Drawdown of Henderson Lake in Atchafalaya Basin Begins August 5

Do you remember last year driving over the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and seeing little to no water over much of the swamp? Many of us do and boy was it eery.

The reason for that was a drawdown of the lake. And that's going to happen again real soon.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that a scheduled drawdown of Henderson Lake in St. Martin Parish will begin on Monday, August 5, 2024.

What is the reason for the drawdown of Henderson Lake?

This long-standing collaboration between LDWF and the St. Martin Parish Government helps manage aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat.

One of the main aquatic vegetation that needs to be managed is hydrilla. Those plants regerminate in September and October, so the drawdown comes at a perfect time to help eradicate this species of aquatic vegetation.

Additionally, the drawdown will help out the lake's fish population by promoting a "balanced predator-prey relationship," where forage fish are more available to predator species.

The dewatering will also improve the spawning habitat by promoting the decomposition and dying of organic materials such as leaf litter and submerged vegetation.

Houseboat owners should take precautions.

Houseboat owners on Henderson Lake are encouraged to take any necessary precautions as soon as possible.

The LDWF had this to say to houseboat owners:

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.