KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & SportsHigh water temporarily closes boat launches on Red River

The Red River Waterway Commission officials say the public boat launching ramps on the Red River will continue to be closed in Caddo and Bossier Parishes for the next several days.

Officials say the Bishop Point boat ramp, located near Lock and Dam 5 on Highway 1 south of Shreveport, will remain open to the public however, fluctuating river levels may result in possible closure of the ramp. Heavy rainfall, in the Red River valley, has resulted in a rise in the river throughout southeast Oklahoma,northeast Texas, southwest Arkansas and portions of Louisiana.

Officials say as a result, the docks, which are a vital part of safely launching a boat into the river, will remain under water through much of the next few days. Launching a boat into the swift current, with floating debris is not recommended during this period of high water. Officials say that boaters wanting to use the boat ramps should monitor the status on the website indicated below.

The Red River is not closed to boat traffic. Boaters may want to contact the private marinas on the Red River to discuss launch conditions prior to arrival. The recreation areas will remain open, where possible; however, the boat launching lanes will be closed.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause to boaters and commercial fishermen wishing to utilize these facilities to access the Red River. The boat launches will be re-opened as soon as conditions permit the public to utilize the ramps safely.

For up-to-date information, visit www.redriverwaterway.com or call the Red River Waterway Commission at 318-352-7446 or 1-800-874-9431.

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