TPWD 1962 F-3-R-9 #779: Fisheries Reconnaissance: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 5-B, Job No. B-18, Project F-3-R-9

--- Page 1 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No, F-3-R-9 Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 5-B Job No, B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Leader John N. Dorchester H, D. Dodgen Executive Secretary Texas Game and Fish Commission Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A, Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Program Planning April 25, 1962 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT A reconnaissance survey was made on each of the following lakes during this period: Tyler State Park Lake, Dam "B" Reservoir, Lake O' the Pines, Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker and Caddo Lake. Data collected is compared as near as possible with data collected in the basic surveys conducted on these lakes, Over-all, there were very few gross changes in any of the lakes with an indication that game fish are on an increase in all. Aquatic vegetation is the universal problem in all of the lakes. --- Page 3 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No, _F-3-R-9 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 5-B, Job No, B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance Period covered: February 1, 1961 - January 31, 1962 OBJECTIVES: To conduct limited investigations to obtain current information concerning gross changes in fishing conditions and factors influencing fish populations, TECHNIQUES USED: Netting trips were made to six reservoirs that had previously been sur- veyed, These lakes are as follows: Tyler State Park, Dam "B" Reservoir, Lake O' the Pines, Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker and Caddo Lake, Fish were collected with gill nets the dimensicns of which are 125 feet long, 8 feet deep with mesh size ranging from i to 3 inches, Also bag seines were used to make seining collections on some of the lakes surveyed, These seines were of two sizes, one was 26 feet long, 6 feet deep with 1/4-inch mesh, The other was 15 feet long, 4 feet deep with 1/8-inch mesh, Observations were made on several items such as water level, status of aquatic vegetation, fishing pressure and public access, Water analysis inciudes pH, methyl orange alkalinity, chlorides, turbi- dity (secchi) and water temperatures, The findings for each lake are written separately and as follows: TYLER STATE PARK LAKE Tyler State Park Lake, located in Smith County 10 miles north of Tyler, was first surveyed in 1959, The lake was found to be in need of a complete renovation, which was begun in 1960 and completed in 1961, Data presented is for the initial survey, a netting check just prior to the beginning of a complete fish kill in 1960 and a reconnaissance survey in 1961. Table 1 is a checklist of all species taken from the lake over the three year period, The shift from undesirable fish in 1959 and 1960 to desirable species in 1961 is obvious. To further show this Table 2 compares the per- centages of numbers of netted fish, The per cent of game fish jumps from 37.50 per cent in 1959 to 100,00 per cent in 1961, Table 3 compares the per cent of weight of netted fish, In this comparison the weight of game fish rises from 20.60 per cent to 100,00 per cent, --- Page 4 --- = 2« Table 4 compares the average weight in grams, average standard length in millimeters and average coefficients of condition for five principal game species for the three periods. All indications are that the fish stocked in the lake foilowing the renovation are doing quite well. The water quality of the lake is nearly the same as before, The pH was 7.6 for both times, alkalinity was 27 p.p.m. in 1959 but only 0.5 p.p.m. in 1961, The chlorides were 28,37 p.p.m. and 21,28 p.p.m. respectively, The water level has remained fairly constant with the fluctuation being less than one foot. The water has remained clear with some turbidity following fertilizer applications, Fishing on the lake was closed for a period of approximately 1 year during renovation, During the first few weeks following the re-opening of the lake there was a good number of fishermen present but their success was only mediocre and the numbers declined. An attempt to obtain 100 per cent creel census of the lake failed because of the lack of cooperation on the part of the several people involved. The amount of noxious vegetation in the lake has been reduced by at least 95 per cent, Vegetation is only a minor problem at this time, Public access is excellent with the exception of the boat launching area which is unpaved and washed out, Table 1, A Checklist of Tyler State Park Lake fish species, Species 1959 1960 1961 Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) x Blacktail rednorse (Mgxostoma poeciliurum) x Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) a x bad Red shiner (Notropis Lutrensis) Channel catfish (letaiurus punctatus) x Yellow bullhead (Letalurus natalis) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus guiosus) Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) % ® ww MM MM OM me OM x % fad be ow Number of Species 12 10 5 --- Page 5 --- Table 2. Comparison of per cent of numbers of netted fish from Tyler State Park Lake. Species 1959 1960 1961 Spotted gar* 0 0.89 0 Lake chubsucker* 16,67 55.36 ) Carp* 4,17 0 0 Golden shiner* fe) 0,89 0 Channel catfish re) 0 6.67 Yellow bullhead* 41.66 0.89 @) Largemouth bass 12.50 7.14 40,00 Warmouth 4.17 530 40.00 Redear sunfish 4.17 10.71 0 Bluegill sunfish 16.67 15.18 13.33 Longear sunfish 0 0,89 0 Black crappie 0 2,67 0 Rough Fish * 62,00 58.03 ) Game Fish 38,00 41.97 100.00 Total 100.00 100,90 109,00 Table 3, Comparison of per cent of weight of netted fish from Tyler State Park Lake, Species 1959 1960 1961 Spotted gar* 0 1,64 0 Lake chubsucker * 16,62 58,14 0 Carp* 23.56 ) 0 Golden shiner* ) 0.39 0 Channel catfish 0) 0) 11,96 Yellow bullhead* 39,22 1.55 0 Largemouth bass 10,56 20,12 66,86 Warmouth 0,96 2.41 18.89 Redear sunfish 2.29 7.80 ) Bluegill sunfish 6.79 3072 2.29 Longear sunfish 0 0.68 ) Black crappie 0 1,55 0 Rough Fish * 79.40 61.72 ) Game Fish 20.60 38.28 100.00 Total 100,00 100.00 100,00 --- Page 6 --- -~ & - Table 4, Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several game fish species from Tyler State Park Lake. 1959 1960 1961 Number of Number of Species Fish Length Not Taken Fish Length Channel catfish ) 0 1 Largemouth bass 3 209,00 6 Warmouth 1 117.00 6 163.50 Redear sunfish 1 165,00 0 Bluegill sunfish 4 137.50 2 Comparison of average weight in grams of several game fish species from Tyler State Park Lake. 1959 1960 1961 Number of Number of Species Fish Weight Not taken Fish Weight Channel catfish 6) ) 1 737,00 Largemouth bass 3 216,60 6 680,50 Warmouth 1 58.00 6 191,66 Redear sunfish 1 140,00 0 Bluegill sunfish 4 104,00 2 Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of several game fish species from Tyler State Park Lake. 1959 1960 1961 Number of Number of Species Fish "kn Not taken Fish MN Channel catfish 0 ) 1 Largemouth bass 3 2.15 6 Warmouth 1 3,62 6 4,31 Redear sunfish 1 ) Bluegill sunfish 4 2 Water Quality 1959 1960 1961 Ph 7.6 Not taken 7.6 Alkalinity 27.00p. pom. 0.5 p.pm. Chlorides 28,37p.p.m. 21.28p.p.m. --- Page 7 --- DAM "B" RESERVOIR Though Dam "'B'" Reservoir, located in Jasper and Tyler Counties, has never had a basic survey conducted on it there has been a considerable amount of netting done on the lake in obtaining information for two other jobs, One job was a study of netting methods used in taking fish and the other was to determine the need for an additional game fish species in the lake (in this case white bass - Roccus chrysops, ) Table 5 is a checklist of fish collected from Dam "B'" in the earlier surveys and in the reconnaissance survey. It should be pointed out that the total feet of nets used on reconnaissance surveys are usually only about one-tenth of that used on regular surveys, Table 6 is a compari - son of per cent of numbers of fish collected by nets for both periods, According to this table, gar (Lepisosteus spp.) and catfish (Ictalurus spp.) made the greatest increases while shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) made the greatest decreases, This same trend is indicated by Table 7 which is a comparison of the percent- age of weights of netted fish, There is no data available on condition of game fish, Vegetation has always been a problem on the lake and the situation remains unchanged, The greatest problem is the infestation of water hyacinths, The shallow water, which is prevalent in the lake, is ideal for vegetation. The water level has remained fairly constant over the years, The lake is still heavily fished and fishing has remained fairly good, Public access has been greatly improved in the last year or two, One of the objectives of netting Dam '"'B" was to attempt to catch white bass which had been introduced into the lake, None were re- covered during this period, --- Page 8 --- Table 5. A checklist of Dam '"B" Reservoir fish species. Species Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) Bowfin (Amia calva) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubulas) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) Gray redhorse (MOxostoma congestum) Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Ribbon Shiner (Notropis fumeus) Pallid shiner (Notropis amnis) Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus) Red shiner (Notropis lutrensis) Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus) Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Channel catfish (letalurus punctatus) Blue catfish (Letalurus furcatus) Black bullhead (Letalurus melas) Yellow bullhead (Letalurus natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) White bass (Roccus chrysops) * Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum) Freshwater drum(Aplodinotus grunniens) Number of Species * Introduced 1958-59 be a) 42 1961 xm mM 17 --- Page 9 --- Table 6, Comparison of percentages of number of netted fish from Dam "B" Reservoir. Species Alligator gar* Longnose gar* Shortnose gar* Spotted gar* Bowfin* Gizzard shad* Blue sucker* Smallmouth buffalo* River carpsucker* Gray redhorse* Blacktail redhorse* Spotted sucker* Lake chubsucker* Carp* Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead* Yellow bullhead Flathead catfish Spotted bass Largemouth bass Warmouth Redear sunfish Bluegill sunfish White crappie Black crappie Freshwater drum* Rough fish* Game fish Total 1958-59 0.34 3 12 0.08 4.68 0.68 16,27 0.08 22.11 4.96 0.24 0.36 5.36 0.08 0.80 6.20 2.72 0.16 0.47 0.60 0.24 3.36 0.47 3.80 4.24 10.60 5.40 2.56 62.34 37.66 100.00 64,21 35.79 100.00 --- Page 10 --- Table 7. Comparison of percentages of weights of netted fish from Dam "B" Reservoir. Species Alligator gar* Longnose gar* Shortnose gar* Spotted gar* Bowfin* Gizzard shad* Blue sucker* Smallmouth buffalox River carpsucker* Gray redhorse* Blacktail redhorse* Spotted sucker* Lake chubsucker* Carp* Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead Yellow bullhead* Flathead Spotted bass Largemouth bass Warmouth Redear sunfish Bluegill sunfish White crappie Black crappie Freshwater drum* Rough fish* Game fish Total 1958-59 1.08 6.47 0.16 9.70 2.86 6.17 0.20 29.23 7.38 0.36 0.14 4.75 0.02 2.42 4.29 3.08 0.21 0.24 1.91 0.14 3.83 0.17 1.03 0.71 6.59 3.66 3.21 74.60 25.40 100.00 1961 29,34 7.61 3.39 No > 0 NI bo Oro Ne £ © OnNOOMFOCCOO 80.59 19.41 100.00 --- Page 11 --- LAKE O' THE PINES Lake O' the Pines, located west of Jefferson in Marion County, was originally surveyed in 1958-59 but the lake level was lowered to facilitate further construction. The lake was resurveyed in 1960 and the reconnaissance survey made in October 1961. Table 8 is a checklist of all species collected from Lake O' the Pines during the three periods. Table 9 shows the percentages of numbers of netted fish, Gizzard shad definitely dominated the catch on the reconnaissance survey. Other species did not change too much except a decided decrease in spotted gar, The same gross changes are also indicated in the comparison of percentage of weights of netted fish, Table 10. Black crappie have increased nicely as well as large- mouth bass, white bass, and channel catfish, Table 11 shows the data on condition of some game fish. All species have shown a marked in- crease in average size which is a good indication of a lake's progress. Most "K'" factors were approximately the same. The water quality of the lake has improved somewhat. The pH in 1958-59 was 6.5, in 1960 it was 6.9 and in 1961 it was 7.0. The methyl orange alkalinity was 18.41 p.p.m. and 15 p.p.m. respectively, Chlorides averaged 24.11 p.p.m., 54.37 p.p.m. and 21.28 p-p.m. res- pectively. Submerged vegetation in the lake has become quite a problem, especially in those areas where the timber and brush was left standing and was inundated by the water, The lake level has remained the same with only a few 4-foot rises during the spring and fall rainy seasons, --- Page 12 --- - 10 - Table 8. A checklist of Lake O' the Pines fish species. Species Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) Bowfin (Amia calva) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Grass pickerel (Esox americanus) Chain pickerel (Esox niger) Smallmouth buffalo (lcetiobus bubalus) Blacktail redhorse (MOxostoma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus) Spottail shiner (Notropis venustus) Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis) Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus) Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) Bullhead minnow ‘Pimephales vigilax) Channel catfish ‘letalurus punctatus) Blue catfish (lctalurus furcatus) Black bullhead (Ictaiurus meias) Yellow bullhead (letalurus natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) Starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) White bass (Roccus chrysops) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) Blackside darter (Hadropterus maculatus) Log perch (Percina caprodes) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) Number of Species 1958-59 Yi i. i x KM MH MM KM OM x KKK RK KKM MMR KKM OM OM ££ ~N x KKK KM OK OM xm Mm x * MK aM mM KM OM ax K KM HM KM OM OM x KK MK KM OM x 40 * 22 --- Page 13 --- « Ii « Table 9. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake O' the Pines, Species 1958-59 1960 1961 Shortnose gar* 0.08 0) 0) Spotted gar* 18,23 13.44 2.79 Longnose gar* 0.42 0.23 0 Bowfin* 1.04 0.23 0 Threadfin shad* 0 0) 0.56 Gizzard shad* 7.00 26,19 44.14 Grass pickerel* 0.45 0 ) Chain pickerel* 0.40 0 0 Smallmouth buffalo* 10.78 0,58 e) Blacktail redhorse* 0.56 0 0 Spotted sucker* 2.03 10.20 8.94 Lake chubsucker* 0.56 0 0 Carp* 1.04 0.46 0 Golden shiner* 0.06 0 0 Channel catfish 4.98 0,58 2.23 Blue catfish 2.78 0.23 0 Black bullhead 17.41 10,66 8.94 Yellow bullhead 3,67. 3.71 [12 Flathead catfish 1,24 0.23 0 White bass 2.15 4.52 4.47 Spotted bass 2.82 0.12 0) Largemouth bass 6,46 . 5,21 7,26 Warmouth 4,49 2.67 1,12 Green sunfish 0.03 0 0) Spotted sunfish 0.59 0.80 ) Readear sunfish 0,54 1,51 2.79 Bluegill sunfish 3.73 7.88 4.47 Yellowbelly sunfish 0. LL 0.58 0 Longear sunfish 0.25 fe) fe) White crappie 2.82 4.98 3.35 Black crappie 3.22 4.06 7,26 Flier 0) 0.12 0 Freshwater drum* 0.06 0 @) Rough fish* 63.82 66.59 67.05 Game fish 36.18 33.41 32.95 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 --- Page 14 --- = 12 « Table 10. Comparison of percentages of weights of all netted fish from Lake O' the Pines. Species 1958-59 1960 1961 Shortnose gar* 0.27 0 0 Spotted gar* 14.30 23.28 4.17 Longnose gar* 0.78 1.16 ) Bowfin* 3.47 5.96 ) Threadfin shad* 0) 0) 0.03 Gizzard shad* 3.51 19.34 33.03 Grass pickerel* 0.22 0.05 0 Chain pickerel* 0,26 re) 0 Smallmouth buffalo* 30.12 3232 ) Blacktail redhorse* 0.23 0) 0 Spotted sucker* 1.50 16.19 20.91 Lake chubsucker* 0.14 0.03 0.30 Carp* 1.98 1.34 0 Golden shiner* 0.01 0) 0 Channel catfish 6.02 1.06 5.38 Blue catfish 3.22 0.52 0 Black bullhead* 13.44 6.44 13.03 Yellow bullhead* 2.64 2.80 0.98 Flathead catfish 3435 0.90 0 White bass 1.80 4.65 6.25 Spotted bass 1.62 0.03 0 Largemouth bass 4.79 4.81 6.06 Warmouth 1.80 0.64 0.38 Green sunfish 0.01 0 ) Spotted sunfish 0.10 0.11 0 Redear sunfish 0.11 0.52 0.76 Bluegill sunfish 0.89 1.96 1.21 Yellowbelly sunfish 0.40 0.12 0 Longear sunfish 0.02 fe) 0 White crappie 1.70 2.94 3.03 Black crappie 1.56 1.78 4.48 Flier 0 0.05 0 Freshwater drum 0.10 0 ¢) Rough fish* 72.87 81.77 72.45 Game fish 27.13 18.23 27.55 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 --- Page 15 --- - 13 - Table 11. Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several game fish species from Lake O' the Pines. 1958-59 Number of Leng Species Fish Channel catfish 136 Blue catfish 61 Flathead catfish 29 White bass 69 Spotted bass 55 Largemouth bass 146 Warmouth 114 Bluegill sunfish 72 White crappie 76 Black crappie 88 292. 231. 365. 210. 200. 219... 147. 116. 185. 161, th 40 68 44 82 87 97 12 15 00 29 Number of Fish 5 2 2 37 1 32 21 40 36 34 1960 Length 315.40 363.50 400.00 217.60 180.00 221,03 127.04 125.60 189.83 160,20 1961 Number of Length Fish 4 381.00 0) 0 0 0 8 205.25 0 0) 12 236.33 2 155.00 8 134.62 6 222.16 13 190.15 Comparison of average weight in grams of several game fish species from Lake O' the Pines. 1958-59 Number of Weig Species Fish Channel catfish 136 Blue catfish 61 Flathead catfish 29 White bass 69 Spotted bass 55 Largemouth bass 146 Warmouth 114 Bluegill sunfish 72 White crappie 76 Black crappie 88 481. 421. 1,030. 324, 291. 336. 155. 80, 235. 184, ht 69 21 24 59 63 26 77 02 77 71 Number of Fish 1960 Weight 651.20 836,50 1,361.00 373.64 119.00 338.03 86.85 95.22 211.80 142,67 Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of several game fish species from Lake O' the Pines. 1958-59 Number of UKs Species Fish Channel catfish 136 1.72 Blue catfish 61 1.73 Flathead catfish 29 1.95 Wnite bass 69 3.28 Spotted bass 55 2.73 Largemouth bass 146 2.74 Warmouth 114 4.58 Bluegill sunfish 72 4.53 White crappie 76 3.39 Black crappie 88 3.59 Number of Fish 1960 une WNHEPWNN WR RE nn Xe) Lake O' the Pines Water Quality pH Alkalinity Chlorides 1958-59 6.5 18.00 p.p.m. 24.11 p.p.m. 1960 6.9 41.00 p.p.m. 54.37 p.p.m. 1961 Number cf Weight Fish 4 1,007.00 e 8) ie) 0 : 601.00 0 0 12 353.33 2 134.50 8 108.50 6 369.50 13 254.84 1961 Number of Fish 4 1,72 ) 0) i) 0) 8 3.19 6) ) 12 2.48 2 3.52 8 4.40 6 3.25 13 3.57 1961 7.0 15.00 p.p.m. 21,23 p.p.m. --- Page 16 --- - 14 - LAKE MURVAUL The work at Lake Murvaul was in conjunction with the renovation of Jones Branch arm of the lake. Four nets were set each in Jones Branch and Williams Branch every month Hr eight months. Condition data was taken only on crappie. Seining collections were not made. Table 12 is a check- list of all fish species taken from Lake Murvaul since the first survey began in 1958. Table 13 is the comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish. Of the rough fish gizzard shad are apparently on a decrease after reaching a peak in 1960. Also, Bowfin have decreased each year, The catch of chubsuckers was up while the bullheads remained about the same. Concerning the game fish, warmouth, redear, bluegill and white crappie increased while black crappie decreased. Over-all the per cent of game fish was 42.51 per cent which is an all time high for the lake. In regards to percentage of weights of netted fish, as shown by Table 14, the over-all per cent of weight of game fish is down compared to the other years. This can probably be attributed to the failure to catch as many channel and blue catfish as before. Table 15 shows the compari - son of condition data for white and black crappie. The average length and weight on white crappie were up, but down for black crappie while the "K" factor was down for both species. Vegetation is an increasing problem on the lake though cattails are under control and Jones Branch arm was greatly improved. The water level fluctuated less than 2 feet. There was not much change in water quality. Fishing has been more stable during this past year with "bream" being the fish most taken. The bass that are caught are usually of a very good size. Public access has been improved through a new Farm Road being built to the lake and the addition of another concession area in the upper end of the Lake. --- Page 17 --- - 15 Table 12, A checklist of Lake Murvaul fish species, Species Bowfin (Amia calva) Gizzard shad ‘Dorosoma cepedianum) Grass pickerel (Esox americanus) River carpsucker ‘Carpiodes carpio) Biacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Pugnose minnow (Qpsopoedus emiliae) Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus) Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus) Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis) Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner ‘Notropis volucellus) Silvery minnow ‘Hybognathus nuchalis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephaies vigilax) Black bullhead (Letalurus melas) Yellow bulihead (Letalurus natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Common mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Warmouth (Chaengbryttus gulosus) freen sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Redear sunfish ‘Lepomis microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) Scaiy sand dartex (Ammocrypta vivax) namo eee ee eco Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) Numbex of species * Netting only x KRM MMM KH OK OM x maxX mM KKM KKK KM KK KRM KKM KM Kh MM KK OM OK nn N mK mR OM a KKK MK MK OM OM xe mM KM nm x KM KKK KM mK KM MK OM 33 x x KM MK x we mM mK MK * xx M KM OM x ~ MM mM 26 ax MK 17 --- Page 18 --- -~ 16 - Table 13. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake Murvaul. Species 1958 1959 1960 1961 Spotted gar* 0.08 0 0 0 Bowfin* 13.74 10.16 4,11 3.58 Gizzard shad* 4,30 19,39 31.71 12.78 Grass pickerel* 0.98 1.85 0.29 0.38 Smallmouth buffalo* 0.98 0.09 0.09 8) River carpsucker* 2.04 0 0 ) Blacktail redhorse* 0.45 0.09 0 0 Spotted sucker* 1.50 5.82 1.91 0.69 Lake chubsucker* 3.00 9.60 6.78 15.23 Golden shiner* 2.19 1.75 0.48 2.94 Channel catfish 0.16 0.65 2.29 0.80 Blue catfish 0.08 0.37 0.19 0.16 Black bullhead* 27.85 13.48 16.24 13.05 Yellow bullhead* 8.30 8.13 6.40 8.72 Spotted bass 0.32 0.09 0 0) Largemouth bass 9.82 12.19 1.43 2.30 Warmouth 6.87 1.39 0.48 3.26 Green sunfish 0.98 0.37 0 0 Spotted sunfish 0.39 0,09 0.29 0.92 Redear sunfish 0.60 0.55 0.48 2.51 Bluegill sunfish 11.18 7.29 6.69 14.06 Yellowbelly sunfish 0.83 0.28 0 ) Longear sunfish 0.08 0.09 0.09 @) White crappie 2.19 1.57 13.56 16.63 Black crappie 0.70 4.62 6.49 1.87 Flier 0.39 0.09 0 0 Rough fish* 65.41 70.36 68.00 57.49 Game fish 34.59 29.64 32.00 42.51 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 --- Page 19 --- Table 14. Comparison of percentages of weights of all netted fish from Lake Murvaul. Species Spotted gar* Bowfin* Gizzard shad* Grass pickerel* Smallmouth buffalo* River carpsucker* Blacktail redhorse* Spotted sucker* Lake chubsucker* Golden shiner* Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead* Yellow bullhead* Spotted bass Largemouth bass Warmouth Green sunfish Spotted sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill sunfish Yellowbelly sunfish Longear sunfish White crappie Black crappie Flier Rough fish* Game fish Total 1958 1959 *K* Wo OrwWo 67, 32. 100 NO SOOO OFCOCORO RUC OOWWO e) -38 . 84 -03 091 0) 03 - 90 a he. 41 66 91 16 289 05 245 . 56 09 02 18 .89 .10 02 82 ~/2 -03 46 54 . 00 ** No weights were recorded the first year. 1960 34,84 8.84 a23 re © uo ee) 3 OD tr o me * RU wMWOoOO — pa “oe rt ON Ww oor On ~ 75.59 24.41 100,00 1961 34.35 5,64 0,31 28 091 - LO - 70 > 22 229 a, 222 hat mt ON ON, Ot 0.19 1.45 5.47 76,40 23,60 100.00 --- Page 20 --- 1958 Length 207.26 190.55 = 18 = 1959 No. Length 15 146.53 30 116,86 1960 No. Length 60 129.48 39 135.20 Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of crappie from 1961 No. Length 425 133.15 48 129.53 Comparison of average weight in grams of crappie from Lake Murvaul, 1958 Weight 380.30 299.55 1959 No, Weight 15 183.46 30 55.40 1960 No. Weight 60 60,93 39 79 ~ 56 1961 No. Weight 425 66.65 48 59.35 Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of crappie from 1958 mci 1959 No. neu 1960 No, we 1961 No. aa Table 15, Lake Murvaul. Species No. White crappie 30 Black crappie 9 Species No. White crappie 30 Black crappie 9 Lake Murvaul. Species No... White crappie 30 Black Crappie 2 Water quality pH Alkalinity Chlorides 1958 6.6 44,00 p.p.m. 27.56 p.p.m. 1959 Unknown 1961 i 32.00 p.p.m. 35.46 p.p.m. --- Page 21 --- LAKE STRIKER The initial basic survey was begun on Lake Striker in 1957 and com- pleted in 1960, The reconnaissance survey was conducted in September 1961, Table 16 is the checklist of fish species collected from the lake which includes one species not previously collected. Table 17 is the comparison of percentage of numbers of netted fish, The over-all per cent of game fish is about the same although it is an all time high at 29.81 per cent. Spotted gar, bowfin, bullheads and channel catfish are on an increase. Spotted sucker and chubsuckers show a decrease but it is due to the time of year that the reconnaissance survey was made, Table 18, which is the per cent of weights, also shows an increase in the per cent of weight of game fish. There was a big increase in the weight of gar taken along with channel catfish. Of course the weight of the suckers is down due to the previously mentioned reason, Table 19 is the data on condition of several game fish. Channel catfish have shown the best progress while black crappie are making a comeback after being on a decline. Bass are making a slow decline although it is slight. Vegetation continues to be a big problem in the lake in areas where the timber was left standing. Lake personnel have made efforts to rid the lake of some vegetation and have succeeded in some areas. The water quality has continued to improve as the average pH has reached 7.0 which is an all time high, The chlorides are 156.02 p.p.m. which is an all time low. Fishing has continued to be good and public access is somewhat improved with the opening of another concession on the west side of the lake, --- Page 22 --- - 20 - Table 16, A checklist of Lake Striker fish species. Species Spotted gar (Lepisosteus gculatus) Bowfin (Amia calva) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Grass pickerel (Esox americanus) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) Texas shiner (Notropis amabilis) Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus) Redfin shiner (Notropis umbratilis) Brazos River shiner (Notropis brazosensis) Weed shiner (Notropis texanus) River shiner (Notropis blennius) Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus) Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis) Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus) Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Channel catfish (lctaiurus punctatus) Black builhead (letalurus melas) Yellow builhead (Letalurus natalis) Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) Common mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis m@crochirus) Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) Number of species 195 x x mM OM xx MK KM HM MK x xm MK MMMM KOM i a x MMM KM KM MM MK * 39 8 x xx MMMM MK MM x % x mM KM KKK KKK KKH KM KM x eM MK MK bo Ni * xx MM OM *% x x K i i i. i... i; a oo, a x % 32 ~ * xx KK KRM HM OM * xx mM MK 25 --- Page 23 --- - 21 - Table 17. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake Striker. Species 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60 1961 Spotted gar* 2,87 2.87 0,71 5,76 Bowfin* 0.15 0.39 0 1.69 Gizzard shad* 29.93 34,68 38,86 37.63 Grass pickerel* 0.15 0.07 ) 0) River carpsucker* 0 0:07 0 0 Blacktail redhorse* 0.31 0.59 0) 0) Spotted sucker* 4.75 14.79 17,29 2.72 Lake chubsucker* 7,82 5.67 7.86 1,36 Carp* 2.87 0.26 0,14 2.38 Golden shiner* 0) 0.07 ) ) Channel catfish 0.26 2615 2.86 6.10 Blue catfish 0) ) ) 0,33 Black bullhead* 16,89 6.65 2,57 7.12 Yellow bullhead* 9.12 7.56 4,29 11 353) Largemouth bass 7.77 6.06 5,00 3.39 Spotted bass 0 0.52 0,29 0) Warmouth 3,02 1,50 0,43 0 Green sunfish ) 0 0,28 0) Spotted sunfish 2,70 0.59 0 i) Redear sunfish 0 0,20 ) 1.01 Bluegill sunfish 6.83 10.03 13.57 11.53 Yellowbelly sunfish 1.82 0,39 0 0.33 Longear sunfish 0,20 0.78 0 0 White crappie 0.16 0.85 2.43 3.06 Black crappie 2.35 3.26 1.71 4,06 Rough fish* 74,35 73.66 71.71 70.19 Game fish 25.65 26,34 28,29 29.81 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100,00 --- Page 24 --- ~ 29 = Table 18. Comparison of precentages of weights of all netted fish from Lake Striker, Species 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60 1961 Spotted gar* ** xk 3,24 23.12 Bowfin* 0 7.44 Gizzard shad* 17.78 11.85 River carpsucker* 0 0) Blacktail redhorse @) 0) Spotted sucker* 40.38 5.53 Lake chubsucker* 7.23 0,45 Carp* 1.19 3432 Golden shiner* 0) 0) Channel catfish 512 15.94 Blue catfish 0 3.08 Black bullhead* 2.52 7,04 Yellow bullhead* 2,56 10.52 Largemouth bass 12,86 3.78 Spotted bass 0.09 ) Warmouth 0.13 fe) Green sunfish 0,07 0) Spotted sunfish 0 ce) Redear sunfish 0) 0.40 Bluegiil sunfish 2.07 2,18 Yellowbelly sunfish 0 0,08 Longear sunfish 0 0) White crappie 2.61 2.66 Black crappie 1,32 2.61 Rough fish* 74,89 69,27 Game fish 25,11 30.73 Total 100.00 100.00 ** Weights not taken --- Page 25 --- Table 19. Comparison of standard length Lake Striker. 1957-58 Species No. Length Channel catfish ce) 0 Largemouth bass 142 225.60 Warmouth 58 127.50 Bluegill sunfish 65 119,20 Spotted sunfish 41 69.80 White crappie 3 187.00 Black crappie 41 159.40 - 23 - in millimeters of several game fish species from 1958-59 No. Length 32 205.62 88 266.31 21 143.00 72 106.12 >) 106.40 12 163.00 39 186,41 1959-60 1961 No. Length No. Length 20 319.25 18 342,50 35 278.14 10 247.20 3 135.66 0 0 45 103.73 22 124.40 12 98.00 0 0 17 198.29 9 181,66 18 145.94 12 192,58 Comparison of weights in grams of several game fish species from Lake Striker. 1957-58 Species No. Weight Channel catfish 0 0) Largemouth bass 142 332.80 Warmouth 58 99,80 Bluegill sunfish 65 92.30 Spotted sunfish 41 46.70 White crappie 3 235.70 Black crappie 41 155.40 1958-59 No. Weight 32 335.40 88 606. 23 21 124.47 72 47.18 5 56.40 12 210.16 39 300,94 1959-60 1961 No, Weight No. Weight 20 599,00 18 932,94 35 705,20 10 399.50 3 82.33 0 0 45 39.40 22 80.77 12 34,66 0 ) 17 286,94 9 156.66 18 138.22 12 242.75 Comparison of average coefficients of condition species from Lake Striker, 1957-58 Species No, nKN Channel catfish 0 0) Largemouth bass 142 2.69 Warmouth 58 4,73 Bluegill sunfish 65 4.81 Spotted sunfish 41 4.69 White crappie 3 3,29 Black crappie 41 3.49 1958-59 No. WK 32 1,51 88 2.78 21 3.90 72 4.11 5 4,42 12 2.76 39 3.76 ("K") of several game fish 1959-60 1961 No. Kn No. WKH 20 1.65 18 1.74 35 2.88 10 Ze2/ 3 3.26 0 0 45 3,46 22 3.092 12 3.68 ) 0 17 2.88 9 2,47 18 3.00 12 3.29 --- Page 26 --- - 24 - CADDO LAKE Caddo Lake, on the Texas - Louisiana line, was first surveyed in 1953-55 and no fisheries work was conducted on the lake again until November 1961 and January 1962 when the reconnaissance surveys were made, This lake probably contains more different species of fish than most other lakes in the State, Seining locations are difficult to find be- cause of the nature of the shoreline, Tabie 20 lists each species for each survey, One additional fish was added to the list on the re- connaissance survey, Table 21 compares the percentage of numbers of fish collected by netting, Over-ali there was little change in the make up of the catch that could not be attributed to the time of year that the reconnaissance survey was made, Gizzard shad were down considerably and spotted suckers and chain pickerel were up, The principal game fish species did not change much, The total per cent of game fish increased 7.51 per cent to 30,43 per cent, Table 22 is the comparison of per cent of weight of netted fish, The same trend is found with the weights as with the numbers, The time of year has to be considered for both, However, the condition of some game fish appear to be better than before, especially flathead catfish. This is shown in Table 23, The water quality has apparentiy changed very little over the years, Submerged aquatic vegetation has been a perennial problem and no change is indicated in the near future, The water level is probably about the same as before aithough there have been some 10-foot rises during wet seasons, Generally, over a year’s time the fluctuation of one foot is normal. Public access is good, although many of the com- mercial camps are in a run down condition, --- Page 27 --- - 25 - Table 20, A checklist of Caddo Lake fish species. Species Chestnut lamprey (lchthyomyzon castaneus) Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) Spotted gar (Lepisosteus o¢uletus) Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) Bowfin (Amia calva) Skipjack (Alosa chrysochloris) Threadfin shad ‘Dorosoma petenense) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Chain pickerel (Esox niger) Bigmouth buffalo (letiobus c¥prinellus) Smallmouth buffaio (Letiobus bubalus) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) Ironcolor shiner (Notropis chalybaeus ) Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis) Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus) Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (Notropis volucelius) Taillight shiner (Notropis maculatus) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Channel catfish (letalurus punctatus) Blue catfish (lectalurus furcatus) Black bullhead (Ictaiurus melas) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Tadpole madtom (Schilibeodes gyrinus) Freckled madtom (Schiibeodes nocturnus) American eel (Anguilla rostrata) Starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) 1953-55 a a a a a 2 a ss | 1961-62 a * x ne * ™% xe mM OM --- Page 28 --- - 26 - Table 20, A checklist of Caddo Lake fish species. (Continued) Species _ 1953-55 1961-62 Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) x Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) x x Mississippi silversides (Menidia audens) x Brook silverside (Labidesthes sicculus) x x White bass (Roccus chrysops) x x Yellow bass (Roccus interruptus) x x Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) x Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) x x Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) x x Bantam sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus) x Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) x x Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) x x Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) x x Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) x Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) x x Dollar sunfish ‘Lepomis marginatus) x White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x x Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) x x Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) x Banded pygmy sunfish (Elessoma zonatum) x River darter (Hadropterus shumardi) x Logperch (Percina caprodes) x Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) x Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum) x Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) x Scalyhead darter (Etheostoma barratti) x x Cypress darter (Etheostoma proeliare) x Fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola) x Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) x x Number of species 68 36 --- Page 29 --- - 27 - Table 21. Comparison of per cent of numbers of netted fish from Caddo Lake, Species 1953-55 1961-62 Alligator gar* 0,02 0 Shortnose gar* 0.26 ie) Spotted gar* 4.14 1.51 Longnose gar* 1.15 0.90 Bowfin* 0.21 0,60 Skipjack* 0.02 ) Gizzard shad* 45.83 24,09 Chain pickerel* 4,27 13,25 Bigmouth buffalo* 0,02 0 Smallmouth buffalo* 0. 34 1,81 River carpsucker* 0.81 0,60 Spotted sucker* 8.22 19,58 Lake chubsucker* 4.59 3.93 Golden shiner* 0,10 a) Channel catfish 0.21 @) Blue catfish 0.08 0.90 Flathead catfish 0.33 0.30 Black bullhead* 2.75 1.20 Yellow bullhead* 0.89 0,90 White bass 1,32 0,30 Yellow bass 8.56 18.98 Spotted bass 9.02 0 Largemouth bass 1,39 1.20 Warmouth 3.61 0.30 Longear sunfish 0.02 0 Redear sunfish 2,31 0.90 Bluegill sunfish 2,44 1.81 Spotted sunfish 0.10 0 Flier 0.11 0 White crappie 0.69 1,81 Black crappie 4.73 3.93 Freshwater drum* 0,46 1,20 Rough fish* 74,08 69.57 Game fish 25.92 30.43 Total 190,00 100,00 --- Page 30 --- - 28 - Table 22, Comparison of per cent of weights of netted fish from Caddo Lake, Species 1953-55 1961-62 Alligator gar* 0,04 0 Shortnose gar* 0.91 0 Spotted gar* 7.95 1,66 Longnose gar* 10.14 11.91 Bowfin* 0.76 1,47 Skipjack* 0,01 0) Gizzard shad* 36.97 15.98 Chain pickerel* 6.08 15,30 Bigmouth buffalo* 0,07 0 Smallmouth buffalo* 1,14 4.71 River carpsucker* 1,48 1,57 Spotted sucker* 11.94 23.83 Lake chubsucker* 2.86 2.39 Golden shiner* 0.02 0 Channel catfish 0,22 ) Blue catfish 0,08 2,50 Flathead catfish 1,09 0,43 Black bullhead* 3.43 1,25 Yellow bullhead* 0.83 0.76 White bass 1.11 0,27 Yellow bass 3.50 8.00 Spotted bass 0.02 0) Largemouth bass 1.48 1.27 Warmouth 1.41 0,12 Longear sunfish 0.01 0 Redear sunfish 0.72 0.25 Bluegill sunfish 0.75 0,29 Spotted sunfish 0.01 ) Flier 0.05 ) White crappie 0.51 1,94 Black crappie 3.70 3. 32 Freshwater drum* 0.71 0.78 Rough fish* 85.34 81.61 Game fish 14, 66 18.39 Total 109.00 100,00 --- Page 31 --- = 29 = Table 23, Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several game fish species from Caddo Lake, 1953-55 1961-62 Number of Number of Species Fish Length Fish Length Channel catfish 6 273 ) 0 Flathead catfish 18 426 1 325 White bass 62 232 1 250 Largemouth bass 75 247 4 275 Warmouth 124 158 1 155 Redear sunfish 66 156 2 148 Bluegill sunfish 62 143 7 118 Black crappie 213 212 13 210 White crappie 42 205 6 251 Comparison of average weights in grams of several game fish species from Caddo Lake. 1953-55 1961-62 Number of Number of Species Fish Weight Fish Weight Channel catfish 6 438 8) 9) Flathead catfish 18 1,315 1 1,135 White bass 62 391 1 442 Largemouth bass 75 421 4 g Warmouth 124 171 1 160 Redear sunfish 66 148 2 130 Bluegill sunfish 62 130 7 76 Black crappie 213 356 13 330 White crappie 42 275 6 527 Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K'") of several game fish species from Caddo Lake, 1953-55 1961-62 Number of Number of Species Fish "Ki Fish me Channel catfish 6 1.80 @) 0 Flathead catfish 18 1,60 1 3.30 White bass 62 2.66 1 2.33 Largemouth bass ye) 2.36 4 9 Warmouth 124 3.93 1 4.30 Redear sunfish 66 3.57 2 4.02 Bluegill sunfish 62 4,14 7 4,27 Black crappie 213 3.22 13 3.45 White crappie 42 2,91 6 3.13 Water Quality 1953-55 1961-62 pH 6.7 6.5 Alkalinity Unknown 9.00 p.p.m. Chlorides Unknown 26,09 p.p.m. --- Page 32 --- - 30 - It is recommended that this job be continued and that a reconnaissance survey be made on the above lakes at least once each year in order to keep information current. Prepared by _ John N. Dorchester Approved by Lar pes Opp. Project Leader Coordinator Date April 25, 1962 Charles E, Gra Regional Supervisor