The images contained within this gallery were captured in October of 2017. I wish to express a special thanks to Billy and Dottie Carter for their hospitality as well as extensive access to to lake. Caddo Lake is situated on the northern Texas and Louisiana border. The western side of the lake is featured in the images shown. As road access is limited, the best way to see the lake is by shallow bottom boats. Billy and his staff run tours out of Johnson's Ranch Marina, the oldest inland marina in Texas. His modified extended propellers boats are ideal for the narrow and shallow channels.
Since 2006, the lake has experienced an invasive species problem with rapid growth of Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) that has choked waterways as well as limited recreational access. It is a free floating plant from South America commonly used in fresh water aquatic fish tanks. In Caddo Lake the growth has impacted local wildlife negatively also. Eradication measures have been put in place but have failed to fully resolve the problem. One measure has been to introduce weevils from South America that naturally keep growth in check but the numbers required for an impact are realistically unobtainable. More damaging in the long-term, I witnessed an air-boat crew every morning applying an aquatic mixture of Roundup to the floating masses of Giant Salvinia. As we know Glyphosate, the active component in Roundup has been proven as a known carcinogen. I fear for the long term health of this amazing lake. It is truly a unique place that I encourage everyone to visit to fully appreciate.