Washington County Lake Drawdown Targets Giant Salvinia, but Lake Stays Open to Anglers
State wildlife officials are lowering Washington County Public Fishing Lake through the winter to kill invasive giant salvinia. The lake remains open, but boaters should check the water level at the ramp.
MILLRY, Ala. — A Washington County lake drawdown now underway is meant to kill an invasive floating plant around the shoreline of the state’s public fishing lake near Millry, but anglers will still be able to fish there through the winter, state wildlife officials said.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has started lowering the water at Washington County Public Fishing Lake so giant salvinia along the perimeter will dry out. The lake is at 809 State Lake Road, about 2 miles west of Millry.
The division said the water will stay down through the winter to make sure exposed plants are destroyed. Salvinia still floating on the surface will be treated separately with aquatic herbicide.
Boaters are the group most likely to notice the change. The department advises anglers planning to use the boat ramp to check whether the water is deep enough to launch their own boat before trying.
The division has been trying to remove the plant since it was found in the lake in 2024. The department describes giant salvinia as a fast-growing invasive species and one of the most aggressive aquatic plants, warning that if it goes unchecked it can take over aquatic ecosystems and hurt outdoor recreation.
