TPWD 1963 F-3-R-10 #860: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B: Fisheries Reconnaissance, Segment Completion Report, Project F-3-R-10
Open PDFExtracted Text
--- Page 1 ---
SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT
As required by
FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT
Federal Aid Project No. F-3-R-10
Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B
Job No. B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance
Project Leader: John N. Dorchester
J. Weldon Watson
Executive Director
Parks and Wildlife Department
Austin, Texas
Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker
D-J Coordinator Director, Program Planning
December 4, 1963
--- Page 2 ---
ABSTRACT
During this segment reconnaissance surveys were conducted on seven
reservoirs in Region 3-B. Data for these lakes are written separately in the
following order: Fyler State Park Lake, Dam "B" Reservoir, Lake 0° the Pines,
Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker, Caddo Lake and Lake Tyler. Netting and seining
collections were made on each lake and the data compiled during this segment
were compared to that of past collections. Water analyses which included pH,
methyl-orange alkalinity, chlorides, turbidity readings and surface temperatures
were also run.
According to the data included in this report, there have been few
gross changes in the fish populations of the seven reservoirs studied. Ex-
cessive aquatic vegetation however, is becoming an increased problem in
several of the lakes.
The water quality of the reservoirs is generally good, which indicates
that they are capable of supporting their existing fish populations.
--- Page 3 ---
SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT
State of Texas
Project No. F-3-R-10 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys
of the Waters of Region 3-B.
Job No. B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance
Period Covered: February 1, 1962 - January 31, 1963
OBJECTIVE:
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 seven reservoirs that had previously been
surveyed. These lakes are as follows: Tyler State Park Lake, Dam "B" Reservoir,
Lake O' the Pines, Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker, Caddo Lake and Lake Tyler.
Fish were collected with experimental type gill nets, the dimensions of
which are 125 feet long, 6 and 8 feet deep with mesh size ranging from 1 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 includes pH, methyl-orange alkalinity, chlorides, tur-
bidity (secchi) and water temperature.
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. A complete lake renovation was completed in 1961.
Surveys were also conducted in 1960, 1961 and during this segment.
Table 1 is a checklist of all species taken from the lake over the
4-year period. In 1962, four species were added to the checklist in addition
to the return of a rough fish species. Table 2 compares the percentage of
numbers of fish taken by netting and Table 3 compares the percentage by weight.
These data indicate that the fish population is still in good condition com-
pared to the pre-treatment figure. Table 4 compares the average weight in
grams, average standard length in millimeters and average coefficients of con-
dition for four principal game fish species for the four periods. Bluegill
sunfish is the only fish to cause concern as their average size is decreasing.
--- Page 4 ---
-2-
The water quality is fairly constant with no change at all in the pH.
The water level dropped about 18 inches during the spring and summer drouth
of 1962. Fishing on the lake has only been poor to fair at times, due mainly
to the extremely clear water. Though recommendations were made to the Parks
Board to fertilize the lake at regular intervals, this was not done because of
the lack of funds.
Vegetation in the form of muskgrass (Chara sp.) began reappearing in
the lake in late summer. Plans have been made to treat the lake in 1963 with
copper sulphate. Public access is excellent and people utilize the lake to
a large extent, however, the only boat launch is unpaved and is easily washed
out.
Table 1. A checklist of Tyler State Park Lake fish species.
Species 1959 1960 1961 1962
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) x
Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum)
Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)
Carp (Cyprinus carpio) x
Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) x
Red shiner (Notropis lutrensis) x x
Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) x
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis)
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus)
Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus)
Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)
Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus)
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)
White crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
~
x
am mM OM
x mM mM
*
*
x x
om mM
x x MK
*
* xem MM
F
Number of Species 12 10 5 11
--- Page 5 ---
-3-
Table 2. Comparison of per cent of numbers of netted fish from Tyler State Park Lake.
Species 1959 1960 1961 1962
Spotted gar* 0 0.89 0 0
Lake chubsucker* 16.67 55% 37 0 0
Carp* 4.17 0 0 0
Golden shiner* 0 0.89 0 0)
Channel catfish 0 0 6.67 40.00
Yellow bullhead* 41.66 0.89 0 5.00
Largemouth bass 12.50 7.14 40.00 5.00
Warmouth 4.17 5236 40.00 15.00
Redear sunfish 4.17 10.72 0 0
Bluegill sunfish 16.66 15.18 13 633 15.00
Longear sunfish 0 0.89 0 0
White crappie 0 0 0 20.00
Black crappie 0 2.67 0 0
Rough Fish* 62.50 58.04 0) 5.00
Game Fish 37.50 41.96 100.00 95.00
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Table 3. Comparison of per cent of weight of netted fish from Tyler State Park Lake.
Species 1959 1960 1961 1962
Spotted gar* 0 1.64 0 0
Lake chubsucker * 16.62 58.14 6) 0
Carp* 23.56 0 0 0
Golden shiner* ) 0.39 0 0
Channel catfish ) 0 11.96 59.89
Yellow bullhead* 39.22 1.55 6) 2.86
Largemouth bass 10.56 20.12 66.86 25% 12
Warmouth 0.96 2.41 18.89 6.80
Redear sunfish 2229 7.80 0 0
Bluegill sunfish 6.79 5.72 2.29 1.47
Longear sunfish 0 0.68 6) 0
White crappie 0 0 0 3.86
Black crappie 0 1.55 0 0
Rough Fish* 79.40 61.72 0 2.86
Game Fish 20.60 38.28 100.00 97.14
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 6 ---
Table 4. Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several game fish
species from Tyler State Park Lake.
1959 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish Length Not Taken Fish Length Fish Length
Channel catfish 0 0 1 340.00 7 286.00
Largemouth bass 3 209.00 6 268.83 1 355.00
Warmouth 1 117.00 6 163.50 3 131.66
Bluegill sunfish 4 137.50 2 110.50 3 95.00
Comparison of average weight in grams of several game fish species from
Tyler State Park Lake
1959 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish Weight Not Taken Fish Weight Fish Weight
Channel catfish 0 0 1 737.00 7 459.71
Largemouth bass 3 216.60 6 680.50 1 1474.00
Warmouth 1 58.00 6 191.66 3 119.33
Bluegill sunfish 4 104.00 2 55.00 3 28.00
a el eee
Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K"') of several game fish
species from Tyler State Park Lake.
1959 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish wR" Not Taken Fish "KN Fish "KM
Channel catfish 0 0 i 1.87 7 1.62
Largemouth bass 3 Ze LD 6 2.97 1 3 929
Warmouth 1 3.62 6 4.31 3 4.19
Bluegill sunfish 4 3.66 2 4.08 3 3.27
WATER QUALITY
1959 1960 1961 1962
pH 7.6 Not taken 7.6 7.6
Alkalinity 27.00 p.p.m. 0.5 p.p.m. 30.00 p.p.m.
Chlorides 28.37 p.p.m. 21.28 p.p.m. 21.28 p.p-M.
--- Page 7 ---
DAM "B' RESERVOIR
Dam "B'" Reservoir, located in Jasper and Tyler Counties on the
Angelina and Neches Rivers had considerable netting conducted on it in
1958-59 followed by reconnaissance surveys in 1961 and 1962.
Table 5 is a checklist of all fish collected in the various sur-
veys. During the 1962 survey there were eight species added to the
checklist. These included threadfin shad, a very important forage fish.
Table 6 and 7 is a comparison of the per cent of numbers and weights
respectively of the netted fish. This lake has one of the highest per-
centage of game fish in Region 3-B. Gizzard shad, channel catfish and
white crappie made the strongest increases. White bass which were
introduced into the lake on several occasions have apparently failed to
become established as none has been collected since 1959.
Vegetation, which has always been a problem, has increased to
serious proportions. Besides the infestation of water hyacinths, thick
growths of willow and buttonbush have become established in several
sections of the lake. Also submerged vegetation has become quite a
problem. The water level this past year was lower than usual in the
late summer and it is hoped that the lake can be drained, possibly in
1965, to help rid it of vegetation.
U. S. Corps of Engineers estimate that more than 624,000 fisher-
men visited the lake in 1962. It was estimated that a million and a quarter
pounds of fish were harvested by sportsmen. Nevertheless, there have
been complaints of the crappie fishing being poorer this year and many
are infested with leeches. The crappie are getting more numerous but
smaller.
New areas of access are being opened and constructed by the U.S.
Corps of Engineers.
Table 5. A checklist of Dam "B" Reservoir fish species.
Species 1958-59 1961 1962
Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) x
Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) x
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) x x x
Longnose gar (Lepisosteus ossais) x x x
Bowfin (Amia calva) x
Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) x
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) x
*
ta
*
--- Page 8 ---
=O=
Table 5. A checklist of Dam "B" Reservoir fish species (continued).
Species
Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus)
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)
Weed shiner (Notropis texanus)
Chub shiner (Notropis potteri)
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 (Ictalurus punctatus)
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus 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 pterus punctulatus)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus)
Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus)
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)
White crappie (Pomoxis “annularis)
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
River darter (Hadropterus shumardi)
Logperch (Percina caprodes)
Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax)
Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum)
Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile)
Freshwater drum , (Aplodinotus grunniens)
Number of species
* Introduced.
1958-59
x xm KM MM OM OM
XxX XM KM MM MMMM KKM OM KKM RK OM OM
x x
Al
1961
16
1962
aM mM OM *
x mM mM OM
Pi i i i i A a
x %
33
--- Page 9 ---
Table 6. Comparison of percentages of number of netted fish
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
Longear sunfish
White crappie
Black crappie
Freshwater drum*
Rough Fish *
Game Fish
Total
1958-59
.34
«12
. 08
. 68
. 68
.27
.08
11
hr
NODOFfOWO
N
FWOWODODTDONDOCOUDCOSF
—
Ov
©'*
1961
0
14.74
6.31
0
0
10.53
0
18.95
4.21
64.21
35.19
100.00
from Dam '"'B"
1962
64.99
35.01
100.00
--- Page 10 ---
=§-
Table 7. Comparison of percentages of weights of netted fish from Dam "BM
Reservoir.
Species 1958-59 1961 1962
Alligator gar* 1.08 0 0
Longnose gar* 6.47 29.34 15.73
Shortnose gar* 0.16 7.61 0
Spotted gar* 9.70 0 6.57
Bowfin* 2.86 0 0
Gizzard shad* 6.17 3.39 13.79
Blue sucker* 0.20 0 0
Smallmouth buffalo* 29.23 28.31 27.23
River carpsucker* 7.38 4.79 10.77
Gray redhorse* 0.36 0 0
Blacktail redhorse* 0.14 0 0
Spotted sucker* 4.75 0 0.29
Lake chubsucker* 0.02 0 0
Carp* 2.42 0 0
Channel catfish 4,29 1.84 7.27
Blue catfish 3.08 7.48 3.39
Black bullhead* 0.21 0 0
Yellow bullhead* 0.24 0 0
Flathead catfish 1.91 3.57 1.86
Spotted bass 0.14 0 0
Largemouth bass 3.83 2.26 1.54
Warmouth 0.17 0 0
Redear sunfish 1.02 0.66 0.42
Bluegill sunfish 0.71 0.09 0.24
Longear sunfish 0 0 0.03
White crappie 6.59 1.38 4.09
Black crappie 3.66 2.13 3.00
Freshwater drum* 3.21 7.15 3.78
Rough Fish* 74.60 80.59 78.16
Game Fish 25.40 19.41 21.84
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 11 ---
LAKE O' THE PINES
Located west of Jefferson in Marion County, Lake O' the Pines
was originally surveyed in 1958-59 but the lake level was lowered to
facilitate further construction. The lake was resurveyed in 1960
and the first reconnaissance survey was made in 1961. Another recon-
naissance survey was made in October 1962.
Table 8 is a check list of all species collected during the four
periods. The percentages of numbers of netted fish are shown in Table 9.
Among the game fish netted in 1962, the black crappie showed a decided
increase over the 1961 collection. This species composed 20.12 per cent
of the 1962 collection as compared to 7.26 per cent of the 1961 collection.
Largemouth bass decreased from 7.26 per cent last year to 3.55 per cent
in 1962. Several species of rough fish showed a decrease in percentage.
The gizzard shad decreased from 44.14 per cent to 30.78 per cent. Bull-
heads were also down slightly. The spotted gar however, increased from
2.79 per cent last year to 6.51 per cent in 1962. Table 10 shows the
results of percentages by weights of fish netted.
The "K'' factor data does not show any marked change when com-
pared to the 1961 collection. The crappie do, however, show a definite
increase in size. This indicates that these species are well established
in the lake. Table 11 contains the average lengths, weights and "K"
factor data on several game fish species.
The water analysis made in 1962 indicated that in general the
water quality of the lake has not changed greatly. Both the methyl
orange alkalinity and the chlorides increased since 1961 but the pH
decreased from 7.0 to 6.8. Water analysis data for the four periods
is contained in Table 11, also.
Submerged vegetation continues to be a major problem in the lake.
The level of the lake is to be raised 1 1/2 feet due to public complaints
of brush and vegetation in the upper end. It is felt that this will only
be a temporary relief.
The Corps of Engineers records indicate that over three million
people visited Lake 0' the Pines during the past year. Public access
to the lake has also been greatly improved.
--- Page 12 ---
-10-
Table 8. A checklist of Lake 0' the Pines fish species.
Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962
Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)
Bowfin (Amia calva)
Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense)
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Grass pickerel (Esox americanus)
Chain pickerel (Esox niger)
Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus 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)
Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis)
Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullbead (Ictalurus “natalis)
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus)
Starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti)
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus)
Common mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
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)
Redbrest 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 )
x x MM KH MK OM
™
me
* xm
ad
x x
x
mm
x
a i
*
xx KM KM MK KM HM
*
*
a
xr K KM MK MK
xx xX KM KKK MMM MM MK MM RM OM
™*
a
Ni
Number of species 39 22 24
--- Page 13 ---
«Lis
Table 9. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake 0'
the Pines.
Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962
Shortnose gar* 0.08 0 0 0
Spotted gar* 18.23 13.44 2.79 6.51
Longnose gar* 0.42 0.23 0 0
Bowfin* 1.04 0.80 0 0.59
Threadfin shad* 0 0 0.56 0
Gizzard shad* 7.00 26.19 44.14 30.78
Grass pickerel* 0.45 0.12 0 0.59
Chain pickerel* 0.40 0 0 0
Smallmouth buffalo* 10.78 0.58 0 )
Blacktail redhorse* 0.56 0 0 0
Spotted sucker* 2.03 10.20 8.94 5.33
Lake chubsucker* 0.56 0.12 0.56 6.51
Carp* 1.04 0.46 0 )
Golden shiner* 0.06 0 0 2.96
Channel catfish 4.98 0.58 2.23 0
Blue catfish 2.78 0.23 0 0
Black bullhead* 17.41 10. 66 8.94 6.51
Yellow bullhead* 3.67 3.71 1.12 3.55
Flathead catfish 1.24 0.23 0 6)
White bass 2.15 4.52 4.47 0.59
Spotted bass 2.82 0.12 0 0
Largemouth bass 6.46 5.21 7.26 3.55
Warmouth 4.49 2.67 1.12 1.77
Green sunfish 0.03 0 0 0
Spotted sunfish 0.59 0.80 0 0.59
Redear sunfish 0.54 1.51 2.79 2.96
Bluegill sunfish 3.73 7.88 4.47 5.91
Rebreast sunfish 0.11 0.58 0 0
Longear sunfish 0.25 0) 0 0
White crappie 2482 4.98 3.35 1.18
Black crappie 3.22 4.06 7.26 20.12
Flier 0 0.12 0 0
Freshwater drum* 0.06 0) 0 0
Rough fish* 63.79 66.51 67.05 63.33
Game fish 36.21 33.49 32.95 36.67
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 14 ---
-12-
Table 10. Comparison of percentages of weights of all netted fish from
Lake O' the Pines.
Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962
Shortnose gar* 0.27 0 0 0
Spotted gar* 14.30 23.28 4.17 11.22
Longnose gar* 0.77 1.16 0 0
Bowfin* 3.47 5.98 0) 1.41
Threadfin shad* 0 0 0.03 0
Gizzard shad* 3.50 19.34 33.03 24.03
Grass pickerel* 0.22 0.05 0 0.42
Chain pickerel* 0.17 0 0 0
Smallmouth buffalo* 30.12 363k 0 0
Blacktail redhorse* 0.23 0 0 0
Spotted sucker* 1.50 16.18 20.91 18.48
Lake chubsucker* 0.14 0.03 0.30 2.68
Carp* 1.98 1.34 0 0
Golden shiner* 0.01 0 0 0.60
Channel catfish 6.02 1.06 5.38 0
Blue catfish 3.32 0.52 0 0)
Black bullhead* 13.43 6.44 13.03 6.11
Yellow bullhead* 2.64 2.80 0.98 3.65
Flathead catfish 3.35 0.90 6) 0)
White bass 1.80 4.65 6.25 i. 55
Spotted bass 1.63 0.03 0 0
Largemouth bass 4.79 4.81 6.06 5.25
Warmouth 1.80 0.64 0.38 0.42
Green sunfish 0.01 0 0 0
Spotted sunfish 0.10 0.11 0 0.09
Redear sunfish 0.11 0.52 0.76 0.99
Bluegill sunfish 0.89 1.96 1.21 1.55
Redbreast sunfish 0.04 0.12 0) 0
Longear sunfish 0.03 0 0 0
White crappie 1.70 2.94 3.03 2.11
Black crappie 1.56 1.78 4.48 19.44
Flier 0 0.05 ) 0)
Freshwater drum* 0.10 0) 0 6)
Rough fish * 72.85 79.91 72.45 68.60
Game fish 27.15 20.09 27.55 31.40
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 15 ---
-13-
Table 11. Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several game
fish species from Lake O' the Pines.
1958859 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish Length Fish Length Fish Length Fish Length
Channel catfish 136 292.40 5 315.40 4 381.00 0 0
Blue catfish 61 281.68 2 363.50 0 0 0
Flathead catfish 29 365.44 2 400.00 0 0 0
White bass 69 210.82 37 217.60 8 265.25 1 305.00
Spotted bass 55 200.87 1 180.00 0 fe) 0
Largemouth bass 146 219.97 32 221,03 12 236.33 6 269.83
Warmouth 114 147.12 21 127.04 2 155.00 3 125.00
Bluegill sunfish 72 116.15 40 125.60 8 134.62 10 132.90
White crappie 76 185.00 36 186.83 6 222.16 2 274.50
Black crappie 88 161,29 34 160.20 13 190.15 10 220.20
Comparison of average weight in grams of several game fish
species from Lake O' the Pines.
1958-59 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish Weight Fish Weight Fish Weight Fish Weight
Channel catfish 136 481.69 5 651.20 4 1,007.00 0 0
Blue catfish 61 421.21 2 836.50 0 0 0 0
Flathead catfish 29 1,030.24 2 1,361.00 0 0 0 0
White bass 69 324.59 37 373.64 8 601.00 1 936.00
Spotted bass 55 291.63 1 119.00 0 0 0 0
Largemouth bass 146 §=336.26 32 338.03 12 353.33 6 462.83
Warmouth 114 155.77 31 86.85 2 134.50 3 80.00
Bluegill sunfish 72 80.02 40 95.22 8 108.50 10 94.10
White crappie 76 235.77 36 211.80 6 369.50 2 652.00
Black crappie 88 184.71 34 142.67 13 254.84 10 406.00
Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of several
game fish species from Lake O' the Pines.
1958-59 1960 1961 1962
Number of Number of Number of Number of
Species Fish "gn Fish "gn Fish "gn Fish nq"
Channel catfish 136 1.72 5 1.80 4 1.72 0 0
Blue catfish 61 1.73 2 1.77 0 0 0 0
Flathead catfish 29 1.95 2 1.96 0 0 0 0
White bass 69 3.28 37 3.02 8 3.19 1 3.29
Spotted bass 55 2.73 1 2.04 0 0 0 0
Largemouth bass 146 2.74 32 2.59 12 2.48 6 2.32
Warmouth 114 4.58 21 3.76 2 3.52 3 3.62
Bluegill sunfish 72 4.53 40 4:36 8 4.40 10 3.79
White crappie 76 3.39 36 2.91 6 3.25 3 3.15
Black crappie 88 3.59 34 3.38 13 3.57 10 3.66
Lake 0' the Pines Water Quality
1958-59 1960 1961 1962
pH 6.5 6.9 7.0 6.8
Alkalinity 18.00 p.p.m. 41.00 p.p.m. 15.00 p.p.m. 38.00 p.p.m
Chlorides 24.11 p.p.m. 54.37 p.p.m. 21.28 p.p.m. 35.46 p.p.m
--- Page 16 ---
~lh~
LAKE MURVAUL
Following a 3-year basic survey during 1958, 1959 and 1960 a reconnaissance
survey was made in 1961 and 1962 at Lake Murvaul, located in Panola County. Table
12 is a checklist of all fish species taken from the lake since its beginning,
late in 1957. One species was added to the list in 1962. Tables 13 and 14 pre-
sents. the percentage of numbers and weights of netted fish. Over the year no great
change has occurred though the game fish weight is up some 10 per cent. Table 15
is the data on the condition of crappie from the lake. Crappie have been considered
a problem because of their large numbers and small size. However, those netted in
1962 were of a larger average size than those taken in previous years, except the
first year.
Water quality is good and vegetation is a problem in some areas. The water
level was down about 3 feet during the summer and winter of 1962. Efforts have
been made to chemically control some types of the vegetation, both by lake per-
sonnel and Game and Fish Commission people. ,
Fishing has been good with "bream" being the fish most taken again. Public
access is good with additional roads being built this past year. Construction is
underway on a permanent Boy Scout Camp on the lake.
Table 12. A checklist of Lake Murvaul fish species.
Species 1958 1959 1960 1961* 1962
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
Bowfin (Amia calva)
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Grass pickerel (Esox americanus)
Smalimouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus)
River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio)
Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum)
Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops)
Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)
Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae)
Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus) .
Pallid shiner (Notropis amnis) x
Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus)
Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis)
Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus)
Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis)
Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus)
Taillight shiner (Notropis maculatus)
Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis)
Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis)
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus)
tal
“
* xe KM MM KKK OM
x eM mM mM OM xx Mm OM
x x xx x
x ta
* x x
am mM OM
x mM
Ye a
x eM mM MM
x KM mM MK
x Kx mM
x
--- Page 17 ---
-15-
Table 12. A checklist of Lake Murvaul fish species (Continued)
Species 1958 1959 1960 1961* 1962
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus) x
Common mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) pi x x x
Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) x
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) x x x x x
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) x x x x x
Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) x x x
Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) x x x x x
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) x x x x x
Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) x x p x x
Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) x x P
Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) x x x
White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x x x x X
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) x x x x
Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) x x
Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) x
Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) x x
Number of species 4 33 27 17 21
Table 13. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake Murvaul.
Species 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Spotted gar* 0.08 0 0 0 0.51
Bowfin* 13.74 10.16 4.11 3.58 0.51
Gizzard shad* 4.30 19.39 31.71 12.90 44.44
Grass pickerel * 0.98 L.. 85 0.29 0.38 0
Smallmouth buffalo* 0.98 0.09 0.09 0 0
River carpsucker* 2.04 0 0 0 0
Blacktail redhorse* 0.45 0.09 0 0 0
Spotted sucker* 1.50 5.82 1.91 0.69 0
Lake chubsucker* 3.00 9.60 6.78 L5e 23 7.07
Golden shiner* 2.19 1.75 0.48 2.94 4.55
Channel catfish 0.16 0.65 2.29 0.80 0.51
Blue catfish 0.08 0.37 0.19 0.16 0
Black bullheads* 27.85 13.48 16.24 13.05 5.81
Yellow bullhead* 8.30 8.13 6.40 8.72 6.05
Spotted bass 0.32 0.09 0 0 0
Largemouth bass 9.82 12. 19 1.43 2.30 2.99
Warmouth 6.87 1.39 0.48 3.26 1.25
Green sunfish 0.98 0.37 0 0 0
Spotted sunfish 0.39 0.09 0.29 0.92 0)
Redear sunfish 0.60 0.55 0.48 2251 2.53
Bluegill sunfish 11.18 7.29 6.69 14.06 14.65
Redbreast sunfish 0.83 0.28 0 0 0.51
Longear sunfish 0.08 0.09 0.09 0 0)
White crappie 2.19 1.57 13.56 16.63 6.3
Black crappie 0.70 4.62 6.49 1.37 2.78
Flier 0.39 0.09 0 0 0
Rough fish* 65.41 70.36 68.00 57.49 68.94
Game fish 34.59 29.64 32.00 42.51 31.06
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 18 ---
-16-
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
Redbreast sunfish
Longear sunfish
White crappie
Black crappie
Flier
Rough fish*
Game fish
Total
1959
0
39.
3.
OCTOCCOOCOrFRFCOCOOCOODOFNOOOWUO
67.
32.
100.
58
84
00
** No weights were recorded the first year.
1960
34.84
76.40
23.60
100.00
65.50
34.50
_ 100.00
--- Page 19 ---
-17-
Table 15. Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of crappie
from Lake Murvaul.
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Species No. Length No. Length No. Length No. Length No. Length
White crappie 30 207.26 15 146.53 60 129.48 425 133.15 17 179.70
Black crappie 9 190.55 30 116.86 39 135320 48 129.53 11 150.09
cme mo cme ee eee mm emcee cata comm cm cms meas ee commen eee meee eee
Comparison of average weight in grams of crappie from Lake Murvaul.
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Species No. Weight No. Weight No. Weight No. Weight No. Weight
White crappie 30 380.30 15 183.46 60 60.93 425 66.65 17 184. 29
Black crappie 9 299.55 30 55.40 39 79.56 48 59.35 11 113.09
Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of crappie
from Lake Murvaul.
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Species No. "RM No. "KN" No. "KM No. mK No. mK
White crappie 30 3.52 15 2.98 60 2.66 425 2.51 17 2.48
Black crappie 9 3.62 30 3. OL 39 2.99 48 2.62 11 3.13
Water Quality
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
pH 6.6 Not taken 7a3 7.1 7.4
Alkalinity 44.00 p.p.m. 50.00 p.p.m.32.00 p.p.m. 45.00 p.p.m.
Chlorides 27.56 p.p.m. 63.83 p.p.m.35.46 p.p.m. 56.74 p.p.m.
LAKE STRIKER
Lake Striker has a 3-year basic survey beginning in 1957 and completed
in 1960. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in 1961 and 1962.
Table 16 is the checklist of fish species collected from the lake. During
this segment there were two additional fish added to the checklist. Table 17
is the per cent of netted fish, comparing the 5 years. The high count of rough
fish was caused by the exceptionally large amount of gizzard shad caught. Table
18 also indicates a high per cent by weight of rough fish. This was caused by
Spotted gar, gizzard shad and carp. Most of the game fish are in good condition
as indicated by Table 19 and the water quality is normal for the lake at the pre-
sent time.
Aquatic vegetation is increasing though some of it was treated by Game
and Fish Commission personnel. Correspondence concerning recommendations for
the management of the lake has been completely ignored by the President of the
Water District. Under the prevailing circumstances it is doubtful if any addi-
tional work will be conducted on Lake Striker by Region 3-B personnel.
--- Page 20 ---
-18-
In spite of the apparent increase in rough fish and infestations of
vegetation, fishing has remained good. Considering this and the lack of
cooperation, any artificial population manipulation which might be considered
would not be advisable anyway.
It is interesting to note that the white bass which was collected was
unmarked indicating that it is probably an offspring of the fish stocked in
the lake in previous years.
Table 16. A checklist of Lake Striker fish species.
Species 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) bid
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
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) x
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)
xm wm MK OM xm mM
xx mK KM MK KM MK
ta ™
xx x KM
*
x mM
x x
*
™*
x x
x
*
*
ee ee eee
Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax)
Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis)
Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus)
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus)
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus)
White bass (Roccus chrysops)* x
xx Km KM KKK KM MK
m*
™
*
*
xm MM MK
™*
™
*
m*
axe MM Mw KX MM MK
a mM MX MK
i i
*
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) x x
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) x x x x x
Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) x x Xx x
Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) x x x
Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus) x x x pe
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) x x x x x
Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) x x x x x
Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) x x x
Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) x x
White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x x x x x
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) x x x
Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) x x x x
Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) x x 4
Number of species ze) 37 32 25 23
* Believed to be offspring of stock fish
--- Page 21 ---
= 19%
Table 17. Comparison of percentages of numbers of netted fish from Lake Striker.
Species 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60 1961 1962
Shortnose gar* 0 0 0 0 0.25
Spotted gar* 2.87 2.87 0.71 5.76 6.18
Bowfin* 0.18 0.39 0 1.69 0
Gizzard shad* 29.93 34.68 38.86 37.63 58.42
Grass pickerel * 0.15 0.07 0) 0 0
River carpsucker* 0 0.07 0 0 0
Blacktail redhorse* 0.31 0.59 0 0 0
Spotted sucker* 4.75 14.79 17.29 2.72 1.98
Lake chubsucker* 7.82 5.67 7.86 1.36 3.96
Carp* 2.87 0.26 0.14 2.38 5.69
Golden shiner* 0 0.07 0 0 0
Channel catfish 0.26 2:15 2.86 6.10 0.25
Blue catfish 0 0 0 0.33 0
Black bullhead* 16.89 6.65 2.57 7.12 4.45
Yellow bullhead* 9.12 7.56 4.29 11.53 0
White bass 0 0 0 0 0.25
Largemouth bass 7.97 6.06 5.00 3.39 0.75
Spotted bass 0 0.52 0429 0 0
Warmouth 3.02 1.50 0.43 0 0.50
Green sunfish 0 0 0.28 0) 0
Spotted sunfish 2.70 0.59 Loft 0 0
Redear sunfish 0 0.20 0 1.01 4.70
Bluegill sunfish 6.83 10.03 13.57 11.53 10.14
Redbreast sunfish 1.82 0.39 0 0.33 2.23
Longear sunfish 0.20 0.78 0 0 6)
White crappie 0.16 0.85 2.43 3.06 0.25
Black crappie 2.35 3.26 Lil 4.06 0
Rough fish* 74.89 73.66 71.72 70.19 80.93
Game fish 25.11 26.34 28.28 29.81 19.07
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 22 ---
-20-
Table 18. Comparison of percentages of weights of all netted fish from
Lake Striker.
Species 1957-58** 1958-59%** 1959-60 1961 1962
Shortnose gar* 0 0 1.39
Spotted gar* 3.24 23.12 25.89
Bowfin* 0 7.44 0
Gizzard shad* J 17.78 11.85 29.81
River carpsucker* 0) 0) 0
Blacktail redhorse* 0 6) 0
Spotted sucker* 40.38 5.53 5.22
Lake chubsucker* 7.23 0.45 3.90
Carp* 1.19 3.32 21.68
Golden shiner* 0 0 0
Channel catfish 5.72 15.94 0.63
Blue catfish 0 3.08 0
Black bullhead* 2.52 7.04 5.79
Yellow bullhead* 2.56 10.52 0
White bass 0 0 0.37
Spotted bass 0.09 0 0
Largemouth bass 12.86 3.78 0.88
Warmouth 0.13 0 0.25
Green sunfish 0.07 0 0
Spotted sunfish 0.23 6) 0
Redear sunfish 0 0.40 1.80
Bluegill sunfish 2.07 2.18 1.96
Redbreast sunfish 0 0.08 0.31
Longear sunfish 0 0 0
White crappie 2.61 2.66 0.12
Black crappie 1.32 2.61 0
Rough fish* 74.90 69.27 93.68
Game fish 25.10 30.73 6.32
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
*«* Weights not taken.
--- Page 23 ---
=
Table 19. Comparison of standard length in millimeters of several game fish
species from Lake Striker.
1957-58
Species No. Length
Channel catfish 0 0
Largemouth bass 142 225.60
Warmouth 58 127.50
Bluegill sunfish 65 119.20
White crappie 3 187.00
1958-59 1959-60
No. Length No. Length
32 265.62 20 31925
88 266.31 35 278.14
21 143.00 3 135.66
72 106.12 45 103.73
12 163.00 17 198.29
Comparison of weight in grams of several game fish
Species No.
Channel catfish 0
Largemouth bass 142
Warmouth 58
Bluegill sunfish 65
White crappie 3
1957-58
Length
0
332.80
99.80
92.30
235.70
Lake Striker.
1958-59 1959-60
No. Length No. Length
32 335.40 20 599.00
88 606.23 35 705.20
21 124.47 3 82.33
72 47.18 45 39.40
12 210.16 17 286.94
No.
18
10
0
22
9
1961
Length
342.50
247.20
species f
1961
Length
932.94
399.50
0
80.77
156.66
1962
No. Length
rom
1962
No. Length
1 879.00
3 400.00
2 137 .50
20 91.00
1
160.00
ome comm mm cms coe ecm meee ome ce eee eee eee
Comparison of average coefficients of condition ("K") of several
game fish species from Lake Striker.
1958-59 1959-60
No. Length No. Length
32 1.31 20 1,65
88 2.78 35 2.88
21 3.90 3 3.26
72 4,11 45 3.46
12 2.76 17 2.88
1962
No. Length
1 2.05
2.32
eee cm em come cm comme commen mma mm ces em cee cee cece em
1957-58
Species No. Length
Channel catfish 0 0
Largemouth bass 142 2.69
Warmouth 58 4.73
Bluegill sunfish 65 4.81
White crappie 3 3 ud
1957-58
pH 6.3
Alkalinity 21.0 p.p.m.
Chlorides 192.5lp.p.m.
Water Quality
1958~59 1959-60
6.5 6.8
19.0 p.p.m. 26.0 p.p.m.
163.93p.p.m. 170.21p.p.m.
1961
No. Length
18 1.74
10 2.27
0 0
22 3.92
9 2.47
1961
7.
156.02p.p.m.
8.0 p.p.m.
141.84 p.p.m.
--- Page 24 ---
~22-
CADDO LAKE
Caddo Lake was first surveyed in 1953-55. No fisheries work was conducted
on the lake again until November 1961 and January 1962, when the reconnaissance
surveys were made. In September 1962, a netting survey which is still in progress,
was begun and to this date thirteen netting collections have been made on the lake.
This frequent netting program was created due to the greatly increased growth of
submerged aquatic plants which are more commonly referred to as “moss”. This
survey is being conducted in an effort to determine what effects, either advanta-
geous or detrimental, this "moss" may have on the fish populations of Caddo Lake.
This work is to be continued under a separate job during the coming segment.
Table 20 lists the species of fish collected during the three major col-
lection periods. This checklist includes species collected by both seining and
netting with the exception of the 1962-63 list which represents only netted fish.
One additional species, the carp (Cyprinus carpio), was collected in 1962-63.
Table 21 compares the percentage of numbers of fish collected by netting.
In general, there was little change in the netting results. Gizzard shad increased
slightly this year over the 1961-62 collection, but was considerably lower than
the 1953-55 figure. Yellow bass decreased in 1962-63 but this species was
netted more frequently duringthe latter collections of this year, indicating
that they were just beginning to move. The time of the year that collections
are made is an influencing factor in determining the number of most species
that are collected. The total per cent of rough fish collected this year in-
creased 3.48 per cent over last year and 1.03 per cent below the 1953-55 total.
The game fish percentage decreased accordingly.
Table 22 is a comparison of the per cent of weights of netted fish. The
ratio of game and rough fish weights varied with the same trend as the per cent
by number indicates.
The condition of some species of game fish collected conforms generally
with last year's data, with only slight increases or decreases among the species.
Table 23 contains these data as well as comparisons of average standard lengths
and average standard weights of several game fish species.
The water quality has changed slightly since the 1961-62 collection. The
methyl orange alkalinity increased from 9.00 p.p.m. to 18.00 p.p.m. The chlorides
averaged 26.09 last year as compared to 39.30 p.p.m. this year. The vast amounts
of decaying vegetation ("moss") in the lake may account for this increase. The
pH of the water has improved slightly also. It was 6.4 last year and has in-
creased to 6.7. This is normal for the acid waters of this region.
Fishing has been good in some areas of Caddo Lake while other areas have
been choked with submerged vegetation. This dense growth of aquatic plants has
made access to fishermen impossible. Bass and crappie have been taken in good
numbers in areas not infested with these plants.
--- Page 25 ---
293
Table 20. A checklist of Caddo Lake fish species.
Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63
Chestnut lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus)
Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula)
Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)
Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)
Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)
Bowfin (Amia calva)
Skipjack (Alosa chrysochloris)
Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense)
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Grass pickerel (Esox americanus)
Chain pickerel (Esox niger)
Bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus)
Smallmouth buffalo (ictiobus bubalus)
River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio)
Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops)
Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)
Carp (Cyprinus carpio) x
Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae)
Ironcolor shiner (Notropis chalybaeus)
Weed shiner (Notropis texanus)
Pallid shiner (Notropis amnis)
Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus)
Redhorse shiner (Notropis lutrensis)
Sand shiner (Notropis stramineus)
Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis)
Mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus)
Taillight shiner (Notropis maculatus)
Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis)
Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis)
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus)
American eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus)
Starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti)
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus)
Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) x
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Mississippi silversides (Menidia audens)
Brook silverside (Labidesthes sicculus)
White bass (Roccus chrysops)
Yellow bass (Roccus interruptus)
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus)
Bantam sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus)
Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus)
ta
“
pe a
* *
ta *
i
mo
*
*
*
a a A a a
mm mM
i i a i
ta
*
--- Page 26 ---
ali
Table 20. A checklist of Caddo Lake fish species (Continued)
Species 1953-55 1961-62
Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus)
Longear sunfish (Lepomis megalot is)
Dollar sunfish (Lepomis marginatus)
White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) .
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
Flier (Centrarchus macropterus)
Banded pygmy sunfish (Elassoma zonatum)
River darter (Hadropterus shumardi)
Logperch (Percina caprodes)
Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax)
Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorgoso mum)
Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile)
Scalyhead darter (Etheostoma barratti)
Cypress darter (Etheostoma proeliare)
Fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola)
Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)
pe i
Number of species 67 36
1962-63
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 0
Spotted gar* 4.14 Ladd
Longnose gar* 1.15 0.90
Bowfin* 0.21 0.60
Skipjack* 0.02 0
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
Carp* 0 0
Golden shiner* 0.10 0
Channel catfish 0.21 0
Blue catfish 0.08 0.90
Black bullhead* 2219 1.20
Yellow bullhead* 0.89 0.90
Flathead catfish 0.33 0.30
White bass 1.32 0.30
Yellow bass 8.56 18.98
Spotted bass 0.02 0
Largemouth bass 1.39 1.20
Warmouth 3.61 0.30
Spotted sunfish 0.10 0
1962-63
0.08
--- Page 27 ---
-25-
Table 21. Comparison of per cent of numbers of netted fish from Caddo Lake.
(Continued)
Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63
Redear sunfish 2.31 0.90 2.38
Bluegill sunfish 2.44 1.81 3.06
Longear sunfish 0.02 0 0
White crappie 0.69 1.81 0.17
Black crappie 4.73 3.93 10.28
Flier 0.11 0 0
Freshwater drum* 0.46 1.20 0.08
Rough fish* 74.08 69.57 68.49
Game fish 25.92 30.43 31.51
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
emcees coy cm cme sums sme ommmns comme my eee mney emmy umes cee eee cece reese cece eee eee ee
Table 22. Comparison of per cent of weights of netted fish from Caddo Lake.
Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63
Alligator gar* 0.04 0 0
Shortnose gar* 0.91 0 0
Spotted gar* 7.95 1.66 1.21
Longnose gar* 10.14 11.91 0.45
Bow fin* 0.76 1.47 3.23
Skipjack* 0.01 0 0
Gizzard shad* 36.97 15.98 68.47
Chain pickerel* 6.08 15.30 6.13
Bigmouth buffalo* 0.07 6) 0
Smallmouth buffalo* 1.14 4.71 0
River carpsucker* 1.48 1.57 0
Spotted sucker* 11.94 23.83 8.91
Lake chubsucker* 2.86 2239 1.14
Carp* 0 0 0.08
Golden shiner* 0.02 0 0
Channel catfish 0.22 0 0.95
Blue catfish 0.08 2% 50 0
Black bullhead* 3.43 1.25 1.15
Yellow bullhead* 0.83 0.76 0.89
Flathead catfish 1.09 0.43 0.21
White bass 1.11 0.27 0
Yellow bass 3.50 8.00 1.84
Spotted bass 0.02 0 0
Largemouth bass 1.48 1.27 0.92
Warmouth 1.41 0.12 0.63
Spotted sunfish 0.01 0) 0.01
Redear sunfish 0.72 0.25 0.27
Bluegill sunfish 0.75 0.29 0.29
Longear sunfish 0.01 0 0
White crappie Q.51 1.94 0.05
Black crappie 3.70 3.32 3.07
Freshwater drum* 0.76 0.78 0.10
Rough fish* 85.39 81.61 91.76
Game Fish 14.61 18.39 8.24
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00
--- Page 28 ---
Table 23.
game fish species from Caddo Lake.
1953-55 1961-62
Species No.Fish Length No.Fish
Channel catfish 6 273 0
Flathead catfish 18 426 1
White bass 62 232 1
Largemouth bass 75 247 4
Warmouth 124 158 1
Redear sunfish 66 156 2
Bluegill sunfish 62 143 7
Black crappie 213 212 13
White crappie 42 205 6
eee cece eee ee ee
Species No.
Channel catfish 6
Flathead catfish 18
White bass 62
Largemouth bass 75
Warmouth 124
Redear sunfish 66
Bluegill sunfish 62
Black crappie 213
White crappie 42
several game fish species from Caddo Lake
1953-55
Fish
1953-55
Fish
a hee
Weight No.
438
1315
391
421
171
148
130
356 L
275
DwWwnnrprero
Length
0
325
250
275
155
148
118
210
251
1961-62
Fish
fish species from Caddo Lake
Weight
0
1135
442
2
160
Comparison of average standard lengths in millimeters of several
h
eight
822
552
0
560
166
118
1962-63
No. Fish Lengt
13 324
iL 520
0 0
21 267
38 E5/
23 138
29 124
89 201
2 238
1962-63
No. Fish W
13
1 2
0
21
38
23
29
89
2
No.
1962-63
Fish
meee em mem ee ee eee ee em ee ee
1953-55
6.7
Unknown
Unknown
Species No.
Channel catfish 6
Flathead catfish 18
White bass 62
Largemouth bass 75
Warmouth 124
Redear sunfish 66
Black crappie 213
White crappie 42
pH
Alkalinity
Chlorides
1961-62
RN No. Fish ike
1.80 0 0
1.60 1 3.30
2.66 1 2683
2.36 4 0
3.93 1 4.30
35 2 4.02
3.22 13 3.45
2.91 6 3.13
Water Quality
1961-62
6.5
9.00 p.p.m.
26.09 p.p.m.
--- Page 29 ---
~27-
LAKE TYLER
Lake Tyler, located 8 miles southeast of Tyler, was impounded in 1949.
A basic survey was made in 1953-54 and the reconnaissance survey was made in
August 1962. Table 24 is a checklist of fish species from Lake Tyler.
Table 25 is composed of the per cents of total numbers and per cents of
total weights for the two collections. The gizzard shad population has increased
greatly in the lake. In 1953-54 no shad were collected but in the reconnaissance
survey they composed 36.72 per cent of the total catch. Carp also show an in-
crease from 0.20 per cent in 1953-54 to 17.02 per cent in 1962. Chubsuckers
composed 23.58 per cent of the 1953-54 catch and only 2.99 per cent of the 1962
collection. Spotted suckers dropped from 25.19 per cent to 11.34 per cent.
Black bullheads represented 35.14 per cent of the 1953-54 collection and none
were caught in 1962. The majority of the game fish species collected in 1962
shows an increase over their 1953-54 figures. The bluegill sunfish increased
from 4.94 per cent to 12.24 per cent. The total percentage of rough fish has
decreased from 88.22 per cent in 1953-54 to 73.74 per cent in 1962. The game
fish percentage increased accordingly. The total percentages of weights para-
lleled the per cents by number. Two new game fish species and one rough fish
species was collected in the 1962 reconnaissance survey.
It should be noted that 148 gill nets were set over a year's time to
compile the 1953-54 collection data, whereas, the reconnaissance survey con-
sisted of 16 nets set for one night only. Therefore, those species that show
a marked decrease in per cent in the 1962 collection may have actually been
present in much greater numbers than the data indicates. The degree of move-
ment of many species is governed by the season of the year. If a certain
species is not moving when a one night reconnaissance netting is made it will
not be caught successfully, and therefore be poorly represented.
Table 24 is a checklist of the species collected in both collections.
Two new game fish species and two rough fish species were collected from Lake
Tyler in 1962.
From the data contained in Table 26, which includes the average stan-
dard lengths, standard weights, and "K" factors of several game fish species,
it appears that some species have a lower average size and weight. The blue-
gill sunfish, redear sunfish and warmouth show a decrease in their average
"K" factor. This is true for other species also. Actually a larger number
of individuals for each species is needed to arrive at an accurate average.
Public access to Lake Tyler is good and from observations made during
the survey, fishing pressure is fairly heavy on the lake.
RECOMMENDATIONS :
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 vy Mievern Loole-
Project Leader Coordinator
Date: December 4, 1963 Charles E. Gra ee
Regional Supervisor
--- Page 30 ---
-28-
Table 24. A checklist of Lake Tyler fish species.
Species
Bowfin (Amia calva)
Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum)
Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops)
Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta)
Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae)
Emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides)
Weed shiner (Notropis texanus)
Pallid shiner (Notropis amnis)
Blacktail shiner (Notropis venustus)
Red shiner (Notropis lutrensis)
Blackspot shiner (Notropis atrocaudalis)
Parrot minnow (Pimephales vigilax)
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)
Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis)
Starhead topminnow (Fundulus notti)
Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus)
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus)
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus)
Spotted sunfish…