TPWD 1974 F-4-R-21 #1600: Region 2-A Fisheries Studies: Fishery Management Recommendations, Performance Report

PERFORMANCE REPORT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT 'TEXAS Federal Aid Project F—h—R—Zl Region 2—A Fisheries Studies Objective B—3T: Fishery Management Recommendations Project Leader: Allen A. Forshage Assistant Project Leader: Robert B. Gamble Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Lonnie J. Peters Robert J» Kemp Chief, Inland Fisheries Director, Fisheries Division November 7, l9Th PERFORMANCE REPORT State: Texas Project Number: F—h—R—el Project Title: Region 2—A Fisheries Studies Project Section: Research and Surveys Study Title: Fishery Management Recommendations Contract Period: From January 12 lQTh To December 31, l9Th Program Narrative Objective Number: B—3T Objective: To determine the need for changes in fish harvest regulations, stock— ing, population control, vegetation control, and contract fishing in Region 2—A waters. I. Segment Objective: To determine the need for changes in fish harvest regulations, stocking, population control, vegetation control, and contract fishing in Region 2—A waters. II. Summary of Progress: Proposed changes in fishing regulations for the Possum Kingdom Regulatory District were presented at public hearings in each county under Regulatory Authority in Region 2-A. The results of these hearings were presented to the Commissioners of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for consideration. The changes made in the fishing laws which affected Region 2~A are as follows: Section 7.02 The daily bag limit on channel and blue catfish is twenty— five (25) in the aggregate and the possession limit is fifty (50) in the aggregate. The daily bag limit on flathead catfish is five (5) and the possession limit is ten (10). Section 7.0h It shall be unlawful to remove game fish eggs from the public waters of this state. All work accomplished this segment was in conjunction with the statewide walleye evaluation. Lakes in Region 2uA involved in the study were Lakes Diversion, Eagle Mountain, Garza Little Elm and Possum Kingdom. Procedures used were standardized throughout the state. Sampling procedures and techni- ques were as follows: A. Spawning observations: 1. Frame nets were set in February and March to determine gonadal condi- tion of all fishes captured. At least 30 of each species were examin— ed. Length and weight measurements were made on most fishes captured. The majority of the nets were set off the dam in each lake. Seine samples: 1. Seine collections were made once a month in each lake from April through October. Sample stations consisted of five sites on Lake Diversion and Eagle Mountain and ten sites on GarzarLittle Elm and Possum Kingdom. Two 25-foot drags were made at each site using a 26—foot bag seine of l/h” ace weave. Nighttime and daytime seining efforts were alternated each month. Collections from each site were kept separately and analyzed at the laboratory. Cove rotenone samples: 1. Samples were taken to estimate the standing crop and species composi- tion of fishes in each reservoir except Lake Diversion. Sites were selected to represent different habitat types in the lake. Each site was surveyed using an engineer's transit with area and volume being calculated for each cove. Liquid rotenone (5%) was used at the rate of 1 ppm. All coves were blocked off the night before each application with a barrier net. At least 100 fishes of several species were tagged and put in each cove to measure percent recovery. A two day pick up of dead fishes was made on each cove. Data were compiled and tabulated to show number and pounds per acre for each fish species collected. Physicochemical: 1. Monthly sampling trips were made to each reservoir. Methods used and parameters measured monthly were water temperature and dissolved oxygen (YSI dissolved oxygen meter), pH (IBC Trophy pH meter), speci— fic conductivity (YSI S—C—T meter), secchi disc transparency, turbi- dity (Hach colorimeter), total alkalinity and chlorides (standard methods — A.P.H.A., 1971), and total dissolved solids (Standard Methods). In April, July and October, measurements were made on sulfate (sch), nitrate (NO3—N), and phosphate (POh-P) (Standard Methods). Samples were taken at two stations, one near the dam and one at the upper end of each lake. Samples were taken between 1000 and 1600 hours each day. Samples were taken at surface, middle, and bottom depths for all parameters except temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH which were measured at each meter in depth. -3- h. Mid-week water level readings were recorded for each lake to esta— blish water level fluctuations. E. Vegetation: 1. One sampling trip was made in August or September on each reservoir to categorize the major vegetative types present. 2. A vegetative checklist and reference map was made for each lake. F. Age and Growth: 1. Samples were made in conuunction with spawning observations in February and March. 2. Scales were removed from all walleye captured for aging purposes. G. Young—of—the—year survival: 1. Gill nets were used in September and October to determine growth of walleye in each reservoir. 2. Standard experimental gill nets (150 feet long, 6 feet deep, with varying mesh sizes in 25-foot sections, from I to 3 1/2 inches) and monofilament gill nets (those used in striped bass evaluations) were set in each lake. 3. Six nets were set during each month primarily in the area of the dam. Assistance was provided hatchery personnel during stocking of walleye fry and fingerlings in Lakes Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain, GarzarLittle Elm, and Possum Kingdom. All fishes were tempered and released in open water. Table l is a checklist of all fishes taken in sampling efforts on all four lakes. Common and scientific names are based on American Fisheries Society Special Publication No. 6, A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada, (Third Edition, 1970). Lake Diversion Lake Diversion, impounded in l92h, is located on the Wichita River drainage in Archer County. Controlled by the Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 and the City of Wichita Falls, the lake serves as a source of irrigation water and as a water source for area municipalities with some recreational uses. Pertinent descriptive data on the reservoir are as follows: Surface elevation (ft. msl) 1051 Surface area in acres 3h19 Volume in acre feet h0g000 Mean depth (ft) 12 Maximum depth (ft) 35 Shoreline length (miles) 28 Growning season (frost-free days) 220 A map of Lake Diversion showing sample stations is included (Figure 2). Water samples were taken at two stations each month unless otherwise noted (Tables 5 and 6). Readings reflect somewhat the varying lake water levels. Oxygen and temperature profiles indicated physicochemical stratification did not occur. Specific conductivity (7000 umoh/cm) and chlorides (1600 mg/l) Frame nets were set in February and March to recover fishes for spawning observations and age and growth evaluations. A total of 15 nets were set with only three walleye being captured (Table 2). As in last year's surveys, game fishes far outnumbered rough fishes collected (Table 7). Bluegill and white crappie were predominant fish Species collected. Gill nets were set in September to check for walleye survival. A total of six net were set with four walleye being captured (Table 2). These fish were in much better condition than those collected in frame nets in the previous winter. Rough fishes outnumbered and outweighed game fishes collect- The shoreline areas do not lend themselves well to seining. Five stations were sampled once each month from April through September. Figure l indi— cates the monthly catch per unit effort for seining. The high numbers collect— ed in May and June reflect large numbers of very small threadfin shad. A total of 22 Species was collected in seining efforts with threadfin shad, Mississippi silversides, Dorosoma sp., and red Shiners being the most abundant species (Table 3). A vegetative survey was conducted in August with a map of the major types of vegetation present being labled on a map (Figure 6). Table A indicates all genera found on Lake Diversion. Potamogeton pectinatus was the predominant submergent vegetation with Typha Sp. and Scirpus Sp. being the most abundant emergent vegetation. Cove rotenone samples were not taken on Lake Diversion. The lake level was being drOpped in October to finish work on the dam. Eagle Mountain Reservoir Impounded in l93h, Eagle Mountain Reservoir is the second lake of a chain of three formed in the basin of the West Fork of the Trinity River. Due to its close proximity to Fort Worth, the recreational usage of the lake is high. Controlled by the Tarrant County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, the water is used for municipal, industrial and irrigation purposes. Per- tinent descriptive data on the reservoir are as follows: Surface elevation (ft. msl) 6h9.l Surface area in acres 9,000 Volume in acre feet 189,523 Mean depth (ft) 22 Maximum depth (ft) 52 Shoreline length (miles) 200 Growing season (frost-free days) 230 Figure 3 is a map showing sample stations on Eagle Mountain Reservoir. Oxygen profiles, together with pH readings, indicated the lake chemically stratified during the summer (Tables 9 and 10). Rains in August and Sep— tember interrupted this stratification. Temperature profiles do not Show the classic pattern of a lake that is thermally stratified. The drop in temperature is not great enough from surface to bottom to indicate true stratification. Mean annual water level fluctuation was about 2.5 feet. Frame nets were set in February and March to capture walleye for spawning observations. No walleye were recovered in a total of 15 net sets. Game fishes were predominant by number, 98.91%, and by weight, 98.52%, of all fishes collected. White crappie and bluegill were caught in largest numbers (Table 11). A total of 12 gill nets were set in September and Octdber to check walleye survival. A total of four walleye were captured in September (Table 2). All four walleye captured were from the lower lake area and were in good condition. Rough fishes were predominant by number (59.70%) and by weight (8h.28%) (Table 12). Smallmouth buffalo was the predominant species collected. Seining efforts were made once a month at five stations which exhibited varying shoreline types. Numbers of fishes collected were high in April but leveled off for the remainder of the sampling period (Figure l). A total of 21 species were collected with Mississippi Silversides, bullhead minnow, blacktail Shiner, and threadfin shad being prevalent (Table 3). A vegetative survey in September indicated nine genera to be prevalent (Table A). Areas of largest infestations are shown on a lake map (Figure 7). Chara sp. and Scirpus sp. were the predominant vegetative types present. Cove rotenone samples were made in July on three coves (Figures 10, 11 and 12). The field data were tabulated and are presented in Table 13. Totals for coves l, 2 and 3 represent calculations for total number and pounds per acre. In the average column the pounds are average pounds per acre but the numbers are the actual total number of each species collected from all three coves. The three cove sites selected represent three different lake habitat types. Cove 1 was near the dam with steep rocky banks and relatively clear water (Figure 10). In this cove sunfishes (bluegill, longear and sunfish spp.) were predominant. Cove 2 had mud shorelines and was located near the power plant heated discharge about mid-lake (Figure 11). Gizzard shad, bluegill, and largemouth bass outnumbered other species collected. Cove 3 was turbid, Shallow, and located in the upper lake area (Figure 12). Gizzard and thread- fin shad were the most abundant fishes collected. Marked fish recoveries were relatively good; Cove 1 — 75.7%; Cove 2 — 81.h%; and Cove 3 — 76.0%. A total of h,066 fishes was collected from all coves with the average pounds per acre being 236.1A. —6— Garza—Little Elm Reservoir Garza—Little Elm, impounded in 1955, is the largest reservoir in Region 2—A. Located in Denton County, the lake draws sportsmen from a large area due to good access and fine facilities. Controlled by the Corps of Engi- neers, the lake is used for flood control, municipal and industrial water supply, and recreation. Additional reservoir descriptive data are as follows: Surface elevation (ft. msl) 515 Surface area in acres 23,280 Volume in acre feet h3h,000 Mean depth (ft) 25 Maximum depth (ft) ' 67 Shoreline length (miles) 183 Growing season (frost—free days) 226 Figure A is a lake map showing all sample stations. Readings for dissolved oxygen and pH indicate the lake stratified chemically from June through September (Tables IA and 15). Temperature readings Show that thermal stratification is not completely accomplished. Readings for dissolved oxygen at the upper station were above average in January. Total alkalinity values were normal for all months except June when they were almost double the previous month's readings. Lake water level only fluc- tuated about two feet during the study period. A total of 15 frame nets were set in Feburary and March with only one walleye being captured (Table 16). The one walleye that was caught was in good condi- tion (Table 2). White crappie accounted for about 85% by number and by weight of all fishes captured. In one not set in February, 113 white crappie weigh— ing 90 pounds were caught. Gill nets, totaling 12, were set in September and Octdber near the dam area. A total of nine walleye, all in good condition, were captured (Table 2). Rough fishes dominated the catch by number (6h.03%) and by weight (79.98%). Gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, white bass and white crappie were the most abundant fishes in the nets (Table 17). Catch per unit effort for seining collections in Garza-Little Elm were much lower than all other lakes. A total of 20 species were captured at the ten stations from April through October. Threadfin shad and Mississippi silver— sides were caught in largest numbers. Numbers of fishes collected were not much different from month to month (Figure l). A vegetative survey was made in September and a vegetative type map construct— ed (Figure 8). The predominant emergent vegetation was Salix nigra. It was found in most all cove areas and along the majority of the other shoreline areas. Chara sp. and Potamogeton americanus were the most abundant submergent vegetation (Table h). "'7... Cove rotenone samples were made in August on Garza—Little Elm Reservoir on three coves (Figures 13, 1h, 15). The field data were tabulated and are presented in Table 18. Totals for coves l, 2, and 3 represent calcu— lations for total number and pounds per acre. In the average column, the pounds are average pounds per acre but the numbers are the actual numbers of each species collected from all three coves. lake (Figure A). The coves differ more as to location, depth, and sub— strate than other features. Cove 1, though larger in surface area, had much less volume than the other coves. Gizzard Shad, sunfish Spp., fresh- water drum, and longear sunfish were collected in largest numbers. Cove 2 was Similar to Cove 1 but did not have as much shallow areas. Both had soft mud bottoms and shorelines. On Cove 2, gizzard shad, freshwater drum, and channel catfish were predominant. Cove 3 had a sandy bottom and, although about the same.as the other coves in surface area, had twice the volume. Gizzard Shad, threadfin Shad, longear sunfish and freshwater drum were the fishes in greatest abundance. Cove 3 had three times more fishes collected and twice the pounds per acre than the other two coves. Marked fish recoveries were as follows: Cove 1 — 61%; Cove 2 — 7h%; and Cove 3 — 82%. A total of 19,798 fishes_were collected from all coves with the average pounds per acre being 138.68. Fourteen white bass X striped bass hybrids were also collected in Cove 3. Possum Kingdom Reservoir Possum Kingdom Reservoir, impounded in 19h1, is one of the older lakes in Region 2—A. Controlled by the Brazos River Authority, the water is used for municipal, industrial, mining, irrigation, power, and recreational pur- poses. Additional lake data are as follows: Surface elevation (ft. msl) 1,000 Surface area in acres 19,800 Volume in acre feet 72h,700 Mean depth (ft) 37 Maximum depth (ft) 1&5 Shoreline length (miles) 310 Growing season (frost-free days) 221 Due to the clearness of the water, the thermocline is rather deep. In May, it is about 16 to 18 meters in depth but moves up to 8 to 10 meters in depth by August. By September, it starts dropping again to the 15 to 20 meter depths. Total dissolved solids and chlorides readings are higher than other lakes indicating a more saline condition. Turbidity was quite low during most sampling at the lower station. The lake water level fluctuated about nine feet during Sampling. III. -8- A total of 15 frame nets were set in February and March with no walleye being captured. Catch per unit effort was quite low compared to other lakes (Table 21). Game fishes dominated the catch by number (99.06%) and by weight (91.78%) of all fishes captured. Bluegill and redbreast sunfish were predominant. Gill nets were set in September and October with only one walleye being caught. Gizzard shad, channel catfish and white bass were caught in largest numbers (Table 22). Game fishes were predominant by number (58.15%) but rough fishes by weight (50.60%). Again, catch per unit effort was low compared to other lakes. Catch per unit effort for seining collections were higher on Possum Kingdom than all other lakes sampled (Table 3). The ten stations selected covered the entire lake and were at significantly different habitat types. Miss- issippi silversides far outnumbered other species collected. A total of 25 species were collected from April through October. Catch per unit effort was high in April and May but tapered off through October (Figure l). A vegetative survey was conducted in September. Figure 9 shows the areas where vegetation was found. Much of the shoreline area was steep and rocky and with very little vegetation. Eight vegetative types were found through— out the lake. Chara sp. and Nitella sp. were the dominant submergent vege— tation. Eleocharis sp. was the only emergent vegetation found in any large amounts. Cove rotenone samples were made in September on three coves, Figures 16, 17 and 18. The field data were tabulated and are presented on Table 23. Totals for coves l, 2 and 3 represent calculations for total number and pounds per acre. The three coves represent two basic habitat variations. Cove 3, the upper— most cove, was more turbid than coves l and 2, and soft mud constituted the bottom and shorelines. The shads, gizzard and threadfin, were the most pre- valent species represented from the sampling of this cove. Coves l and 2 were basically similar to one another, both representing the lower portion of the lake. These two coves generally have low turbidity readings. Both coves are rock lined, steep banked, and firm bottomed. Redbreast sunfish, gizzard shad and threadfin shad were the most collected species from Cove 1. Gizzard shad and redear sunfish were the most often collected from Cove 2. Cove 3 had four to five times more fishes per acre than either Cove 1 or Cove 2. Marked fish recoveries were as follows: Cove 1, h5%; Cove 2, 25%; and Cove 3, h3%. A total of 10,617 fishes were collected from all coves with the average pounds per acre being 285.89. Significant Deviation: The only deviation from the planned schedule this segment was the cancella— tion of cove rotenone sampling at Lake Diversion. The lake level was lowered in October for further work on the dam. October was the month cove rotenone sampling had been scheduled.