The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Clear-Smithport Lake (DeSoto Parish) for giant salvinia control, organic reduction, fish habitat improvement and structural assessment. The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of salvinia as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.
The water control structure is scheduled to be opened on July 1, 2020, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 2-4 inches per day depending on operational status of the gates. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of approximately 4 feet below normal pool stage to a target level of 127.6 MSL. The Clear-Smithport control gates are scheduled for closure on December 1, 2020, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, an estimated 600-700 acres of water will remain in open areas of each lake. Boaters may still access the main waterbody from the 509 Bridge DeSoto Parish Ramp with small craft only. Caution is advised when on the water, as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen are present.
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 Clear-Smithport Aquatic Vegetative Management Plan can be viewed at: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/freshwater-inland-fish/3.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist Manager, at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. LDWF receives no state general funding and depends on license sales as a major funding source. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.