TPWD 1956 F-5-R-3 #248: Inventory of Species Present in Lake Brownwood, Brownwood, Texas: Job Completion Report, Project No. F5R3

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT STATE OF TEXAS roject No. F5R3 Name Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B. Job No. B-5 Title Inventory of Species Present in Lake Brownwood, Brownwood, Texas. Period Covered: June 22, 1953 - May 1, 1956 ABSTRACT 1. One hundred and eight-five gill net. sets were made, sixty-eight seining col- lections taken, and water analysis was done periodically during the thirty-six month in- ventory period. 2. Significant fluctuations in the elevation and capacity of the reservoir, re- sulted in it losing and regaining about 41.18 percent of its most productive area during inventory. 3. Temperatures recorded were less extreme than records would indicate during an average thirty-six month period, and there was a gradual reduction in the total hardness of the lakes water. h, Excepting bullrushes in the upper lake; there is no permanent aquatic veg- etation in Lake Brownwood. 5. Thirty-six species representing eleven families were taken during inventory 3,487 individuals were captured in gill nets and 4,708 individuals were taken and released hy seining. 6. White bass are the most important game species in Lake Brownwood, and are dependent upon spring run-off for successful spawning. 7. Largemouth bass are probably prevented from spawning effectively by seasonal fluctuations in the reservoir level. 8. White crappie are apparently semi-dependent upon fall insect production for rapid growth. g. All available evidence indicates that sunfishes should be considered in a forage capacity rather than as game fish. 10. River carpsuckers were the least affected of any species by reservoir con- ditions, were of no apparent utility as forage for game species. This species was obser- ved spawning following every significant increase in the lake level from March to November. 11. Gizzard shad were the most important forage species, and as such are of basic importance in any proposed management procedures. OBJECTIVES To determine the species present, their relative abundance and to determine the ecological factors influencing their distribution. --- Page 2 --- PROCEDURE One hundred and eighty-five nets were set at twenty-nine locations in Lake Brownwood. Experimental nylon gill nets, measuring 125 feet long by 8 feet in depth, and made up in five, 25 feet sections were used. Mesh size for these nets increased progressively in each following section at one-half inch intervals beginning with one- inch mesh and terminating with a three-inch mesh section. Sixty-eight seining collections were made at sixteen seining stations in the reservoir. In nearly all collections both 26 feet é inch mesh bag seines and 15 feet % inch common sense seines were used. To estimate relative abundance a count was made of all individuals taken in two hauls with a 26 feet + inch bag seine for each collec- tion. In addition to that work other seining collections were made to determine sea- sonal distribution of species and to secure samples of fry after the spring spawning season for fishes. For this latter work 4 feet common sense with meshes of vf inch and 1/16 inch were used. Water analysis to determine dissolved carbon dioxide and oxygen content was taken periodically and surface temperature, pH and the climatic conditions were recorded for each netting and seining collection. Turbidity was taken on seven occasions. In netting collections samples from each collection for each species were weighed, measured and sexed in the field. A scale sample was taken and stomachs con- taining food were preserved for laboratory study. Similar work for seining collections included identification and counting only and where identity of an individual was ques- tioned the fish was preserved in 10% formalin. FINDINGS Lake Brownwood is located approximately 8.5 miles north of the City of Brown- wood. The dam creating the reservoir is located about one-half mile below the confluence of Jim Ned Creek and Pecan Bayou, is earth fill construction and 1,580 feet long. The reservoir was constructed by Brown County Water Improvement District and the impounded water is primarily for the municipal and industrial consumption of Brownwood, Coleman and Bangs. However, about five-thousand acres are irrigated either directly or by sub- surface seepage from the reservoir. When at emergency spillway level, the lake has 8,000 surface acres and contains an estimated 137,300 acre feet of water. When filled the lake has about 95 miles of shoreline. The contributing watershed of 1,535 square miles in Coleman, Breckenridge and Capps limestone formation and top soils are usually alluvial deposits near streamways and various clays, loams and sands on higher ground. There are fifty different soil types in the county. Vegetative cover for the watershed is predominantly oak-grassland association, and the area is currently employed for farming with a lesser acreage for ranching. Climate for the watershed is semi-arid. The average annual rainfall is 27.44 inches, and the average annual discharge for Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek is 166 c. f. s. A maximum discharge of 52,700 c. f. s. was recorded in October 1930 and recent averages were 20.8 c. f. s. for 1953 and 4.96 c. f. s. for 1952. On May 2, 1956 26,500 c. f. s. discharge was recorded for a three hour peak, and this run-off decreased to an wnrecord- able quantity within fourteen days. Lake Brownwood may be considered to be about twenty-five years old, having filled as a result of floodwaters in July 1932. The reservoir can be drained by two twelve-foot (horseshoe-~shaped) reinforced concrete conduits. RESERVOIR CONDITIONS DURING INVENTORY PERIOD --- Page 3 --- Capacity and Fluctuation: From August 1953 when the lake level was at mean elevation 1423 and the res- ervoir contained 133,000 acre feet storage until work was terminated in March 1956 when the lake level was at elevation 1425 and impounded about 138,000 acre feet of water; significant fluctuation in the lake was one of the most important influences on fish populations. The extent of this influence will be discussed later under, Fish Popula- tions. However, the potential significance of such fluctuations may be here illustrated by the surface area of the reservoir at elevation 1425 (about 8,500 surface acres) as compared to its area of about 5,000 surface acres at elevation 1417.2. This last ele- vation was the minimum record during: inventory, and occurred in July 1954. The lake capacity was about 80,000 acre feet at the minimum lake level. Other considerations not taken into account, Lake Brownwood lost and regained about 41.18 percent of its biologically most-productive area during the time this work was done. The following chart is more detailed data on capacity and fluctuation during the inventory period. Capacity and Fluctuation in Lake Brownwood Year February March April May November Oc cm pen a i ti El. 1418 1425 1953 SA. 5 ,800 7,584 AF 95,000 138,000 El. 142k 1422 1954 SA. 7,500 6, 800 AF 135,000 110,000 El. 1420 1417 1955 SA. 6,130 5,500 AF 105,370 80,000 i Symbols ; El. - mean elevation SA. - Surface acres AF. ~ Acre feet capacity Note ; In the fall of 1956 the reservoir was returned to spillway capacity and receded only 2 feet by March 1956. Temperature, Turbidity and Water Quality: The following data was taken during inventory, and is taken in part from records of Brown County Water Improvement District. These measurements were taken at Brownwood dam and were usually recorded between 6:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. All measure- ments recorded by personnel working on this project were usually taken between 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M.; however, air temperature was recorded on at least two occasions as late as 12:00 noon. Measurements were taken at Gaines Boat Docks on the south shore of the lake near the dam. --- Page 4 --- Temperature: Year Month Temperature of Surface Water (F) Air Teuparabane (F) Min. Max. Avg. Min. Max. Avg. eee 1953 January hy 56 52 25 64. 53 1953 February 36 56 50 28 68 52 1953 March 50 58 53 53 69 63 1953 April 50 58 54 56 , 70 65 1953 May 68 Te 70 80 gh 89 1953 June Th 84 78 82 108 98 1953 July 82 8h 19 92 102 98 1953 August 78 80 79 88 gh 90 1953 September 76 80 78 92 106 96 1953 October 70 76 T2 74 en 82 1953 November 64. 68 66 50 76 64 1953 December 50 76 64 64. 68 66 1954 January 50 60 57 yy 64 58 1954 February 46 51 50 34 70 60 1954 March 50 55 51 36 75 70 1954 April (No Data) - - - - ~ ws 1954 May (No Data) - - - - - - 1954 June 80 86 83 - - 90-95 1954 July 82 86 84 - - = 1954 August 8h. 88 86 - = 8 1954 September 78 86 82 72 87 8h 1954 October Th 80 76 59 78 64 1954 November 70 73 71 48 7TH 64 1954 December (No Data) - - - 7 3 1955 January yy 58 54 28 70 50 1955 February 46 66 56 29 64. 50 1955 March 54 66 60 5h 78 64 1955 April 58 66 60 68 90 80 1955 May 66 72 68 98 98 98 1955 June (No Data) - - - - 1955 July 70 15 TH 80 oh 86 1955 August 72 76 73 86 100 oh 1955 September 68 TH 70 82 96 90 1955 October (No Data) - - - - = 1955 November 56 66 59 54 oh 72 1955 December 64. 68 66 - - - 1956 March 60 62 61 62 70 63 1956 April 66 68 67 4O 86 70 1956 May 65 69 68 65 92 8h 1956 June 72 80 7h 76 91 85 1956 July 82 86 84 80 89 85 1956 August (No Data) - - - - “ 1956 September 76 78 77 69 83 78 1956 October 70 76 TT 69 83 78 1956 November 66 70 69 28 78 60 1956 December 46 66 50 26 76 59 1957 January 56 58 57 - - - --- Page 5 --- Note: The temperatures recorded are less extreme than records would indicate for an average period. Water Analysis: Data for total hardness is from records by the Brown County Water Improvement District. Records for four analysis are not included as the results indicate faulty technique or improper standardization of reagents. Water Analysis - Lake Brownwood ; Turbidity Diss Year Month Air Temp.(F) Water Temp. (F) Inches pH 05 CO5 1953 October 80 val 8.4 7-5 8.0 1953 November 64 62 8.5 11.5 6.0 1954 January 54 57 8.2 14.5 0.0 1954 February 52 Ke) 8.2 15.0 1.0 1954 June 87 82 8.4 11.0 4.0 1954 August 82 85 8.6 7.0 6.0 1954 October Th 74 18 8.4 10.0 3.0 1955 February Ke) 51 18 8.4 12.0 0.0 1955 April 80 64 8.6 11.5 3.0 1955 July 82 72 12 8.7 10.4 3.6 955 November 78 60 12 8.4 11.5 2.0. 1956 March 68 61 18 8.4 13.5 8.5 1956 March 66 61 18 8.6 4.0 8.0 Total Hardness of Water (Alkalinity): Data in ppm. Month 1953 1954 1955 1956 oe ane are eee aac RT ent ineht enc, January . 133 130 116 116 February 130 132 117 118 March 130 132 119 120 April 133 106 119 120 May 131 115 118 93 June 130 105 118 83 July 127 106 117 86 August 133 107 118 93 September 131. LT 117 93 October 132 120 117 97 November 130 118 117 98 December 130 118 117 99 --- Page 6 --- 6. AQUATIC VEGETATION AND BOTTO” TYPES IN LAKE BROWNWOOD - Rushes Arrowheads Duckweed silt deposits Sa - sand or sand and clay cg - coarse gravel fg - fine gravel r -= rock Symbols: R A D s n wo an iS) On sa sa e ey cg SE sa sa D saxty D sa sa ; R --- Page 7 --- AQUATIC VEGETATION Principal species of aquatic vegetation in the upper lake shallow flats are bullrushes (Scirpus sp.), and along the south shore and in coves arrowheads (Sagitarria latifolia and 8. platyphylla) and pondweeds (Potomogeton natans and P. spirillus) are present in depths to eight feet. In several small protected areas, mainly boat docks artificially created, parrot feather (Myriophyllum sp.) and muskgrass (Chara sp.) occur. Because of semi-annual fluctuations in the lake level only bullrushes may be considered as semi-permanent; all others appeared to be seasonal in duration. FISH POPULATIONS Species Distribution: As shown in the following charts 4,708 individuals of thirty-seven species and representing eleven families were captured by seining during the thirty-six month period. Species and families recorded are: Checklist of Species Common Name Family Name Scientific Name Longnose gar Lepisosteidae Lepisosteus osseus Gizzard shad Clupeidae Dorosoma cepedianum Black buffalo Catastomidae Ictiobus niger Smallmouth buffalo Catastomidae Ictiobus bubalus ver carpsucker Catastomidae Carpiodes carpio uray redhorse sucker Catastomidae Moxostoma congestum Carp Cyprinidae Cyprinus carpio Golden shiner Cyprinidae Notemigonus crysoleéucas Plains shiner 7 Cyprinidae Notropis percobromus Texas shiner Cyprinidae Notropis amabilis Pallid shiner Cyprinidae Notropis amnis Spottail shiner Cyprinidae Notropis venustus Redhorse shiner Cyprinidae Notropis lutrensis Proserpine ‘shiner Cyprinidae Notropis proserpinus Mimic shiner Cyprinidae Notropis volucellus Plains minnow Cyprinidae Hybognathus placita Parrot minnow | Cyprinidae Pimephales vigilax Channel catfish Ameiuridae Ictalurus punctatus Yellow bullhead Ameiuridae Ictalurus natalis Flathead catfish Ameiuridae Pylodictus olivaris Blackstripe topminnow Cyprinodontidae Fundulus notatus Common mosquitofish Poeciliidae Gambusia affinis White bass Serranidae Rocecus chrysops Spotted bass Centrarchidae Micropterus treculi Largemouth bass Centrarchidae Micropterus salmoides Warmouth bass Centrarchidae Chaenobryttus gulosus Green sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis cyanellus Spotted sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis punctatus Redear sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis microlophus smngear sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis megalotis Bluegill Centrarchidae Lepomis macrochirus Yellowbelly sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis auritus --- Page 8 --- Common Name Family Name Scientific Name Orangespotted sunfish Centrarchidae Lepomis humilis White crappie Centrarchidae Pomoxis annularis Black crappie Centrarchidae Pomoxis nigromaculatus Logperch Percidae Percina caprodes Freshwater drum Sciaenidae Aplodinotus grunniens Logperch, Palid shiners, and Proserpine shiners were taken only from the extreme upper lake where the impounded water was retained in the original stream beds. The apparent migration of white bass is indicated on the included map, and it is believed that this pattern of movement may possibly also be partially duplicated by schools of gizzard shad. As discussed later there may be a somewhat different pattern of movement by Flathead catfish; however, there is insufficient evidence for any assertion. Other species listed were found through out the reservoir. Seining Collections: It was impossible to maintain exact seining stations because of reservoir fluctuations; however an attempt was made to repeat sampling as near to a designated locality as was possible. Technique was modified somewhat by improved nylon seines and in the included data unsuccessful seining attempts are not taken into account. The approximate location of seining stations are shown on the following map. tlle, --- Page 9 --- Symbols S--- Seining Station N-—- Netting Station sy Direction of Movement of White Bass t l I 182) “a " (yore - *qa.t) Agqatzyoy sutumeds x 9. LAKE BROWNWOOD (ecient egirneag9a9 eee PRUNE GS S S Spawning Activity ( Feb = Mar.) (aun p=". Gy ) Downstream ( ApYre - June) Sam = N-- ----S = a _~ eee x foe an 2 “~ ROS — tame = = n én-\-N wie ee ny % ok hoat f ho~- AQ- -N i aN a) = » sur S PN TO SN \ N ft S- va "” (290-4TO Pp) x oe T-PTIN r-etsy £euaegoq - - - weg poomumoig -— AemTttds ouesireuy --- Page 10 --- 99°66 T9HT 9ST OZT 698 Ags ZQt OOT L4T €€T TS7O], o£ °€ Sk OT 6 H 0 TT S 2 Ps etddero ay TUM ONT Te q T T q 9 T Z z sseq YyNowreM 09° 6 2 0) ©) @) Ff @) 0 ) ystguns pez .odg On: L € O 0) Fd zg ) e) re) ystguns ATTSEqaoT Tex 0S°T €z@ + @) 9 3 6 0) ) FA ystjuns 1eepay oL°g QeT TE qT + TE eke) 0) g eT TI Tseng oS°€ AG + e) g qT S LT a ) ystTjuns iegesu0T OT’ 09 ae 9) € 6 T bie 0) T ysTguns useiy 0g°S2 6LE a) eT 4ST Q2zT 0 OT LE ge peys pPlVeZzZzTH 0S°9. 42T TT 0g oe z ez 6 ST q sseq o4TUM OTT LT 9 + 9) € 0 0 ) q sseq YpNoMSsLeT 02°9 T6 Tl 0 ) QT FAs) ©) 0 0 AOUUTH sUTeTd 06°E gS 2 0 g 9) ) € qT TE souutudo, edtiysyoeTg 0S° + L9 9) LT eT TT 8) Te (0) ) SAOUUTW JOTTEg 0z° + 9) 9) ) ) + 0 ) 0) sisuTys UspToOp 09°2 ge ) fe) 6 QT 0 TT ) 9) sleuTys sexe, 0S°2 LE eT TT Fe 0 0 ©) ST 0 steutTys TTezjodg 0g °6 SyT 9) 6 € OTT 9) ZT re) TT SISUTYS SsLoypay OH OT EST TE €2 Lt 0 TT 0 0S Te YsT joy Tnb soy qusoleg Tayo, eune ttidy wyoxey Arenzqeag Axenuee zr3qo 799 sequeydeg ysneny satosdg "4S6T SOE sung yYBnorg CC6T ‘TZ yenBny poomumoirg eye] Wor suoTyoeTTog SuTuteg °OT --- Page 11 --- ll. Seining Collections from Lake Brownwood July 1, 1954 through April 31, 1955. Species July August September October November December January April Total Percent Mosquitofish 145 200 75 31 12 0 120 28 611 23.41 Redhorse shiner 21 180 21 18 64 28 16 2k = 372 14.25 Spottail shiner 0 64 10 38 21 30 8 o 171 6.60 Texas shiner ¢) 28 18 ) ¢) 21 30 3) 97 3.77 Golden shiner ¢) ah. 20 0 ) 10 0 18 72 2.75 Parrot minnow: ah 50 12 ak ) 12 14 0 136 5.21 Blackstripe topminnow 38 21 38 2h 12 21 60 Oo 21h 8.20 Plains minnow 14 8 12 .@) @] 25 12 6) 7 2.72 Logperch 6) 10 @) re) 6) re) 18 fe) 28 1.07 Channel catfish 2 ) ) 1 0 2 fe) 0 5 19 River carpsucker ) 2 Ty ¢) y 7 ) ) L7 ~ 65 Gizzard shad 8 14 KL 6 14 2 17 Q 102 3.90 Longnose gar ) 4 2 ) ©) 0 ) ) 6 23 Largemouth bass 6 2 8 4 6 6 4 ) 36 1.38 Spotted bass 0 h h 2 2 8 5 0 25 °95 White crappie 10 20 h 2 8 2 ye 6 56 2.14 White bass y 6 ) ) @) 1 2 19 32 1.23 Bluegill 20 25 18 2h 61 ho 31 47 266 10.19 Redear sunfish 18 6 ) 2 2 2 8 12 50 1592 Green sunfish 20 18 13 21 18 20 2 Oo 112 4 29 Yellowbelly sunfish fe) 4 2 22 31 2 22 12 95 3.64 Warmouth bass ) 8 6 9 2 4 h 2 35 1.34 316 TO4. 304 2ho 257 218 390 180 2609 100.00 --- Page 12 --- °aGa pue TySGq TOF sqyazodeaz uoTyeTdwoo |yy. 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TOT eZ T9 LT G q 9 9 z sseq YVNoweZs1eT LT 8 A 9 ) () T 0) ) T IeB esousu0T GS° 92 6 LT 0 T + ) z z Jayonsdies 1eATy OT” S 0) g re) re) ) ) 9) fe) oTeygnqg YyNoWTTeUus T° ge OT 92 ) 9) 9 T T Z yoraed3ory 8T°9 162 62T Th T6 Qk 42 TZ QT QT AOUUTW SUTSTY LL°S ele 9) Te gS fe) @) 0 ) ) souutude, edtr4syoe Tg 16°S Te? g 9ET 19 6 GT ST QT T2 MouUTH JOITeg 29° T 9L 0) AB q 0) @) 0 ) ) IauTys wapToy 19°2 GET 0 16 ge ) ) ) 0) 6) TeuTys sexe CH 902 ) TT LE 0 9) fe) ) ) leutys T[Te77.0ds 40° 2T 19S 0S eLe SHT qT aT aT 9 9 Teutys ssroypsy €o°Lt Z0Q gt TT9 €ST ) 0 9T + QT YsST joy Inbsoy qusozag TeL07, Te 107, Te LO], Te{OL Yotsy Taqozo9 AsnBny sune Ley soetoodg *POOMUMOIg SHST WOIT suoTLOSTTON ZutTutes "ST --- Page 13 --- 13. Netting Collections: As in seining work exact duplication of netting was impossible except in a few instances. Only the netting stations pertinent in other discussion are shown on the map. As the included charts are regarded as the best available expression of a total interrelationship; populations for the most important species and the apparent ecological influences upon each species are discussed separately; where evidence of such influence was obtained. --- Page 14 --- 14. Netting Collections from Lake Brownwood August 22, 1953 through June 22, 1954. Species August September November December January February March April May June Total Gizzard shad No. e) 6) 0 12 3 12 21. L 18 8 715 % @) 0 0 13.7 12.00 38.80 50.00 4.60 72.00 22.30 25.0 River carpsucker No. k 2 1 19 11 h 5 y 0) 12 62 % 50.00 50.00 9.1 21.60 4h,OO =6.10.30 «11.00 18.20 0 33.30 20.30 Carp No. 0) ) 0 1 @) 0) 0 ) ) 0 1 % 0) O ©) 1.1 @) ) @) 9) ) ) 30 Longnose gar No. 6) 6) i) 0) 0) 0 0 0 0 1 1 % f°) ) 0 fe) ) fe) @) 0 0) 2.7 230 Drum No. ©) ) ) 4 0 3) 6) @) @) @) y % 0 9) ) 4.60 @) fe) 0 ) 0 ©) 1.30 Yellow bullhead No. ¢) 6) 4 ah 3 T 8 3 ©) 7 56 % ) 0 36.3 27.3 12.0 18.0 19.1 13.7 O 19.5 18.70 Channel catfish No. 6) O 1 1 6) 3 3 9 6) 2 19 % 0) ) 9.1 1.1 ) ToT 7.2 41.0 0 5.6 6.40 Largemouth bass No. y 1 5 17 y 5 3 h 2 1 6 % 50.0 25.0 45 4 19.4 16.0 12.9 7.2 18.2 8.0 2.7 15.30 White crappie No. ©) ©) fe) 4 ©) 2 fe) ) 0 5 11 % ) 0 0 4.60 ) 5.10 @) ) a) 13.9 3.60 Sunfish No. 0) 1 0 6 y 6 2 1 5 ) 25 % fe) 25.0 fe) 6.8 16.0 15.4 4.8 4.6 200 Q 8.ho Total 8 4 i 88 25 39 he 22 . 25 36 300 --- Page 15 --- 15. Netting Collections from Lake Brownwood May 1, 1954 through May 31, 1955. Species July August September October November December January March April May Total % Gizzard shad No. TK@) 38 13 23 2 Ki 51 31 61 21 321 41.69 % 31.25 44.19 17.33 50.00 8.33 38.68 68.91 59.61 46.92 42.85 River carpsucker 23 il 6) 1 2 31 14 1 28 9 120 15.58 % 17.96 12.79 2.17 8.33 29.2k 18.91 1.92 21.53 18.36 Smallmouth buffalo ) 3 6 5 k y @) 1 17 k hh 5.72 % 0.00 3.48 18.00 10.87 16.85 3.27 0.0 1.92 13.17 8.16 Carp No. (a) 2 1 2 2 9) 0) fe) ) 2 9 1.17 % 0) 2.32 1.33 34 8.33 @) ) ) 0) 4.08 Longnose gar No. ) (e) 2 3 8 ) @) @) h. ) 17. 2..21 4g 0) 0 2.66 6.54 33.34 0 @) fe) 3.08 O Drum No. 9 ) Tha 1 fe) @) ) ) 1 2 54 = 7.01 % 7-13 0 54.67 2.19 @) ¢) @) @) 1.80 4.08 Flathead No. ) 1 ) @) () @) ) @) ) 1 2 226 % fe) 1.16 0) ) 0 ) ) ) 0 2.04 White bass No. Tal 11 y 10 0 22 5 6 2 ) 101 13.12 % 32.00 12.79 5.34 21.70 O 20.75 6.75 16.74 1.53 O Largemouth bass No. 7 (e) ) ) 1 Ty 9) ) ) 1 13. 1.68 % 5.49 ) fe) ) h 27 3.27 @) ) ) 2.04 Channel Catfish No. ) 9 3 1 5 k 2 9 6° 5 hh 5.72. % ¢) 10.46 4.00 2.19 2.04 3.71 - 2.70 17-30 4.51 10.20 White crappie No. 8 11 5 ©) ) ©) 2 ho 11 Hy 45 55.84 % 6.10 12.79 6.67 0 0 ) 2.70 7.20 8.46 8.16 Total No. 128 86 15 46 ak 106 Th 52 130)=—s kg 770 100.0 --- Page 16 --- 16. Netting Collections from Lake Brownwood Species June August September November March March April Total Total Total Total Percen 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 1953-56 Gizzard shad No. 40 51 21 23 8 50 15 855 321 208 1384 39.68 % 33.05 51.00 25.92 29.48 9.87 23.04 22.05 River carpsucker No. 23 14 19 9 3 5 fe) 184 120 82 386 11.03 % 19.00 14.0 23.45 11.53 3-70 2.31 13.23 Longnose gar No. 0O fe) 19 h 2 22 2 27 17 xe) 93 2.65 vs 0.0 f°) 23.45 5.12 2.46 10.13 2.95 Smallmouth buffalo No. 0 ) 4 ) fe) 2h 6 79 yy 43 166 4.73 % ©) ) 4.93 ) 11.11 (11.05 8.82 Carp No. 0 0 ¢) ) 4 4 4 25 9 12 h6 1.31 % 0) re) ) e) 4,93 1.84 5.89 Freshwater drum No. 9 ) ) Ty 0 i 1 ) 54 15 69 1.95 % 743 0 ©) 5.12 e) o46 LAT Flathead catfish No. 0O 9) 9) 1 2 1 2 10 2 6 18 50 % ) ©) ) 1.23 2.46 46 2.95 Channel Catfish No. 0O 2 5 8 15 9 5 168 yy yy 256 7.32 % ) 2.00 6.17 10.25 18.51 4.14 7.35 Largemouth bass No. 2 7 ) 2 2 it ) 11 13 ah 48 1.34 % 1.65 7.0 @) 2.56 2.46 5.97 0 White bass No. 41 16 11 21 a4 54 13 506 101 180 787 22.82 % 33.88 16.0 13.59 26.92 29.62 24.88 19.11 White crappie No. 6 10 2 2 12° 26 11 86 45 69 200 5.71 % 4.95 10.0 2.46 2.56 1.4 11.98 10.17 Sunfishes (Combined)* No. 0 @) 8) 0) ) 1 3) 20 @) 1 21 60 % ) ) 0) 0 0 46 ) Bluegill No. 0 fe) re) 2 0) 6 9) ) ) 8 8 22 % ©) fe) (e) 2.56 0 2.76 Oo --- Page 17 --- L7- Netting Collections from Lake Brownwood (Continued). Species June August September November March March April Total Total Total fotal Perce 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 1953-56 dear sunfi sh Oo 2 ; 5 ° 14 5 Total 121 100 “BL 78 81 2.17 68 LOT.L va(e) 746 34.87 100 .0¢ * The remaining sunfishes listed in the checklist and hybrids. The above data by month is for the final year of inventory. Actual catches by month for the preceding twenty-four months is included in the completion reports for F5R1 and F5Re. hn nce --- Page 18 --- 18. Netting Collections from Lake Brownwood. Comparative Data on Fish Populations for Principal Species. Species No. Weight Comparison Numerical Comparison Captured (% by Weight) (% by Number) i nnn mines eee 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 Average 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 Average Dorosoma cepedianum 1384 9.70 18.64 16.49 149k 4.3.40 41.69 27.98 37.69 Carpiodes carpio 386 15.70 18.95 14.60 16.421 9.30 15.58 10.91 11.93 Ietiobus bubalus 166 14.50 12.65 9.27 12.14 4.00 5.72 5.72 5.14 Ictalurus punctatus 256 1.90 h.23 8.31 4.81 8.50 5.72 5.89 6.70 Morone chrysops 787 36.50 15.95 28.40 26.95 25.70 13.12 24.12 20.98 Micropterus salmoides 48 1.80 5.04 3.38 3.40 -60 1.68 3.21 1.83 Pomoxis annularis 200 4.30 5.15 7.38 5.61 4.30 5.84 9.11 6.41 --- Page 19 --- Netting Collection from Lake Brownwood. Comparative Physical Condition of Principal Species. 1954-1955 1955-1956 1953-1954 Species No. K.Range Avg. K. No. K.Range Avg. K. No. K. Range Avg. K Total Perce: —_ __. d No. Catch Dorosoma cepediaum 132 1.31-2.08 1.57 58 1.60-2.00 1.82 ho. 1.84-2.08 1.89 1384 16.6 Carpiodes carpio 60 2.20-2.69 2.38 hO 1.52-2.50 2.38 ho 2.40-2.69 2.46 386 36.2 Cyprinus carpio 25 2.60-3.10 2.54 8 2.32-2.59 2.40 6 2.64-2.90 2.60 46 84.0 Ictiobus bubalus 28 2.58-3.66 3.01 13 3.66-2.99 3.48 7 3.66-3.66 3.66 2166 28.9 Lepisosteus osseus 27 1.40-4.57 3.73 264-42 290 0 60 ) 93 33:3 Morone_chrysops 228 1.65-3.46 2.47 61 2.18-2.72 2.20 60 2.47-2.92 2.68 787 hh, 3 Pilodictus olivaris 10 2.80-3.25 3.18 1 2.94 2.94 7 2.42-2.64 2.52 18 100 Ictalurus punctatus 168 1.68-1.98 1.82 18 1.86-2.h2 1.93 28 1.82-1.86 1.84 256 83.5 Micropterus salmoides 1L 2.25-2.73 2.61 6 2.33-3.25 2.59 18 2.33-2.94 2.72 48 72.9 Pomoxis annularis 53 2.89-4.94 3.23 2k = 2.33-3.40 3.29 20 2.86-3.25 3.12 200 48.51 Sunfishes 30 «64.42-6.65 4.80 20 4.4e-6.40 5.24 20 4.80-6.08 5.12 21 33.3 --- Page 20 --- LOCALITIES HAVING HIGH PERCENTAGES OF GAIE FISH IN LAKE BROWNWOOD Largemouth Bass Most Largemouth Bass were taken off McCartney Island and in the Weatherby Bay are@éae Southern Channel Catfish Most Southern Channel Catfish were taken from Doctors Draw and off Big Rocky pointe White Crappie White Crappie were taken near Evans and Gaines Boat Docks and off Rocky COVE. Flathead Catfish Flathead Catfish were taken only off Rocky Point and in Saunders Bay --- Page 21 --- el. LOCALI TIES HAVING HIGH PERCENTAGES OF GAME FISH IN LAKE BROWNWOOD White Bass ( Late Spring to Fall) White Bass ( Late Fall to Spring) From March to October greatest concentrations From October to March White Bass of White Bass were in Sewell Drew and in the were concentrated in and arount Rocky Cove area McInnis point and in the mouth areas of Recan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek --- Page 22 --- 22. Stomach Analysis: The following data is included as resulting from the analysis of stomach's containing food; however its reliability may be questioned because of the obvious tendency of several species notably longnose gar, flathead catfish and largemouth bass to regurgitate their stomach contents when captured in gill nets, or when held in live boxes. It is also considered probable that for some species the small number of stomachs's containing food are inadequate to express the importance of the various types of food. The following data is on a volumetric displacement basis. Stomach Contents for Principal Game Species White Bass No. stomachs Fish examined Shad Fish Remains Insects Crustaceans Others 146 305 78 18 1 1 Sticks 1 Largemouth Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides No. stomachs Fish examined Shad % Notropis % Fish Remains % Insects % Others % Sunfish 3 12 he) ho 17 32 h Twigs 3 White Crappie No. stomachs Fish Examined Shad % Notropis % Fish Remains % Insects % Others % corn & other 82 114 36 11 17 22 grain 7%. Silt & organic mat- ter Southern Channel Catfish No. stomachs Fish examined Shad % Fish Remains % Insects % Sunfish % Algae % Others % Corn and hg 138 22 15 i7 11 14 other grain . 12%, other catfish 8%, carrion 44%. Flathead Catfish No. stomachs Fish Examined Shad Fish Remains Insects Channel Catfish % % 6 13 68 19 2 11 As shown in the preceding data 612 individual fish were opened for examination of stomach content, gondadal development, and for the existence of internal parasites. Of this number 295 stomach's (48.20%) contained food. The rather large percentage of corn and other gains fround in Channel Catfish is undeubtably a result of setting nets in areas baited by fishermen. Carrion was probably from picnickers and campers and included beans, weiners, chicken entrails and meat scraps. Population Influences: --- Page 23 --- 23. White Bass. White bass are the most important game species in Lake Brown- wood; however reproduction of these fish was almost entirely dependent upon run-off en- ing the lake from February to April. Virtually no juvenile fish were taken in netting or seining collections during periods following the years in which no run-off occurred during these months, and no spawning activity was observed in the reservoir other than in the area around the mouth of the contributing tributaries. When run-off occurred in the spring and the water temperature was about 60 degrees F, spawning of this species was observed in dramatic manner. As expressed in the food analysis data; white bass fed almost entirely upon gizzard shad, and the fluctuation in the density and condition of these carnivorous species may be correlatable with the successful propogation of that forage type. Additional evidence; although not available in recordable data, of the dependence of white bass on shad for food was the observed favorable results of sports- men who by following the flight of sea gulls trolled through schools of shad and obtained excellent catches of the bass feeding on these concentrations. Largemouth Bass. It is believed that the annual fluctuation of the lake level during the regular spawning period of this species may be regarded as sufficient reason for the comparatively low percentage of largemouth bass in Lake Brownwood. Seining and netting indicated that only in the spring of 1955, when a mild winter permitted the water to reach spawning temperatures before the usual spring withdrawals for irrigation, did this species reproduce successfully. The sexual development and general condition of individuals indicated that only the apparently younger fish were active in spawning. White Crappie. Although all data included in the charts is designated as white crappie, two black erappie were identified from netting collections. However, these were believed to be individuals released by hatcheries, and no other evidence was obtained to support the existence of a significant population. Other information per- t‘uing to this species is best illustrated in the various charts. Spawning apparently « ufred in March and April; however degenerate or spent individuals were occasionally captured as late as October. In addition to the data obtained by detailed stomach analysis of 82 individuals the food taken by a large number of crappie caught by fishermen were observed when these fish were dressed. It is considered likely that this species is more dependent upon fall insect life than the included data would indicate. Sunfishes (All Lepomis). Of the six species of sunfish and one common hybrid taken during inventory, no species had established domimance. All data available also indicated that from a utilization standpoint sunfishes in the lake should be regarded in a forage capacity rather than as game fish. The largest sunfish taken during inventory (a bluegill-redear hybrid) weighed seven ounces, and there was a marked lack of interest in harvesting these fish by sportsmen. Spawning by this group was usually from late spring until frost; however fish were observed on or near nests throughout the year. Southern Channel Catfish. Apparently because of the abundance of suitable spawning areas and devices, southern channel catfish were less affected by lake conditions during inventory than were the previously discussed species. These fish were apparently in poorer condition when the lake level was lowered in the summer of 1954, and a higher rate of internal parasites were found in specimens during that period. Spawning was indicated as early as the first week in July and there was no evidence of activity after the middie of August. Flathead Catfish. The total number of fish taken during inventory is insufficient to justify any conclusions regarding the habits, requirments or influences fr this species. All individuals were taken in two localities designated on the map, & were captured during the warmer months (May to September). --- Page 24 --- 2k, River Carpsuckers. These fish were probably the least affected of any species by reservoir conditions. Individuals in advanced stages of sexual development were taken in every netting collection, and spawning was observed immediately following every significant increase in the lake level from March to November. The utility of this species as forage is believed to be negligible since not one identifiable specimen was recovered from stomach analysis either from this lake or from any other body’ of water in Region 3-B. There is no known commercial market for these fish. Smallmouth Buffalo. As indicated by the comparative charts for the prin- cipal species, smallmouth buffalo remained fairly constant numerically during the thirty six month study period. Average "K" for this population increased, and there was a loss in the percentage of the total weight of all fish captured by netting. These indicated changes in the population may have been the result of netting by a commercial fishermsn who worked at the lake from January 1955 through March 1956. During that period about 25,000 pounds of these fish were removed according to the best available estimate. Six-inch mesh gill nets were employed and may have significantly reduced the number of individuals in the size category that would be captured by such nets. No spawning activity was observed, and individuals in an advanced stage of sexual development were taken throughout the year. Seining results indicated that spawning occurred in the late spring. Gizzard Shad. Shad were the most important forage species for all the principal game species in the reservoir, and as such are of basic importance. There is not sufficient data present to attempt corrélation between successful reproduction of this species and the anticipated resultant increase in white bass, nor is there sufficient data to establish a correlation between reservoir fluctuations and the successful rep- roduction of this species; however all data and evidence available indicates some such relationship. Gizzard shad apparently spawn, depending upon reservoir conditions between April and October. Freshwater Drum. No data is available on the habits of this species, and drum were not utilized by sportsmen or by the commercial fishermen. Other importance is not indicated. Longnose Gar. This population was apparently of lesser importance than those in the preceding discussion and no detailed information is available for their requirements or their behavior resulting from reservoir conditions. Other Species. Of the remaining species taken during inventory only members of the Genus Notropis are of significance in the data obtained. Apparently these shiners are important in a forage capacity; however it is doubted that their importance is equal to that of insects and crustaceans, and there is virtually no doubt that they are secondary to gizzard shad in providing food for the principal game species. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. No recommendations for constructive action are included at this time because fishing results are expected to improve as a result of the discussed improvement in the reservoir condition and the apparent increases in the game species present. 2. Encouragement should be extended in the completion of proposed develop- ments on the Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek tributaries of the reservoir. It is believed that these developments will aid in maintaining stream flow during the critical spawning period for white bass and may aid in maintaining the lake level during the spawning activity of largemouth bass. --- Page 25 --- 25.6 3. Should an effective control be found for river carpsuckers, it is recommended that this device and/or procedure be employed to curd, control, or eradicate 1e population of that species. 4, Although data is inconclusive on the resulting benefits from commercial harvesting of smallmouth buffalo, it is recommended that consideration and co-operation be extended to authorized commercial fishermen in continuing work at the lake. 5. Should the situation warrant, it is recommended that the reservoir be re-surveyed in a period of three to five years. t —_ Prepared by _ Lawrence S. Campbell Approved by 7 Warton f vale / Project Leader Chief Aquatic Biologist Date April 26, 1957