08/09/2026
๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ-๐๐๐ด๐๐๐โ๐ก๐ผ๐. ๐ฎ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ
To help manage invasive aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat, LDWF and St. Martin Parish Government are working together on a scheduled drawdown of Henderson Lake.
๐ง Due to the recent record-setting rainfalls in St. Landry and Avoyelles Parishes, and the resulting floodwater that was diverted into Henderson Lake, water levels in the lake are still high. Therefore, the start date for the drawdown will not occur at the beginning of August as it has in the past; it will begin once water levels reach pool stage (9.0 feet MSL at the USGS Lake Pelba gauge). Once underway, water levels will gradually decrease to 3 feet below pool stage before refilling begins Nov. 2.
๐ฃ Benefits include:
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Improved fisheries habitat
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Better spawning conditions
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Reduced overabundant aquatic vegetation
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A healthier predator-prey balance for fish populations
๐ค During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake from the private ramps along the southern levee. Boaters should use caution, as lower water levels may expose underwater obstructions, and Silver Carp activity may increase around moving boats.
Houseboat owners should take precautions as soon as possible.
Appropriate herbicide applications will continue during the drawdown period.
Learn more about Henderson Lake management plans: https://buff.ly/izTGG32
