Hurry Up: Lake Bistineau Drawdown Ends in Two Weeks

Very soon the water will again rise to fill the vacated space once belonging to the banks of Lake Bistineau.

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If you have a duck blind, boat ramp or any type of property on Lake Bistineau in Northwest Louisiana, you've only got a couple of weeks to handle any last-minute preparations before the flood gates are again closed as the annual de-watering of Lake Bistineau will come to an end.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) 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.

Since the 15th will fall on a Saturday this year, it's reasonable to assume the actual date will be two weeks from today on or around Monday, November 17.

The drawdown, which began on August 11, was conducted to control the expansion of the invasive aquatic plant, giant salvinia.

LDWF maintains that these annual drawdowns are a necessary component of the overall LDWF integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve the Lake Bistineau sport fishery.

READ MORE: Youth Duck Season in Louisiana Starts This Saturday, Nov. 8

An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.  For a complete look at the Lake Bistineau Waterbody Management Plan, just go to wlf.louisiana.gov

As in previous years, the LDWF indicates that the closure of the gates at this time should allow the lake to reach full pool stage for traditional recreational activities in the spring.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-5294.