Bayou Haystackers Paddling Club

🌊 𝗛𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁–𝗡𝗼𝘃. 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

To help manage invasive aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat, LDWF and St. Martin Parish Government are working together on a scheduled drawdown of Henderson Lake.

💧 Due to the recent record-setting rainfalls in St. Landry and Avoyelles Parishes, and the resulting floodwater that was diverted into Henderson Lake, water levels in the lake are still high. Therefore, the start date for the drawdown will not occur at the beginning of August as it has in the past; it will begin once water levels reach pool stage (9.0 feet MSL at the USGS Lake Pelba gauge). Once underway, water levels will gradually decrease to 3 feet below pool stage before refilling begins Nov. 2.

🎣 Benefits include:
✅ Improved fisheries habitat
✅ Better spawning conditions
✅ Reduced overabundant aquatic vegetation
✅ A healthier predator-prey balance for fish populations

🚤 During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake from the private ramps along the southern levee. Boaters should use caution, as lower water levels may expose underwater obstructions, and Silver Carp activity may increase around moving boats.

Houseboat owners should take precautions as soon as possible.

Appropriate herbicide applications will continue during the drawdown period.

Learn more about Henderson Lake management plans: https://buff.ly/izTGG32

🌊 Chicot Lake Drawdown Scheduled for Fish Habitat Improvement 🐟🌿

LDWF has scheduled a drawdown on Chicot Lake in Evangeline Parish for fish habitat improvement, organic reduction, and nuisance aquatic vegetation control.

📅 Key Dates:
🔹 Sept. 8, 2026: Water control structure opens
🔹 Lake will lower about 1.5 inches per day to 3 feet below normal pool stage
🔹 Jan. 4, 2027: Control gates close, allowing the lake to refill in time for spring fish spawning

⚠️ Boaters: Please use caution during the drawdown, as low water levels may expose stumps and other underwater hazards.

This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s plan to improve fish habitat for better fish production, improve access for recreational activities, and control nuisance aquatic vegetation growth. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.

For more information, contact Brad Launey at [email protected] or (337) 735-8712.

Let’s welcome our newest member Jarrod.

This is a fun paddle.

Shake Your Trail Feather Paddle Parade A Paddle Parade and party in celebration of the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail.

Hotter than … put your answer in the comments. The club paddled Saturday and even with an early start it was HOT!