The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Rapides Parish Police Jury have scheduled a drawdown on Indian Creek Lake in Rapides Parish for hydrilla control, organic reduction and fish habitat improvement.
The lake should dewater at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per day once the water control structure opens on September 6, 2016. Initially the lake will be lowered to 6 feet below pool stage to allow for a vegetation survey. If necessary, the lake will be lowered an additional 2 feet to a maximum of 8 feet below normal pool stage . The Indian Creek lake control gates are scheduled for closure on December 15, 2016 to allow the lake to refill for winter and early spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, approximately 1,500 - 1,600 acres of water will remain in the lake.. Boaters may still access the main waterbody from the ramp on Indian Creek Recreational Area. Boaters are advised to use caution during the low water period as normal clearance of underwater obstructions will be reduced.
This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.
The current LDWF Indian Creek Management Plan can be viewed at: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/waterbody-management-plans-inland.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Rick McGuffee, LDWF Biologist, at rmcguffee@wlf.la.gov or (318) 487-5885.