The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is delaying the start of a previously scheduled drawdown of Lake Bistineau, located in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes. The drawdown, originally set to begin on July 28, will instead begin August 11, 2025. The delay will provide extended use of the lake at full pool stage. The delay was possible due to successful vegetation management and control efforts by LDWF staff and herbicide application contractors over the last few months, as well as favorable weather conditions this past winter and late spring. As many in the public have noted, the majority of the lake has been free from heavy accumulations of giant salvinia this summer.
The lake is expected to dewater at a rate of four to six inches per day until it reaches a maximum drawdown level of eight feet below pool stage. This rate may vary depending on rainfall in the surrounding watershed. The drawdown structure will be closed on or around November 15, 2025, allowing the lake to refill during the waterfowl season and ahead of early spring recreational use.
Drawdowns are a key component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to address the overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and improve sportfish habitat. Contracted herbicide application of approximately 90 days has occurred on the lake so far in 2025. However, the rapid expansion of giant salvinia is likely to outpace herbicide control efforts as the summer continues. The drawdown will allow late-summer heat to desiccate salvinia once those plants are stranded on the dry lakebed during the drawdown. Seasonal water level fluctuations can simulate natural overflow cycles, benefiting both the ecosystem and recreational fishing. Herbicide treatments will continue throughout the two-week delay and during the drawdown period.
Approximately 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake during the drawdown. Public boat access will still be available at the following launches:
- Port of Bistineau Launch
- Bossier Public Launch
- Grice’s Landing
- Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch
Boaters are advised to use caution, as submerged hazards may not be clearly marked and normal boat lane clearance will be reduced during low water levels.
The Lake Bistineau Waterbody Management Plan is available at:
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/inland-waterbody-management-plans
For more information, contact:
Jeff Sibley
Biologist Manager, LDWF
Email: jsibley@wlf.la.gov
Phone: 318-371-5294