Drawdown for Aquatic Vegetation Control Scheduled on Vernon Lake

Baton Rouge, Aug 12, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown for parish/state/landowner maintenance, fish habitat improvement and vegetation control on Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish. The drawdown is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026, and the control structure will be closed for refill during the first week of January 2027.

The lake level will be lowered to 8 feet below pool stage. This level is required to achieve the desired benefits to the fishery and to allow access for maintenance to private and public property. 

This action is part of an effort between LDWF and the Vernon Parish Police Jury/Vernon Lake Commission to establish a schedule for drawdowns on Vernon Lake. Under this schedule, Vernon Lake would be drawn down every 7 years for maintenance to the dam, spillway and boat ramps, vegetation control, and fisheries habitat improvement (compaction of bottom sediments).

Although the lake will not be closed to fishing, caution is advised of boaters during the low water period, as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Beau Gregory, LDWF Biologist Manager, at bgregory@wlf.la.gov (337) 491-2217.