The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is announcing that the current drawdown on Bayou D’Arbonne Lake in Union Parish will be extended until Dec. 16, 2024. The drawdown, which began on September 3, was originally scheduled to end on November 15. The lake reached a level of 5 feet below pool stage in early October and has remained near that level due to lack of rainfall.

This extension was requested by the Bayou D’Arbonne Lake Watershed District to allow for completion of maintenance projects at various boat launch sites and for homeowners to complete repairs to seawalls and piers. LDWF agreed to the extension, as it should provide further benefit to the fishery and to the reduction of nuisance aquatic vegetation, especially giant salvinia.

The lake will remain open to fishing during the reminder of the drawdown. Caution is advised for boaters during the low water period as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions. Boat launches that remain open include: Jake’s, Hwy. 2, Hog Pen, Gill’s Ferry and the north spillway launch.

For more information about Lake D’Arbonne, please refer to the Lake D’Arbonne Management Plans (Parts A, B, & C) or contact Ryan Daniel in the LDWF Monroe office at (318) 343-4044.