re: 2014 lake drawdowns

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Now the state has it drained and plan to make some more boat lanes, clear some stumps and whatnot, flood and restock it. It should be a good deal, they just don't seem to be in much of a hurry to get started on it.

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It's a shame really. By the looks of it, it will be another 20 years before Bussey is back. That lake was incredible for catching 5 to 8 pound bass back in the 80's. Zara Spook over the grass or bumping buzz baits against the stumps -- good times.

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Surprised Grand Bayou is on that list. Hope it doesn't hurt the fishing, that place was on fire last spring.

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My sentiment exactly. Didn't know it had a problem. Could be preventative to ensure a bad situation doesn't occur. The lake it deep enough that it shouldn't have any effect on the fish populations unless they really drain it.

I was curious about Grand Bayou also. It looks like they did an 8ft drawdown in 2006 and a 7ft drawdown in 2008 due to a bad hydrilla problem.

I was out there about 2 months ago and it seemed fine, I guess it is preventative like they have done on Darbonne in the near past.

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Although landowners like constant levels, they aren't necessarily good for the impoundments, according to Mike Wood, inland fisheries biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

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This is what happened to Lake Martin. They stopped doing drawdowns in the 90's because it was effecting the bird migrations. Fishing has gone downhill since then.

Talked with an older fella at work that said in the 80's and 90's the bass fishing was excellent in Lake Martin. And it wasn't uncommon for people to reel in an 8 pounder.

Hell ya looking good do you know how long until they are done?

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I was watching a TV show the other day where a lake in Florida had a cave open underneath it and it drained like a bathtub. The locals were picking up 10+lb largemouth out of the last bit of water left in the lake like it was nothing. Filling up the ice chest.

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then watch this.

LINK

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Cheniere

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You want to bring out the crazies in West Ouachita, just discuss the drawdown on Cheniere Lake.

They will call dad at all hours of the night about this. Bunch of old men that don't want that fishery to get better because they don't want more people wanting to fish "their" lake. That late is full of cypress and tupelo gum and when the OPPJ got money to cut canoe (and ka lanes the same crazies got mad about that.

It is the only lake other than Toledo Bend that has it's own dedicated fish nursery and has it's own dedicated group of crazies that try to fight any improvements to it.

Where is that AT? Saline weir?

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Saline weir?

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Yes, at Cross bayou/Diversion canal. I think, anyway.

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I believe all impoundments should be lowered on a regular basis. It's good for the lake. Staying at one level all the time is not.

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They have ruined D'Arbonne by dropping it too often. It takes 4 to 5 years for it to come back and then they drop it again. This fall and next spring should be very good though, it's 4 years since the last draw down.

Some lakes you have no choice like Cheniere the leaves are too thick on the bottom so the fish have no where to spawn. It has hurt the fishing though, not near as many big fish in the lake now.