The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau, located in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes, to help control the spread of giant salvinia. The drawdown will also enhance fish habitat and improve water quality by reducing excessive organic material on the lake bottom.

At LDWF’s request, the Department of Transportation and Development will open the water control structure on or around July 28, 2025. 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.

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:

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.

This drawdown is a key component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to address the overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and improve sportfish habitat. Although contracted herbicide application over nearly 70 days has occurred on the lake so far in 2025, the rapid expansion of giant salvinia has outpaced herbicide control efforts and the drawdown is necessary.  The drawdown date was chosen based on concerns of salvinia expansion, but also to allow the maximum amount of public use of the lake at full pool stage during the summer.  This date closely aligns with drawdown dates utilized in each of the last three years, and helps 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 drawdown period.

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