheduled to close on January 15, 2025, and the lake will be allowed to refill. Property owners should take necessary action to secure or remove vessels, floating docks, and other items potentially impacted by the drawdown prior to its commencement. The lake will remain open to fishing and other recreational use during the drawdown. However, caution is advised for boaters during the low water period, as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance of underwater structures.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Brian Heimann, LDWF Biologist Manager, at bheimann@wlf.la.gov, or (225) 765-2337.