ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY) — The St. Martin Parish Government has scheduled a drawdown for Henderson Lake to manage aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat, authorities said.

The southern control structure gates will open on Monday, Aug. 4. The water level will fall at a rate of two to four inches per day until it reaches three feet below pool stage, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The reduction could be affected by local rainfall in the surrounding watershed, or by lingering high water levels in the Atchafalaya River, LDWF said. The drawdown will conclude on Monday, Nov. 3, at which time the lake will be allowed to refill.

The lake was last reduced in 2023, after a delay related to a project by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

Houseboat owners are encouraged to take any necessary precautions as soon as possible. During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake from the private ramps along the southern levee. Boaters should use caution as numerous obstructions will be exposed or may be present just under the water’s surface. 

Boaters should also be cautious about potential interactions with Silver Carp as the lower water levels are conducive to those fish jumping around moving vessels, LDWF said.

Officials said in addition to the control of overabundant aquatic vegetation, the drawdown will benefit the lake’s fish population by promoting a balanced predator-prey relationship, where forage fish are more available to predator species. The drawdown will also improve the spawning habitat by promoting the decomposition, drying and compacting of organic materials such as leaf litter and submerged vegetation.

For further information regarding the drawdown, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Brac Salyers at bsalyers@wlf.la.gov or (337) 735-8711.

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