The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has organized a drawdown of Lake Bistineau in a strategic move to battle the infestation of giant salvinia, an aquatic menace choking the life from the lake. Set to commence on July 28, 2025, as reported by the LDWF, this procedure aims also to enhance fish habitat and bolster water quality by minimizing the buildup of organic debris along the lakebed.
The operation will begin effectively once the Department of Transportation and Development acquiesces to open the water control structure. The targeted depletion rate is projected to be four to six inches daily until the lake's level is reduced by eight feet below pool stage. Yet, this rate is subject to change, hinging on the rainfall received in the watershed area. Come November 15, 2025, the structure is slated to close, giving way for Lake Bistineau to slowly recover its volume priming it for the upcoming waterfowl season and spring recreation boom.
Despite the lake's water level taking a significant dip, around 10,000 acres will keep their aquatic status quo. The LDWF assures that public boat access will not be entirely off the table during this period, with several launches such as Port of Bistineau, Bossier Public Launch, Grice’s Landing, and the Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch remaining open. Boaters should proceed with caution, LDWF warns, as the lowered water levels may obscure submerged hazards normally visible and reduce the safe clearance in established boat lanes.
The necessity of the drawdown is underscored by the inadequacy of earlier attempts to curb salvinia through extensive herbicide applications across the span of nearly 70 days. The LDWF admits that the rapid proliferation of the weed has outstripped these efforts, making the drawdown an inevitable step. It is worth noting, the timing was also picked to limit interference with summer lake activities, and to utilize the late-summer heat to effectively desiccate the salvinia once stranded.
During the drawdown period, the LDWF plans to continue their herbicide treatment campaign to support the rejuvenation of Lake Bistineau.
