Lake Bruin Lake Commission

03/07/2026

For those this may concern, the Lake Commission passed a resolution back in 2023 that addresses some of the derelict piers we have on the lake. This is just a copy of our resolution that we have been putting in our newsletter since it was passed.

01/28/2026

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12/09/2025

Just wanted to inform everyone that the lake is low right now due to lack of rain and a low river. When the river is low it literally sucks the water from the lake due to the elevation of the lake compared to the river against the levee the same way we get sand boils that brings the river into the lake. The lake commision voted to open the gates on May 5 and they were closed on May 12 2025 with the lake level of 62.5” which is 4” above pool stage. The gates have been closed since then and will remain closed. I hope this clears up any confusion for everyone this concerns.
Thanks and Merry Christmas Lake Bruin!

11/23/2025

09/02/2025

Lake Bruin State Park was happy to host Tensas 4H for swimming and kayaking this weekend!
https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-bruin-state-park

12/11/2023

The Lake Bruin Lake Commission would like to recognize Steve Maynord (President) and Ron Wilhite Vice President) for their years of dedicated service to our community. They were presented with a plaque at our last commission meeting. We appreciate their service on the board.

New officers as of January 1, 2024:

Robert Netterville - President
Bryan Marchand - Vice President
Mike Thompson - Treasurer
Brooke Sprillars - Secretary

Board members:

Kellon Lee
Frank Hardison
Jim Bickley
Kim Leblanc

08/11/2022

Aquatic Vegetation Control in Lake Bruin and Brushy Lake

-People who fish generally want vegetation in our lake. Swimmers- not at all. Amount and type of aquatic vegetation in Lake Bruin varies from year to year in what almost seems haphazard. Water clarity is one of many factors affecting vegetation. Clear water promotes deep pe*******on of sunlight and increased growth of submerged aquatic vegetation species. The Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) considers the current aquatic vegetation coverage in Lake Bruin desirable for fisheries benefits and it really is only affecting a small percentage of the lake. But LDWF and the Lake Commission understand that it is an inconvenience for some.
-Neither the LDWF nor the Lake Commission control aquatic vegetation around people’s piers for the purposes of boat access, swimming, or aesthetics. This has always been the responsibility of the pier owners. The LDWF supports the rights of the pier owners to use chemicals and other methods to remove vegetation around their piers if pier owners are using EPA approved products. Commercially available hand rakes that are dragged along the lake bottom can be effective around piers. Ryan Daniel (LDWF biologist for Lake Bruin) said that if anyone has questions, they are welcome to call him at 318- 343-4044 (ext 3), and he will help with what chemicals can be used for different types of vegetation. Ryan stated that copper sulfate, that has been used for years in Lake Bruin, is an EPA approved product.
-We currently have southern naiad in some parts of the lake and the following website provides guidance on control. LDWF emphasizes it is a legal requirement to follow the directions on the product label. https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/management-options/southern-naiad/
-The LDWF tries to maintain an open boating lane along the length of Brushy Lake by spraying EPA approved herbicides. This has become increasingly difficult as sedimentation reduces depths in Brushy Lake that results in increased growth of vegetation. The LDWF does not control vegetation along Choctaw Bayou (the channel between the main lake and our structure near US65 on the west side of the lake) or along any other canals intersecting the lake. The Lake Commission does not control vegetation anywhere in the lake but contacts LDWF when vegetation becomes excessive in the boating access lane in Brushy Lake.

Learn more about How to Control Southern Naiad (Bushy Pondweed). View plant photos, descriptions, maps, treatment options, and more.

07/08/2022

The Lake Commission has rescheduled a drawdown for Lake Bruin to begin this year on September 1, 2022 rather than September 1, 2023. This was done to increase the chances of a successful drawdown. At Lake Bruin, a successful drawdown is a 4 to 5 ft drop of the lake level. Drawdowns are heavily dependent on the weather, primarily rainfall between September 1 and about November 15. If too much rain occurs, a 4 to 5 ft drawdown of the lake is impossible. Tropical storms with large rainfall are almost certain to prevent a 4 to 5 ft drawdown. Drawdowns also depend on the channel downstream of our lake. It is possible that obstructions in the channel will have to be removed as the drawdown occurs.

The Lake Commission will open the gates on September 1 and closely monitor the drop of the lake and the rainfall amounts. If it becomes obvious that a 4 to 5 ft drawdown cannot be projected to happen by November 15, the drawdown will be terminated by closing the gates and the drawdown will be rescheduled for September 1, 2023. As an example, if a tropical storm occurs in late September and refills the lake, the drawdown will be terminated in late September and rescheduled for next year. We believe that by planning to do the drawdown in one of the next two years, the likelihood of having weather that allows a successful drawdown will increase.

The concrete bottom of our structure prevents drawdowns of greater than about 5-ft. The lake will remain lowered until December 15, 2022 at which time the gates will be closed. The drawdown is being conducted as a recommendation by LDWF for fisheries improvement and will give homeowners the opportunity to conduct shoreline and property maintenance. LDWF recommends a 5 year cycle for drawdowns on Lake Bruin and the Lake Commission has adopted that. The last full drawdown on Lake Bruin was completed in 2011, with an attempted drawdown in 2018 being compromised by excessive rainfall. Previous drawdowns on Lake Bruin have proven to be beneficial to gamefish populations. Exposing the lake bottom to air helps reduce layers of organic “muck” that accumulate over time and typically results in increased nesting success. Some reduction in aquatic vegetation is expected from a drawdown.

All homeowners are advised to take appropriate measures as boat access into the lake will be limited. Boat lift cables may not be long enough to lower boats, assuming there is adequate depth in your boat stall with the lake lowered 4 to 5 ft. Boat ramps may not be functioning and you should consider removing your boat from the lake prior to the drawdown.

06/13/2022

No Wake Zone.

Boating between the buoys and the shoreline is open to everyone, but due to safety and protection of piers and shorelines, you must travel slow enough to not make a wake. As it says on the white buoys, “Slow No Wake”.

Lake Bruin Ordinance 2012-5-1 (2015 Revision) designates this as a “…no wake/idle speed area at all times…”. Penalty for violation: a fine of not more than $300, or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both.
Thank you, Lake Bruin Lake Commission

05/26/2022

On Wednesday May 25 at about 9:30 AM, Lake Bruin had a significant wind storm, possibly a Tornado that did damage beginning at the Fish Tale area and along Hwy 604 and along the east side of the lake. Piers, houses, boat houses and boats were damaged and resulted in a significant amount of debris in the lake. Boaters and swimmers should be cautious because the debris often has nails, sharp edges, and can be difficult to see. The lake commission will remove debris from the lake.