HENDERSON — St. Martin Parish has scheduled a drawdown of Henderson Lake to help manage invasive aquatic vegetation and improve fisheries habitat, based on recommendations from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The drawdown began Aug. 24 after high water levels delayed the usual early August start. Record-setting rainfall in St. Landry and Avoyelles parishes sent floodwater into the lake through the Bayou Courtableau Drainage structure, keeping water levels elevated from June through August.

Once the southern control structure gates are open, the lake will lose 2 to 4 inches of water per day. It will drop to 3.0 feet below pool stage or 6.0 feet mean sea level at the US Geologic Survey Lake Pelba gauge.

The drawdown is set to wrap up Nov. 2, at which point the lake will be allowed to refill.

Houseboat owners are encouraged to take any necessary precautions as soon as possible. During the drawdown, boaters can access the lake from private ramps along the southern levee but should watch out for exposed obstructions and objects just under the water's surface.

Boaters should also be cautious about potential interactions with Silver Carp, as lower water levels are conducive to those fish jumping around moving vessels.

Beyond controlling overabundant aquatic vegetation, the drawdown is expected to benefit the lake's fish population by promoting a balanced predator-prey relationship, where forage fish are more available to predator species. It will also improve spawning habitat by promoting the decomposition, drying and compaction of organic materials such as leaf litter and submerged vegetation.

Herbicide applications will continue throughout the drawdown period.

For vegetation-related questions, contact Ryne Menard, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Aquatic Plant Control Biologist Manager, at 337-735-8719. For fisheries-related questions, contact Brac Salyers, LDWF Biologist Manager, at 337-735-8711.