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Home > Current News > 2005

News: 2005

Lake Bistineau to Undergo Second Consecutive Drawdown for Fisheries Habitat Improvement
Posted: 6/22/05

Lake Bistineau, a 17,200-acre lake in Bossier, Bienville and Webster parishes, is scheduled to undergo the second in a series of possibly three consecutive drawdowns in an effort to improve fisheries habitats.

This year's drawdown will begin on July 15 and will run through Jan. 31, 2006, at which time the gates will be closed and the lake allowed to refill. During the drawdown, the lake will dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day until it is lowered to 7 feet below normal pool stage.

Over the years, accumulations of leaf litter and other vegetation have built up a large amount of organic matter on the lakebed. The results has been the loss of spawning habitat for sport fish such as largemouth and spotted bass, crappie and bream.

The first drawdown took place last year with good results. Significant habitat improvements were noted and the drawdowns have improved boating access due to the reduction of submerged vegetation. The effects of the drawdown on the fisheries habitat, fish population and aquatic vegetation coverage will be evaluated annually.

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