Visitors to Marsh Lake in the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area will see lowered water levels as the result of a drawdown planned for spring and summer 2026.
The intent of the drawdown is to improve habitat for fish and wildlife by increasing aquatic vegetation and improving water quality.
As of January 2026, water levels on Marsh Lake were just over 938 feet. The target elevation for this drawdown is 936 feet.
"A previous drawdown in 2019 and 2020 produced an abundance of emergent vegetation in the lake," said Walt Gessler, Lac qui Parle area wildlife manager. "Native vegetation reestablished where we had hoped and submergent vegetation showed steady improvement over the previous five years, which provided a tremendous benefit for clean water, fish and wildlife."
During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake only at the main river channel above and below the Louisburg Grade Bridge. Boating on the main part of Marsh Lake will be difficult during the summer, when water levels will be at their lowest. Boating conditions below the dam on Lac qui Parle Lake should not be affected and that area will remain open to boat traffic.
This drawdown plan relies on normal or below normal precipitation and is planned for only one growing season. Low water levels mimic drought conditions, which allows aquatic vegetation to grow. Once water levels rise, vegetation helps hold the lake bottom in place, resulting in clearer water. Exposed mudflats will also provide strong feeding conditions for migrating shorebirds, which should create excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The last drawdown spanned two growing seasons. A shorter drawdown of one growing season is not anticipated to result in as much emergent vegetation as the last drawdown, leaving more open water areas for hunter access.
After the lake is refilled, the plan calls for water levels to fluctuate naturally.
More information is available at the Lac qui Parle area wildlife page (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/lac_qui_parle_wma.html). Comments and questions can be sent to Walt Gessler at walt.gessler@state.mn.us.