St. Francis Lake draw down and repairs

St. Francis Lake is being drawn down to make emergency repairs to an eroded area near the dam. The popular northeast Arkansas lake is located near Trumann in Poinsett County. Due to past flooding, significant erosion has occurred near the Payneway dam and the washout is allowing water to go around the structure.

Draw down of the lake began on Oct. 25 and will continue until the repair work is complete. The repair site is to the east of the dam. During the Oct. 25 AGFC commission meeting, a minute order was passed for $138,500 to repair the area. A contractor for the AGFC has begun the repair work with completion expected in December weather permitting.

The eroded area is preventing the AGFC from holding water and following the WMA’s normal flooding routine. As soon as possible, the AGFC will begin raising water levels in preparation for waterfowl season.

St. Francis Lake is a large open expanse of water that is actually a wide part of the St. Francis River. The lake is fairly shallow due to accelerated silt deposits over the years, but still provides good catfish, bass, bream and crappie fishing. Access to the lake may be obtained from either the Siphons Access or Oak Donnick Access.