Chico Lake drawdown scheduled

Water-control structures to be opened as part of vegetation-management plan, LDWF says

Chris Berzas

Water levels at Chicot Lake will be lowered as part of a vegetation-management plan by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Chicot Lake water-control structures will be opened in early September as part of an effort to manage the submerged vegetation on the reservoir, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.

Also part of the management plan is the application of herbicides and introduction of triplid grass carp, which are sterile, into the lake, the LDWF said.

Drawdowns on Chicot Lake will be conducted annually to mimic natural water fluctuation. The target level for this year’s drawdown is 2 feet below pool stage.

Future drawdowns will take the lake to 3 foot below pool stage.

The lake will not be closed to fishing during the drawdown, but caution is advised of boaters during the low -water period because lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.