The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in agreement with a motion passed by the Bayou Pierre Game and Fish Preserve Commission, has scheduled a drawdown of Clear-Smithport Lake (Desoto Parish) for giant salvinia control, organic sediment reduction, and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is timed to reduce the further expansion of salvinia as late summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.
The water control structure is scheduled to open on September 15, 2025, and the lake should dewater at a rate of two to four inches per day. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of approximately four feet below normal pool stage to a target level of 127.6 MSL. The Clear-Smithport control gates are scheduled for closure on December 15, 2025, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities. Target exposure at 127.6 MSL is two months or longer.
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. 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/aquatic-vegetation-control-plans. For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist Manager, at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.