The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Lake Bistineau in Webster, Bossier, and Bienville parishes to begin on August 12, 2026 for the purpose of reducing further expansion of the invasive aquatic plant, giant salvinia. Extensive efforts were undertaken this year by LDWF Inland Fisheries staff to slow the expansion of salvinia and allow the lake to remain at full pool stage for the maximum amount of summertime days. Despite these extensive control efforts, the rapid expansion of giant salvinia warrants the need for a drawdown at this time. This drawdown action is one component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation, improve and sustain access for recreational activities, and improve fisheries habitat.
Once the water control structure is opened, the lake should dewater at a rate of four to six inches per day. The water will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of eight feet below normal pool stage. This rate may vary depending on rainfall in the surrounding watershed. The drawdown structure will be closed on or around November 30, 2026, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early-spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, the late-summer heat will greatly assist control efforts by desiccating salvinia that has become stranded on the dry lakebed. Herbicide applications will continue during the drawdown to address giant salvinia in areas that will not fully dewater. Additionally, floating booms may be placed at strategic locations to help hold salvinia in areas where it is likely to be stranded on the dry lakebed…