LDWF plans lowering of False River

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in partnership with the False River Watershed Council and Pointe Coupee Parish Government, has scheduled a lowering of the False River to begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Lowering is used as a management tool to improve water quality, reduce sediment impacts, and enhance sportfish habitat. Since restoration efforts began in 2014, including the implementation of lowering and watershed improvements, LDWF biological samples have noted positive responses from the Largemouth Bass population. LDWF recommends lowering the False River every 3 years, with the last lowering conducted in the winter of 2021-2022.

The lake will be lowered at a rate of 1.5 inches per day to a maximum of 6 feet below the 16-foot pool level. The lowering structure is expected to close on January 15, 2025, and the lake will be allowed to refill. Property owners should take steps to secure or remove any watercraft, floating docks, or other items that may be affected by the lowering before it begins. The lake will remain open for fishing and other recreational use during the lowering. However, boaters should exercise caution during the low water period as the navigation channels do not provide normal clearance from underwater structures.

For more information about the reduction, contact Brian Heimann, LDWF Biologist Manager, at [email protected] or (225) 765-2337.