And Here We Go Again! Lake Bistineau Drawdown Date Just Announced

The dreaded announcement was just released by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

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Much to the chagrin of property owners and any that enjoy the watersports on the lake, they will soon pull the plug on our beloved Lake Bistineau and it won't be long until the lake is reduced to Bayou Dorcheat and an assortment of swamp-like areas.

In the seemingly never-ending battle with Giant Salvinia, LDWF has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau, located in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes, to begin in just a couple of weeks.

When Exactly Will LDWF Begin To Drawdown Lake Bistineau?

In their announcement, LDWF states they have requested for the Department of Transportation and Development to open the water control structure on or around July 28.

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.

LDWF Has Scheduled To Close The Gates To Allow The Lake To Refill In November

The drawdown structure will be closed on or around November 15, 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:

• 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.

Why Does LDWF Continue To Drawdown Lake Bistineau Every Year?

For any that might wonder why LDWF continues the annual drawdowns, we read in the announcement that, "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.

Herbicide treatments will continue throughout the drawdown period.