The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in cooperation with the John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District, will begin a scheduled drawdown of Grand Bayou Reservoir in Red River Parish on Sept. 8. The drawdown is being conducted to improve fisheries habitat, control giant salvinia and allow for repairs to structures on the lake.

The reservoir will be lowered as much as four feet below normal pool stage, with water levels expected to fall approximately 4 to 10 inches per day. The control gates are scheduled to close Jan. 4, 2027, allowing the reservoir to begin refilling in preparation for early-spring recreational activities.

Approximately 2,100 acres of water will remain in open areas during the drawdown, and boat access will remain available from Grand Bayou Resort, located on the southwest side of the Hwy. 784 bridge. Boaters are urged to use extra caution as falling water levels may expose underwater obstructions and create navigation hazards. LDWF also advises that boaters will likely need to idle several hundred yards from the Grand Bayou Resort ramp before reaching deeper water.

Periodic drawdowns are an important part of managing the reservoir. Lower water levels can help reduce organic buildup on the lake bottom, control nuisance aquatic vegetation, recycle nutrients and encourage shoreline vegetation. Once the reservoir refills, that new vegetation can provide additional habitat for fish and other aquatic life.