LDWF schedules drawdown on Spring Bayou

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury has scheduled a drawdown on Spring Bayou in Avoyelles Parish for nuisance aquatic vegetation control, organic reduction and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the amount of giant salvinia and Cuban bulrush in the lake.

The water control structure is scheduled to open on September 6, 2022, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per day. The water will be lowered to 2 feet below normal pool stage. The Spring Bayou control gates are scheduled for closure on December 31, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for winter and early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, lake users are advised to use caution, as numerous obstructions normally not seen are present.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Daniel Hill, LDWF Biologist, at dhill@wlf.la.gov or (337) 735-8699