The Lake Bistineau Party Continues: Drawdown Postponed!

Just a little more than a week ago, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced they would begin the drawdown of Lake Bistineau on July 28.

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They have apparently rethought their position on that and have just announced their intention to postpone the date for the annual "dewatering" of one of Northwest Louisiana's favorite lakes.

In that statement that was just released late yesterday, LDWF announced the decision to postpone the originally scheduled drawdown on July 28 to instead begin on August 11, 2025.

LDWF wrote that this 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."

Once the announcement by LDWF was made, positive comments from local Lake Bistineau enthusiasts flooded social media.

Toni wrote, "This is great news. I know everyone on the lake is happy to have Wildlife and Fisheries take a fresh look at the data and extend the season on Lake Bistineau. I am looking forward to next summer and being able to look at the results from delaying the drawdown. It may be possible to move the date back even further. This is a positive move in the right direction ! Thank you Wildlife and Fisheries !!!"

There was also a positive reaction from Sandi who commented, "We have beautiful clear water at our house. Thanks to everyone for showing their photos of the lake! Finally, somebody listened. I am so thrilled! I can hardly wait to call the fam."

Judith also let the world know of her excitement for this announcement, "I’m glad many spoke up. I know I did. Am ready to enjoy a few more weeks on the lake! Woohoo!"

Though the delay is only for a couple of weeks, that's two additional weeks of fishing, boating and water skiing in a lake full of water.

However, we must all face the inevitable truth that the annual drawdown is indeed coming. It just has a new start date of August 11. And once the gates are opened by LADOTD, 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.

LDWF adds that 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.