The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown on Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish for nuisance aquatic vegetation control, organic reduction and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the amount of aquatic vegetation in the lake.
The water control structure is scheduled to open on September 6, 2022, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per day. The water will be lowered 2 to 3 feet below normal pool stage. The Lake Martin control gates are scheduled for closure on December 31, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early spring recreational activities. The lake is scheduled to return to pool stage by January 31, 2023, by pumping in water from Ruth Canal. Filling the lake at this time will ensure adequate water levels for springtime spawning.
During the drawdown, lake users are advised to use caution, as numerous obstructions normally not seen are present.
While the drawdown may impact navigation in parts of the southern end of the lake for duck hunters in late fall and winter, it is anticipated that hunting and fishing on the majority of the lake will not be affected. The lake will not be closed to fishing during this time.
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.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Daniel Hill, LDWF Biologist, at dhill@wlf.la.gov or (337) 735-8699.