TPWD 1964 F-4-R-11 #929: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 2-A: Job No. B-29, Fisheries Reconnaissance

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-4-R-11 Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region Dal Job No. B-29: Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Leader: Dwane Q. Smith J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Eugene A. Walker Marion Toole Assistant Director for Wildlife D-J Coordinator July.6, 1965 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT 4 Lakes Brownwood, Diversion, Graham, Kemp, Kickapoo, Possum Kingdom, Scar- borough, Tucker and Coleman were surveyed. The results were compared to previous data, when available, to provide a basis for determining any change that may have occurred. Lakes on the Wichita watershed continue to yield large populations of rough fish. Lake Kemp has a high rough fish population and stunted game fish even though the lake does not show an overall high fish population, Lakes on the Brazos watershed show only slight changes. Collection of fish made on these lakes show no major changes in fish populations or habitat and recommendation for fish harvest regulations remain unchanged. The tidewater silversides, Menidia beryllina, was collected for the first time from Possum Kingdom Lake. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. _F-4-R-11 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 2-A : Job No. B-29 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance. Period Covered: November 1, 1963 to October 31, 1964 Objectives: To conduct limited investigations to obtain current information concerning gross changes in fishing conditions and factors influencing fish populations. Procedure: Certain major lakes in Region 2-A, that had been surveyed or had other work done, were revisited and net collections made. These data collected were re- corded for comparision with the results of previous work, when available, to provide a basis for determining any change that may have occurred. Lakes Brown- wood, Diversion, Graham, Kemp, Kickapoo, Possum Kingdom, Scarborough, Tucker and Coleman were surveyed. Findings: Lake Gratam Results of netting in Lake Graham indicate that there has been some changes in the fish population since the 1962-1963 survey was made. Spotted gar did not appear in the samples as frequently as in past samples. Shad, buffalo and carp- sucker comprised 48.61 per cent of the rough fish total of 54.59 per cent of numbers taken. Carpsucker comprised 20.19 per cent by weight which is a gain from 4.30 per cent from 1962-1963. Channel catfish, bass and crappie remained relatively unchanged except for the per cent by weight of crappie which dropped from 21.99 per cent to 4.57 per cent (Table No. 1 and 2). Fishing interest remains strong on Lake Graham with good catches of all game fish and these fish as well as the fish taken in the net survey indicate that fish are in good condition. Lake Possum Kingdom Fewer fish were taken from Possum Kingdom during the 1963-1964 reconnaissance than during the 1962-1963 resurvey. A total of 5,325 feet of net was used to take 362 fish. The rough fish made up 63.82 per cent by number and 36.18 per cent game fish. The game fish ratio is 72.74 per cent by weight of rough fish and only 27.26 per cent game fish. Gizzard shad provide 34.80 per cent of the rough fish followed by longnose gar with 18.79 per cent. Channel catfish provide 12.15 per cent of the total number followed by white bass and 11.95 per cent and white crappie with 6.62 per cent (Table No. 3 and 4). --- Page 4 --- ~2- Since the release of walleye fry, (Stizostedion vitreum) May 7, 1964, Possum Kingdom Lake possibly has another species which is not listed on the checklist. Walleye have not been taken by fishermen or nets therefore was not posted on the check list (Table No. 15). Tidewater silversides were collected for the first time from Possum Kingdom. Lake Kickapoo Lake Kickapoo, a turbid lake, is located on the Wichita River System. Net checks gave a better pickure of the species present than was shown in the 1962-1963 net check. White crappie still provide the greatest number present but are of a stunted size. Gar, buffalo and carpsucker make up the bulk of the rough fish which comprise 66.05 per cent of the total weight. (Tables 5 and 6). Lake Kemp A total of 1,600 feet of net were set taking 171 fish. Shad were found to be the most numerous gpecies with 26,90 per cent by numbers followed by carpsucker with 25.56 per cent. All fish taken show very small "K" averages (Table No. 7). Netting from Lake Kemp indicates only 12.22 per cent game fish by wéii ght. Further reconnaissance is planned for Lake Kemp in order to determine ways and means of improving fishing. Kemp is a large lake near Wichita Falls, Texas, therefore the lake could provide fishing for that area of the State where large lakes are not common. Lake Scarborough Lake Scarborough was netted only one time during this segment of work. Pre} vious work on the lake indicate white crappie to be the most abundant species but the 1963-1964 results show shad to be the most abundant species with 60.26 per cent by number. Bluegill provide 17.51 per cent of the catch and crappie pro- vided 9.76 per cent (Table No. 8 and 9). Crappie taken in nets appear to be over- populated and stunted and so do thosetaken by fishermen. Lake Tucker Lake Tucker is a small, 50 acre lake located in Comanche County. The lake has been repeatedly stqfkediwith largemouth bass from the State Fish Hatchery but bass fishing continues to be very poor. The net survey did not produce any bass. Shad was the most numerous Species with 59.42 per cent. Crappie show 24.63 per cent by number and only 4.66 per cent by weight (Table No. 10). The lake is heavily infected with aquatic vegetation which is a probable cause of the poor fishing. Lake Coleman Lake Coleman was netted in order to check survival of blue catfish which were stocked in the lake. One blue catfish was captured which measured 290, millimeters standard length and weighed 387 grams. There were no evidence of reprdduction of --- Page 5 --- -3- of the blue catfish. Fishermen took some blue catfish while fishing from the bank. (fable No. 11) Lake Diversion Diversion Lake, located on the Wichita River System, is a shallow turbid lake. The majorityof the fish taken from Diversion are rough fish and "K" factors for game fish are very low. (Table No. 12). Lake Brownwood Two netting trips were made to ake Brownwood. The overall fish population is relatively “unchanged even though the largest change occurred in the number of shad. The 1962-1963 netting results show shad to be 50.12 per cent by number while the 1963-1964 results indicate 17.45 per cent by number. The per cent by numbers of buffalo and carpsucker indicate a slight increase. The changes in per cent is reflected by the use of the new type experiemental gill net. Table No. 13 and 14. n Lote Prepared by _Dwane Q. Smith Approved by WZ Veep (Coordinator ) Project Leader Date: July 6, 1965 JOHN E. TILTON Regional Supervisor --- Page 6 --- co Des Table 1. Results of netting Lake Graham November i, 1963 - October 30, 1964 Per Cent Total | Per Cent | Average Weight by Pounds! Weight | Average | Weight Gms Number Spotted gar Gizzard shad 152 Smallmouth buffalo 33 6.57 River carpsucker 59 11.76 European carp;: 12 2.39 Golden shiner 1 0.20 Channel cat 66 13.14 Black bullhead 10 2.00 Flathead cat : 2 0.39 Largemouth bass 19 | 3.79 Bluegill sunfish Al 8.17 White crappie 100 19,92 Freshwater drun --- Page 7 --- Table 2. Species Spotted gar Gizzard shad Smallmouth batfale | River carpsucker Channel catfish Black bullhead Largemouth bass Green sunfish Bluegill sunfish White crappie Drum Totals 7 12 3 1 11 24 73 -5- Per Cent Total | Per Cend Average by Weight by Length Number | Pounds | Weight | mm, 9.58 16.55 | 26.54 514 16.44 | 1.92 3.08] 161 4.11 20.48 32.85 460 1.37 2.68 4,30 380 15.07 4,29 6.88 229 4.11 0.83 1.34 | 190 1.37 0.17 0.27 160 LS? 0.07 0.12 100 12.33 0.90 1.44 | 114 32.88 13.71 21.99 209 1.37 0.74 1.19 260 | 100.00 62.34 | 100.00 Lake Graham netting results, 1962-1963. nee 1074 72 3099 1219 177 126 80 35 45 259 340 | Average we 0.60 1.67 --- Page 8 --- Table 3. Results of netting Lake Possum Kingdom November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964 Per Cent Total |Per Cent] Average by Weight Species Number Number | Pounds Spotted gar Longnose gar Gizzard shad Smallmouth buffal i River carpsucker European carp Channel cat White bass Ky. spotted bass Largemouth bass Bluegill sunfish White crappie Freshwater drum Total --- Page 9 --- -7- Table 4. Lake Possum Kingdom netting results 1962 - 1963. Total Weight Pounds Spotted gar Longnose gar Gizzard shad 698 Smallmouth buffalo 8 River carpsucker 21 European carp 4 Channel catfish 90 Flathead catfish 1 White bass 77 Largemouth bass 75 Warmouth sunfish 1 Green sunfish 1 Redear sunfish 98 Bluegill sunfish 322 Longear sunfish | 2 White crappie 24 Black crappie 3 Freshwater drum --- Page 10 --- e ~8- Table 5. Results of netting Lake Kickapoo November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964. Average | Average Weight Gms Spotted gar Longnose gar Gizzard shad Buffalo River carpsucker European carp Channel cat White bass Largemouth bass Longear sunfish: Bluegill sunfish White crappie Freshwater drum 162.09] _ Table 6. Lake Kickapoo netting results 1962-1963 100.00 Per Cent | Total |Per Cent [Average | Average by | Weight by Weight Species | Number | Number | Pounds; Weight Gms Shortnose gar | 4.49} 15.23 River carpsucker 9.86 33.44 Channel catfish 5.28 17.91 White bass 4.62| 15.67 White crappie 4.79] 16.25 0,44} 1.50 | 29.48} 100.00 | Freshwater drum Total --- Page 11 --- Table 7. Results of netting Lake Kemp November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964 Per Cent Total | Per Cent |Average Average Average | by Weight by | Length Weight A Species Number | Number | Pounds Weight | mm Gms Spotted gar 15 58.81 | 38.37 666 1780 0.60 Gizzard shad 46 14.29 | 9.32 208 141 1.41 River carpsucker 42 44.36 28.95 298 479 1. 92 European carp 714 15.35 10.01 | 288 498 1.87 Channel cat | 14 6.53 4,26 | 242 211 1.23 Flathead catfish | 1 1.74 , 1.14 370 794 1.12 White bass | 11 5% 29 3.45 230 218 1.72 Bluegill sunfish 9 1.00 0.65 115 50 3.00 White crappie | 11 4.16 2.72 197 171 1.75 Freshwater drum | 8 L./3 | L613 155 98 0.45 100.00 Total | 170 --- Page 12 --- =O Table 8. Results of netting Lake Scarborough November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964. Per Cent |Average | Average | Average by Length Weight i Numb Weight mm Gms 9 0 6 er 79 1.2 Total Weight Pounds Per Gent Number Gizzard shad European carp 2.10 Golden shiner 1.65 Channel catfish 1.38 Flathead catfish 1.72 Largemouth bass 1.85 Warmouth 2.83 Green sunfish 3.28 Redear sunfish 2.78 Bluegill sunfish 3.31 White crappie 2.08 Freshwater drum 2.19 --- Page 13 --- «I1< Table $°. Lake Scarbrough Netting Results, 1962-1963 Per Cent Per Cent Species | Number of Number Gizzard shad 30.56 Largemouth bass 5.71 Redear sunfish 2.02 © Bluegill sunfish 5.29 Longear sunfish 0.63 White crappie 49.28 Freshwater drum 6.51 Totals | 220 100.00 Table 10. Results of netting Lake Tucker, November 1, 1963-October 30, 1964 Per Cent| Total |Per Cent | Average | Average Average | he eee Weight { ‘KY Species Number | Pounds i GLongsnose gar | 1 1.45 mle db 24,29 1030 5046 Gizzard shad | 41 | 59.42 | 18.50 | 40.45 | 225 204 1.50 Rivwr carpsucker | 4 5.80 | 10.17 | 22.24 363 | 1155 2.37 Channel catfish 2 2.90 3.18 | 6.96 | 350 | 723 1.61 Warmouth 1 1.45 | 0.37 0.81 |! 180 170 2.95 Bluegill sunfish 3 4,34 | 0.27 0.59 111 | AL | 2.98 White crappie 17 | 24.63 | 2.13 | 4.66 | 141 57 | 2.01 Totals 100.00 45.73 ,;100.00 --- Page 14 --- -12- Table 11. Results of netting Lake Coleman November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964 Per Cent Total |Per Cent | Average | by Weight by Weight Specie Number Number Pounds Gms Black bullhead Blue catfish Largemouth bass Green sunfish Bluegill sunfish Table 12. Results of netting Lake Diversion, November 1, 1963-October 30, 1964. |Per Cent Total |Per Cent | Average | Average | Average * by |Weight | by | Length | Weight | '"K" Species __ Number Number | Pounds Weight mm Gms ' Longnose gar | 3 1.39 29.66 | 10.02 956 4488 Gizzard shad 106 =| 49.30 62.03 | 27.73 306 351 1.78 Smallmouth buffalo 36 =| «16.75 120: 42 40.71 | 272 | 1518 2.57 River carpsucker | 42 19.53 45.65 15.44 | 310 | 493 2.34 European carp 1 0.47 2.87 0.97 | 390 1 1304 2.20 Channel cat 5 2.32 6.87 2,32 348 | 623 1.30 White bass 7 3.26 3.16 1.07 208 205 2.06 Largemouth bass 0.28 | 0:09 ; Lee | 130 1.90 Bluegill sunfish 0.59 | 0.20 | 116 54 3.41 White crappie 2.89 0.98 237 263 1.86 Freshwater drum 1.38 0.47 190 157 2.13 Totals 295.80 100.00 --- Page 15 --- -13- Table 13. Results of netting Lake Brownwood November 1, 1963-October 30, 1964 ———_—_-—_—— Per Cent by Number Average Weight Gms Total |Per Cent | Average We@ght by | Length Pounds | Weight 7.38 | 2.47 4 Longnose gar Gizzard shad 11.65 3.90 Smallmouth buffalo 136.12 45.56 River carpsucker 40 | 17.02 78.03 | 26.12 European carp 2 5.55 1.86 Channel cat 11 8.12 2.72 White bass 46 .78 | 10.64 Largemouth bass | 16 aa 3.58 Green sunfish 3 252 0.18 Bluegill sunfish 14 250 0.50 White crappie 13 - 38 1.13 | Freshwater drum 99 34 Totals --- Page 16 --- -14- Table 14. Lake Brownwood Netting Results, 1962-1963 Species Number Per Cent Weight Per Cent of Number of Weight Longnose gar 59 4.59 565.91 14.13 Gizzard shad 643 50.12 327.11 28.12 Smallmouth buffalo 65 5.06 198.02 17.07 River carpsucker 70 5.46 131.50 11.34 Carp 7 0.55 27.45 2.37 Channel catfish 76 5.92 69.14 5.96 White bass 152 11.85 144.70 12.47 Largemouth bass 37 2.88 15.07 1.21 Warmouth 2 0.16 0.49 0.04 Green sunfish 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Redear sunfish 1 0.08 0.35 0.03 Bluegill 17 1.33 1.85 0.16 Longear sunfish 5 0.39 0.60 0.05 White crappie 144 211.22 76.99 6.64 Freshwater drum: 5 0.39 2.92 0.25 Totals 1,283 100,00 1,160.10 100.00 --- Page 17 --- -15- Table 15. Fisheries Reconnaissance November 1, 1963 - October 30, 1964 I. LEPISOSTEIDA -- (Gars) L. Lepisosteus oculatus.- (Spotted Gar) 2.1. osseus = (Longnose Gar) II. CLUPEIDAIL -- (Herrings) 3. Dorosoma cepedianum - (Gizzard shad) III. CATOSTOMIDAE -- (Suckers and Buffalofishes) 4, Ictiobus bubalus - (Smallmouth buffalo) 5. Carpiodes carpio - (River carpsucker) : IV. CYPRINIDAE - (Shiners and minnows) 6. cinus carpio - (European carp) 7. Notemigonus crysoleucas - (Golden shiner) 8. Notropis lutrensis - (Red shiner) E Zz V. AMETURIDAE -- (Freshwater catfishes) 9. Ictalurus punctatus - (Channel catfish) 10. Ictalurus furcatus - (Blue catfish) 11. Ictalurus melas - (Black bullhead) 12. Ictalurus natalis Yellow bullhead) 13. Pylodictis olivaris - (Blathead catfish VI. CYPRINODONTIDAE -- (Topminnows) 14. Fundulus notatus - (Blackstripe topminnow) VII. POECILIIDAR -- (Mosquitofish) 15. Gambusia affinis - (Mosquitofish) VIIL. SERRANIDAE -- (Sea basses) 16. Roccus chrysops ~- (White bass) IX CENTRARCHIDAE -- (Black basses and sunfishes) 17. Micropterus punctulatus - (Spotted bass) 18. Micropterus salmoides - (Largemouth bass) 19. Chaenobryttus gulosus - (Warmouth) 20. Lepomis cyanellus - (Green sunfish) 21. Lepomis microlophus - (Redear sunfish) 22. Lepomis macrochirus - (Bluegill sunfish) 23. Lepomis megalotis - (Longear sunfish) 24. Pomoxis annularis - (White crappie) Xx. SCIAENIDAE -- (Freshwater drum) 25. Apledinotus grunniens - (Freshwater drim)