LDWF Schedules Lake Bistineau Drawdown to Fight Giant Salvinia
The dreaded announcement was just released by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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 this year's drawdown will 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.
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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 30, 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."
This year, extended use of the lake at full pool stage was possible due to successful vegetation management and control efforts by LDWF staff and herbicide application by contractors over the first half of the year, as well as favorable weather conditions.
Contracted herbicide applications over the course of approximately 120 days has occurred on the lake so far this growing season, treating an estimated 4,900 acres of vegetation at a cost of approximately $514,000. In addition to herbicide applications, LDWF staff have released over 37,000 giant salvinia weevils into portions of the lake difficult to access with spray equipment.