Washington County Public Fishing Lake lowered to combat giant salvinia

Alabama wildlife officials have begun lowering the water level at Washington County Public Fishing Lake near Millry to help control giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant discovered there in 2024. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says the lake will remain open during the winter drawdown, while its Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division keeps water levels lowered through the season to expose and dry out salvinia along the shoreline. Crews will also treat plants floating on the surface with an aquatic herbicide. Anglers are advised to check ramp depth before launching and can contact the Fisheries Section at 334-242-3471 for more information.