Grand Bayou Reservoir drawdown to combat invasive species

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in partnership with the John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District, has announced a scheduled drawdown of the Grand Bayou Reservoir in Red River Parish. The initiative aims to improve fisheries habitat and control the spread of giant salvinia, an invasive, fast-growing aquatic fern.

The drawdown is intended to reduce organic buildup on the lake bed, manage nuisance aquatic vegetation, and facilitate physical repairs to reservoir structures. The water control structure is scheduled to open on September 8, with water levels expected to decrease at a rate of 4 to 10 inches per day. The target water level is 134.5 feet above mean sea level, which is 4 feet below the normal pool stage.

Control gates are scheduled to close on January 4, 2027, to allow the reservoir to refill for spring recreation. During the process, approximately 2,100 acres of open water will remain. Boaters can still access the reservoir via Grand Bayou Resort, though caution is advised due to potential obstructions.