The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announces a Drawdown Alert for Saline Lake, a popular fishing and camping location for residents of Jackson Parish, located between Winnfield and Natchitoches, LA.

In partnership with the Saline Game and Fish Preserve Commission, the LDWF has scheduled the drawdown for on or about July 13th to reduce the further expansion of giant salvinia, improve fish habitat, and reduce excess organic buildup.

According to the statement issued by the LDWF, the lake should dewater at a rate of 𝟰–𝟭𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆, with a maximum drawdown of 𝟴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲, depending on Red River Pool 3 water levels. The control gates are scheduled to close 𝗢𝗰𝘁. 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, allowing the lake to refill ahead of fall, winter, and early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬–𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗲. Boaters may still access the main lake from the 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗽 with small craft, but caution is advised due to exposed underwater obstructions.

Annual water level fluctuations help mimic natural lake cycles and support long-term habitat improvements while maintaining recreational opportunities. Learn more about the Saline Lake Management Plan at https://buff.ly/s4tdtQo.