TPWD 1964 F-5-R-11 #930: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 1-B: Job No. B-32 Fisheries Reconnaissance

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-11 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS OF THE WATERS OF REGION 1-B Job No. B-32 Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Leader: Lawrence S. Campbell J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Watker D-J Coordinator Assistant Director, Wildlife July 28, 1964 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Fish populations were examined in 27 public waters of Region 1-B. Three hundred and twenty-eight standard gill net collections, 110 specific gill net collections, 186 standard seining collections, and 71 specific seining collections were taken. Fifty-two species of 13 families were identified from 9,497 fish captured in gill nets and 89,932 fish captured in seines. To measure harvest, the results of 537 creels were determined. Findings from this effort indicated that fishery management is needed at Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir, Devil's Lake and Lake Walk, Red Bluff and Imperial Reservoirs, the Upper Pecos River, the Upper Colorado River, the Upper Rio Grande River and for San Angelo Reservoir. Data obtained under previous investigations and current data indicate that management efforts have been successful in achieving initial objectives, that benefits from management may last over 5 years, that contrary to accusations endemic species have not been exterminated through project effort, that endemic species have experienced an expansion of range through project effort, post- management harvest is 10 to 20 times greater than pre-management harvest, and when management fails it is largely due to circumstances beyond control of project personnel. The ineffectiveness of current stocking practices in specific waters is demonstrated and failure of experimental stocking of Lake J. B. Thomas with blue catfish is indicated. Three species, previously unidentified, were added to the regional check- list, and range extensions were determined for three species. Reconnaissance work as carried out under this project is entirely too broad in scope, and it is recommended that future reconnaissance work be limited to (a) obtaining information to fill in gaps in project data, (b) carrying out preliminary investigations needed for project planning, and (c) procuring data needed to meet limited objectives such as that required to justify management where unforeseen opportunities arise. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No, _F-5-R-11l Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 1-B Job No, B-32 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance Period Covered March 1, 1963 - February 29, 1964 Objectives: To conduct limited investigations of regional waters in order to maintain current knowledge of the fishery resource and of factors influencing its pro- duction and harvest. Procedures: The following standard procedures were adapted for all project work. I. Sampling Fish Populations A. A standard gill netting unit is made up of nylon gill netting, measuring 150 feet long by 8 feet deep. The unit is in 25-foot sections. Mesh sizes of these nets increase progressively to larger sizes in following sections, at half-inch intervals, be- ginning with one-inch mesh sections and terminating with a three and one-half inch section. Bags are created in these nets by means of ''tie downs" that are 6 feet long, and that are spaced at 9-foot intervals along the horizontal length of the net. B. Any gill net, either with all its mesh the same size or with several sizes whose total components equal 150 linear feet is a specific gill netting unit and data obtained from such sets are designated as such. C. A standard seining unit is a 12-foot common seine whose mesh size does not exceed 1/4 inch, and whose mesh size is not consistently less than 1/4 inch. D. A specific seining unit is any seining equipment that does not meet the above specifications. Data obtained by the use of such equipment are designated as specific data. E, A standard gill net collection is the data from fish captured in an overnight set of one standard gill netting unit. F. A standard seining collection is data from fish captured with three hauls of a standard seining unit. G. A specific seining collection is the data from fish captured with seines of other than standard construction. --- Page 4 --- H. A specific gill netting collection is the data from fish captured in an overnight set with any gill net not meeting standard specifications. Data from gill netting collections normally included weight, length, sex and gonadal development, stomach contents, and "'K" for 50 individuals for each of the primary species. Data obtained from seining collections was in accordance with the objective of carrying out the work. II. Basic Data Recorded for Each Field Trip A. Physical data 1. Turbidity readings to denote major deviations in turbidity. 2. Temperatures (Fahrenheit) a. Water temperatures including area deviations and diurnal and nocturnal variations. b. Air temperatures including minimum and maximum for period during which field activities were carried out. 3. Wind (m.p.h.) a. Estimated speed, direction and variations. 4. Hydrology a. Lake level or volume. b. Stream flow or velocity. 5. Weather and Climatic Conditions. Cloud cover. Moisture. Relative stability of temperatures. Barometric pressure. Moon phase. oAnwn 6. Bottom type 7. Cover 8. Vegetation 9. Other ecological conditions or influences and observations. Occurrence of springs, stream gradient, shade of trees, canyon walls, riffles or falls, aquatic organisms. Water quality 1. Where possible data were obtained from qualified cooperating agencies. Most data were obtained from the State Health --- Page 5 --- Department, the U. S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Reclamation, the International Boundary and Water Commission and from municipal sources. 2. Essential determination of pH, dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, chloride, alkalinity were by the standard analysis procedures outlined in FRESHWATER FISHERY BIOLOGY by Lagler. Sampling of fish populations in 27 regional waters is specified in Figure 1, The number of standard gill net collections obtained is 28 less than planned. However, the sum of standard and specific gill net collections is 94 units greater than originally specified, or 27 per cent greater than the total quantity of netting planned. Less standard collections were obtained than planned because (a) subdivision and relocation of project facilities and personnel resulted in an initial shortage of material with which to build a sufficient number of standard units, and (b) the time required in purchasing sufficient materials and training new personnel in net construction was greater than anticipated. The number of standard seining collections obtained is less than specified, but total units, both standard and specific, exceed the quantity specified in planning by two units. This deviation from planning was due to unforeseeable local conditions as (excessive aquatic vegetation or obstructions in localities, and (b) the re- cession of most area waters tended to reduce the amount of shore areas where standard seining could be accomplished. Work planned for Lake Kirby and Lake Abilene was not attempted. The manage- ment opportunity temporarily afforded at Lake Nasworthy was deemed more important. (See job completion report for Job 16a47, Project F-14-D-7). Investigations of small lakes at Kent, Sierra Blanca and the Van Horn area were completed. For logistical reasons this work will be reported in the completion report for Job B-34, The investigation of Sand Lake at Pecos was not carried out because the lake dried up. Results: References are made throughout this report to a number of species of fish. The following checklist has been prepared to assure correct identification. Scientific and common names are those specified in "A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada", second edition, longnose gar spotted gar alligator gar gizzard shad Rainbow trout Mexican tetra stoneroller Mexican stoneroller carp Devils River minnow roundnose minnow Rio Grande chub American Fisheries Society, Special Publication No. 2 , 1960, Lepisosteus osseus L. oculatus L. spatula Dorosoma cepedianum Salmo gairdneri Astyanax mexicanus Campostoma anomalum C. ornatum Cyprinus carpio Dionda diaboli D. episcopa Gila nigrescens (a) --- Page 6 --- silvery minnow speckled chub Hybognathus nuchalis Hybopsis aestivalis golden shiner Texas shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis amabilis emerald shiner N. atherinoides Chihuahua shiner N. chihuahua Rio Grande shiner N. jemezanus red shiner N. lutrensis bluntnose shiner N. simus sand shiner N. stramineus blacktail shiner N. venustus Phenacobius mirabilis Pimephales promelas Rhinichthys cataractae Carpiodes carpio Cycleptus elongatus smallmouth buffalo Ictiobus bubalus blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus black bullhead I. melas channel catfish I. punctatus flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris plains killifish Fundulus kansae rainwater killifish Lucania parva mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Pecos gambusia G. nobilis white bass Roccus chrysops warmouth Chaenobryttus gulosus green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus bluegill L. macrochirus redear sunfish L. microlophus largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Guadalupe bass Micropterus treculi white crappie Pomoxis annularis slough darter Etheostoma gracile orangethroat darter E. spectabile suckermouth minnow fathead minnow longnose dace river carpsucker blue sucker Llogperch Percina caprodes freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens red drum Sciaenops ocellata tidewater silverside southern flounder Menidia beryllina Paralichthys lethostigma Sampling of fish populations resulted in the capture of 9,497 fish by gill nets and approximately 89,932 fish by seines. As indicated above 52 species of 13 families were identified from these collections. The organization of this report follows the primary objectives for making the various studies. To minimize duplication of material already published, general descriptions and locations of the concerned waters are omitted. This information is available in previous reconnaissance reports, and in reports covering original surveys. Objectives for carrying out specific investigations are outlined in Figure 2. --- Page 7 --- Figure 1. Seining and Gill Netting Collections Taken for Reconnaissance 1963-1964 Gill Net Collections Seining Collections Area & Specific Standard Specific Standard Specific Harvest Waters Collections Collections Collections Collections Creels I. Reservoirs A. Abilene Area Ft. Phantom Hill 17 19 5 2 12 B. Colorado City Area Lake Colorado City 4 4 4 21 ____ Champion Creek Res. 6 2 2 4 C. Del Rio Area Devils Lake 9 4 4 Lake Walk 8 4 6 D. Pecos Area Red Bluff Res. 36 14 20 60 Imperial Res. 62 15 12 ____ Lake Balmorhea 53 8 18 E. Snyder Area Lake J. B. Thomas 5 4 21 F. Sweetwater Area Lake Sweetwater 6 4 63 Oak Creek Res. 12 4 21 Lake Trammel 6 4 Qld. Winters Lake 6 16 G. San Angelo Area Lake Nasworthy 14 61 14 116 Mountain Creek Res. 6 3 14 Twin Buttes Res. 6 8 118 San Angelo Res. 6 Il.Stream Studies A. San Saba River 7 - Z. 31 B. Devils River 6 6 C,. Pecos River 20 16 D. Rio Grande River 21 16 E. Nueces River ; 5 F. North Llano River 18 G. South Llano River 15 H. Middle Concho River 6 8 I. South Concho River 18 14 7 J. Colorado River 10 28 Totals for All Waters 328 110 186 71 537 --- Page 8 --- Figure 2. Organization of Report L. Il. IIl. Reconnaissance Investigations to Determine Management Needs and Practicality Lake Nasworthy (feasibility of management, population dynamics, productive factors). Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir (management needs and feasibility, sound harvest regulations), Devils Lake (productivity, management planning, harvest regulations). Lake Walk (productivity, management planning, harvest regulations). Red Bluff Reservoir (management needs, population dynamics, harvest regu- lations). Imperial Reservoir (management needs, population dynamics, basis for harvest regulations). Lake Trammel (management planning, harvest regulations). Reconnaissance Investigations to Evaluate Management Effort Lake Balmorhea (management results, population dynamics, harvest regulations). Lake Sweetwater (management results, harvest regulations). Oak Creek Reservoir (management results, population dynamics, harvest regulations). Champion Creek Reservoir (management results, regulatory authority). Mountain Creek Reservoir (management results, regulatory authority). Old Winters Lake (management results, harvest regulations), Twin Buttes Reservoir and Watershed (management results, population dynamics, factors influencing harvest). Reconnaissance Studies to Provide Specific Data Lake Colorado City (unique conditions on production, harvest success, harvest recommendations). Lake J. B. Thomas (survival of exotic species, productivity, harvest regulations). San Angelo Reservoir (testing new equipment for selectivity and gross effectiveness). Devil's River (previously unexamined waters, distribution of species and relative abundance). Upper Rio Grande River (productivity, management problems, ingress and egress). San Saba River (distribution of species). Dove Creek (survival of endemic species, species distribution). West Fork of Nueces (species distribution, previously unexplored waters). South Llano (species distribution and occurrence). North Llano (species distribution and occurrence). Upper Colorado River (relative abundance of species and securing minnows for restocking eradicated waters). --- Page 9 --- I. Investigations to Determine Management Needs and Practicality Lake Nasworthy Background Information Following the completion of Management work on Twin Buttes Reservoir and the Concho River watershed, an extensive reconnaissance was made of Lake Nasworthy and associated waters. Details of findings of that work, completed in January 1963, are reported in completion report B-32, Project F-5-R-10. At that time 54 gill net collections were made from the lake and the stream below the dam. Approximately three-fourths (74.46 per cent) of 2,028 fish captured in 15,025 feet of nets were problematic species. Within 18 months prior to July 1963, the lake was reduced from 12,340 acre feet to 1,678 acre feet. On July 28, 1963 major portions of Lake Nasworthy and associated waters were treated with chemical to eliminate fish life. The details of that work, salvage Operations and subsequent restocking are reported in completion report 16a47, Project F-14-D-7. This work, with previous work to clear the Concho River watershed above Twin Buttes dam, is expected to greatly enhance game fish pro- duction. Fish Populations The work specified in Figure 1 was included to (a) provide last minute assurance of previous findings, (b) obtain data on the effect of this rapid reduction in volume on game fish populations, and (c) provide indications of the initial success of the chemical control effort. Details in the above identified report are summarized as follows: 1. The rapid reduction of the lake volume resulted in a reduction in relative abundance of most game species. Practically no white crappie, white bass, or channel catfish were captured in collections taken immediately prior to the chemical treatment or as a result of the fish kill. These species comprised 17.79 per cent of the January col- lections, Flathead catfish and largemouth bass were more capable of surviving these conditions. Less than two per cent of the fish destroyed were game species. 2, Post treatment sampling of Lake Nasworthy indicated the work had eliminated existing fish populations. Gill nets, including 14 standard units, set in the lake failed to capture fish. 3. Stocked game fish were surviving and exhibiting adequate growth. (See completion report 16a47, Project F-14-D-7). Harvest During the spring months preceding the chemical treatment, fishing was excellent. Creels for the Concho Bass Club indicate an average catch of one pound of fish per man-hour fished. Creels for less experienced fishermen indicated catches were less than one-tenth pound of game fish per man-hour fished, Virtually all significant catches were largemouth bass or flathead catfish and were made between March 1, 1963 and June 6, 1963. Probably the extreme reduction in volume facilitated the spring harvest. --- Page 10 --- Figure 3. Results of one drag with a 300-foot seine from Lake Nasworthy. Figure 4. Spawning-size flathead catfish were returned to the lake following eradication effort. --- Page 11 --- Fort Phantom Hill Reservoir saa sentom nit Keservoir Background Information By fall of 1963, management of regional waters had expanded until almost every major area of concentrated human population was benefiting from fishery management efforts through federal aid. Exceptions were the Abilene, Del Rio and Pecos areas. This circumstance, with requests from local authorities that management needs be determined, motivated investigations. Since population sampling had not been included in the past three years work this investigation was needed to meet requirements for regulatory responsibility. Previous survey work beginning in 1956 (see completion report B-18, Project F-5-R-5) and con- tinuing through 1960 (see completion reports B-22, Projects F-5-R-6 and 7 and B-16, Projects F-5-R-6 and 7), indicates the following:(a) Fort Phantom Hill is less productive than Lake Kirby and Lake Abilene, (b) The lake exhibited less stability in game fish production than other lakes. (c) Fort Phantom Hill is relatively unproductive in largemouth bass, and harvest of that species is less than for most lakes, (d) Fort Phantom Hill was occasionally productive in channel catfish and flathead catfish. (e) Fluctuations in the lake level were the principal factors in maintaining moderate production of game species. Fish Populations As shown in Tables 1 and 2, high populations of white bass and white crappie exceed previous catches. However, channel catfish were significantly less than comparable collections indicated. Smallmouth buffalo were expanding while relative abundance of other problematic species remained relatively static. Flathead catfish were apparently increasing and sunfish and gizzard shad were decreasing. Harvest Creels indicate harvest is insufficient, and the fishing reputation of the lake is less than desirable. Management Efforts and Appraisal Stocking of game fish from State fish hatcheries and contract netting are the only management devices employed to date. Neither of these efforts have been effective. During the 1962-63 period 65,000 largemouth bass were released in Fort Phantom Hill. Although 532 fish were captured in the 5,400 feet of gill net set during the current segment, only 5 largemouth bass were recaptured. No largemouth bass were captured in seining collections. Although a contract fisherman worked the lake thoroughly in 1958-59, smallmouth buffalo, the species whose harvest was the object of this control work, have increased beyond previous relative abundance, The quantity of water impounded prohibits chemical treat- ment of the lake at this time, therefore, no remedial measures are recommended, --- Page 12 --- «16- ce 00 °O0T a Ger? 6S °0 870 cL °C GE°9 0€*O 6G°€ T0°O 90°0 Ocre 910 80°0 G7? TUT SO°T 99°C 62 °TT cS 0 €6°T LL Ht 9€°9 TL°1 TE 9 L£o°T Ce? 6L°0T 78°C 49°C 19°T. c9'T 9E°E 09 “at €6°1 So*T cL 1 OT‘O 6° chrane) éI'T OO ”SCS OM spunog ase1IAV &q ue9 ted JYSTEM eBereAV JTOATSSEY [ITH wojueyd A0_ Fo souessTeuuoses Sot TES syT e701, Ii 000 i C8 EL 4 00 °OOT T8°¢ B81 9G°6E 07°C 90°0O 61° GL°0 69° T Ge°S 76° OS "ES 9€°6L 00°02 L0°? 88° 6¢ LG°e€ €L ES Bere e9°L L£o°8 18° c0¢ VL OT 61°8 OT’ VI Gor? 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(See completion reports B-4, B-15 and B-20 of Project F-9-R). At that time problematic species dominated fish production by 8 to 2. Work on these waters under F-5-R began in 1959 and has continued through 1960, 1962 and 1963. In 1959 problematic species made up less than 57 per cent of fish captured. This percentage was 56.36 in 1960. By 1962 problematic species made up 66.65 per cent and the current percentage is 73.73 per cent. Expanding current knowledge of these waters is essential to future deter- mination of management potentialities for Amistadt Reservoir. That international reservoir will be created within the next few years by a dam on the Rio Grande River. The new reservoir which will inundate Devil's Lake and Lake Walk will be capable of impounding 5,660,000 acre feet of water, and of covering 87,000 acres. The vital function that Devil's Lake and Lake Walk may serve in providing maximum game fish production for Amistadt is outlined in the following discussion. If pre-inundation management is omitted it may be impossible to provide adequate numbers of game fish for stocking. Based on current stocking ratios (100 largemouth bass and 100 channel catfish per acre), 17,400,000 fish would be required for adequate stocking of 87,000 acres. If 100 minnows are stocked for each game fish, 1,740,000,000 minnows would be needed. If costs for game fish are assumed not to exceed ,l cent per fish and forage minnows are valued at .0l cent, total costs for stocking alone would be $191,400.00. If the work were done in the accepted manner, costs could and probably would exceed this figure. All state fish hatcheries could not produce and transport this quantity of fish within a single year. Even if such production were possible, fiscal practicality would not permit serious consideration of such a procedure. The plan under present consideration would envolve employing Devil's Lake and Lake Walk to produce a maximum number of brood fish two or three years prior to inundation. A thorough and properly timed management effort should result in production of largemouth bass and channel catfish populations of approximately 100 per acre. The combined surface area for the existing lakes is 635 acres. If the sex ratio for the 127,000 brooder fish is assumed to be one male to one female, reproductive potential for these populations is approximately 635,000, 000. An accompanying expansion of desirable forage minnows might be proportionally greater than for game species since more than one spawning should occur within the pre-inundation period. Using rotenone powder, the cost of a chemical treat- ment for Lake Walk and Devil's Lake at maximum storage, 14,250 acre feet, would be approximately $19,082.50, If is extremely unlikely that this maximum cost would be incurred. Devil's Lake, the upper lake, can be reduced to less than 3,000 acre feet without hampering operations of the hydroelectric plant located in Lake Walk dam. The lower lake could be reduced to less than 1,000 acre feet without seriously jeopardizing power production, At that volume (4,000 acre feet) the work would cost approximately $6,270.00. Potential advantages of carrying out the outlined program include (a) the probability of providing more recreation than would otherwise be provided. The brooder-sized fish would be available for public fishing immediately following inundation and control of problematic species should lengthen the duration of benefits, --- Page 15 --- -13- (b) the procedures would permit more reliable control of harvest and more flex- ibility in determining when the harvest should logically begin. By employing these methods 377.33 acres of water might be benefited for each acre managed, Optimum conditions might permit this ratio to exceed 1,000 to l. Fish Populations As previously stated, game fish production has decreased during the past five years. However, data taken from Lake Walk over an eight-year period (1955-1963) indicate (a)populations of longnose and spotted gar, gizzard shad, river carpsuckers, channel catfish, and white bass have decreased significantly, and (b) flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie have increased. In both lakes "K" for channel catfish, largemouth bass and crappie is significantly less than regional averages. Condition for gizzard shad, river carpsuckers and carp are higher than regional averages. Data taken over a 10-year period from Devil's Lake (1953-1963) indicate almost identical population trends. Harvest Only ten creels were obtained. According to these data fishing results were negative. However, the fishing reputation for both lakes is moderately good with the upper lake favored in public opinion. Management Efforts and Appraisal Lake Walk was chemically treated in April 1957 to reduce gizzard shad populations. However, a comparison of data between the two lakes indicates benefits were of short duration (see Tables 3 and 4). --- Page 16 --- thee nT vTnnnSn nnn 00 °O0OT L0°C9” 00 °O0OT OTE sTeqo, i i 91°? 66°T L9°C €6°C 9E°E cs 1 TO°?¢ e771 ToT €9°C 09°C LE? OL°T 67° 6° aiouel aSeLIAV 65°22 TSo°T Oe° TST IT cv ev" 07°C 80°ST 7S °GS T?'T 91° LT 9L°9 Gé°T GS*e ‘TYysToM Aq juae9 190g €L°T 0S ‘*0 ce°0 €c°0 0s °0 S9°0 00°T GL°E 89°? 80°6 €9°T 9° T G?°0 78 “0 OTT Spunog JY3TOM oBer19AV i 90° 70T 00°L BET 0o°L 0S°*0 46°T 00°? Gc° Tt 69°69 00°STT 0s*9 Te 62 Ge Te GL°S 77°91 spaneg qy3TemM [eIOL 66°8T ey? Le°T 67° 6 (a G6" €9° G6" Il’? LT Go OZ GT°c? tC? 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S 60° S7"°0 Gc°0 2° T G9° 82°00 76°T 00°€ Z cel cS°0 Cor’ 00°€ L 80°CT 6S°¢ 88°SE O€°V OT 06°9 68 “0 0S °0Z L8°6 eC 9€°9 77° 6 88°S8T 98° C GerT ce°T 00°? 8c°T € GL°EV eT"? 76° 6CT 8T°9Z2 19 86°9 67°0 GL°072 €0°8T cv oa 00°T 00°T €7° T YL °L 0Y°T 00° €? 98°9 9T qusToM spunog spunog aequnyn requnn &q 4uUa9 tag IYy3tTomM a8ersay I YStTam TeqOL Aq 4ue9 Jag aBe1sAy pe seer a RR ‘gz ysnsny ATEM SAST FO ooUessTeuuodesr soTAsysTF oF Jos szau T[{I3 g jo sqpnsay “bh oTgeL --- Page 18 --- -16- Red Bluff and Imperial Reservoirs Background Information Work on these reservoirs is to provide a substantial sport fishery in western waters where saline properties limit game fish production both in variety and quantity. Potentially, these waters are of tremendous recreational importance because of their nearness to heavily populated areas. Both reser- voirs are irrigation control reservoirs on the Pecos River. The primary function of Red Bluff is for storage of stream flow. Imperial is employed to control releases into lower portions of the irrigation canal system. Both reservoirs remained below 50 per cent capacity during the period. Sampling of fish populations served to meet legal requirements for regulatory authority and for a basis for determining management feasibility. These data also provided the means of determining relative success of marine transplants. Studies of these waters were initiated in 1955. For details of previous work see completion reports B-17 and B-13, Project F-5-R-5, reports B-22, Projects F-5-R-6, 7 and 8, and B-32, Projects F-5-R-9 and 10. Fish Populations Confirming previous findings, data indicate that white bass are the only species that are sufficiently productive and numerous to constitute a signifi- cant fishery asset. Current data indicate an expanding white bass population in Imperial Reservoir and a diminishing population in Red Bluff. Expansion and repression of white bass production is apparently controlled by (a) expansion and reduction of reservoir volumes, (b) stream flow entering the reservoirs, and (c) dynamics of the gizzard shad population. Harvest Except for white bass few fish are caught. The effects of white bass production on harvest are reflected in toll receipts obtained during periods of high production as compared to years when populations are low. During peak years receipts are more than ten times as great as those obtained during periods of low white bass production. Management Efforts and Appraisal The only management employed has been (a) experimental introduction of marine fish, and (b) stocking from State fish hatcheries. The first procedure is regarded as of potential importance; the futility of the second is demon- strated in completion report F-1l, Project F-5-R-11. --- Page 19 --- -17- EEE 00°O00T 79° ELS ‘T 00°00T ZEST ST e#I0], eee 96°1 80°T 88°T) 88°91 89°0 6 wunip per 00°” 90°0 00°T 00°T 80°0 T atddeizo aqTym OI’ €0°0 LZ°0 €S°0 STO Z T1t8enTq €8°€ ET°O ZZ 0 C6'T 89°0 6 ystyuns use18 06°Z LEO 16°Z 18°¢ ST‘O 4 sseq ynoussi1eyT 99°7 re"¢ LET €9°L8 8°47 79 sseq a Tym 06°T QL°T E12 89°LZ 86°0 ET ystyqeo Teuueyo IT*Z LY°€ Z8 0 €L° 9S 90°S L9 dies Ol’? 19°6 €L°O Oc TST €9°CT LOZ Aoyonsdies 1eATI Le°s ve EeY L6°€ SO "789 66 °ZT ZLT oTeygnq yInouTTeus €8°T €8°7T ZE°0 78° 10Z 70°8¥7 9€9 peys piezzt3 ev" SLT? 17°Z VE °TRE ZL Ol Z71 1e3 asousuoy, rrp: Pn JYUSTOM spunog spunog Toquny Tequnn Ssatoedsg —28eteay AG quep ted UBTOM eBexeay IYBTEM TeIoL Aq _qUeD a TTOATSSOY FINTA poy FO ouesspeuuods1 sotrsysT} OZ Jas szou [[T3 OG Fo si[Nsoy “C aTqeL --- Page 20 --- -18= 96°T 00° OT’Y ese 06°C 96°C 06°T TT? OT*? LE°C €8°T e7°0 aBe1vAV [eIO], 0S €T 6€ G6 cll 88 LI TeI10L tT 7 T T tj “ON 7TcOoC6TS TL T A c T gi T T T Tot T T °ON SyLYVOV SY YY CVC HV TV OVE EB ELEIVE T’e ove A T_‘ON I AEE 6°C A T 4 T L cf. 8 4 Gc 9 7 @ ¢ 9 7 T T ‘ON PETCTEO EL SO CS Che oe GS 2 PC ES Coe Te O'S GT BT LTT 9°T 4 T T T T G vi T cj “ON i ¢ € ¢ 9 Gc 8 T 9 7 © T T °ON 67ecTLCTOT SG CPC eC CCL COC ETS TAIT 9OTS TY T A T € T c i G ¢IT O0@ Ye wT S c T °ON T c T € G T 8 L Ot vt LT €T QT 7 L € °ON Pee CTE TC OC oC eC LCC SCC EC CCT COC OT BT pI € ¢ € G Si 6 I 6T 6 8 8 4 T T T T “ON TTOQCT SCV Ce CO OT COC OTST AT OT STV Te Terrrot W T T T 9 T € c TT ‘ON 6y 8h Ly 9” Gh Hy CY 7H Iv’ OV 6€° BE" LE” A unip per atddeis aqaTyM TIt3enTq ystyuns uaeas sseq yynowesreT sseq o3TUM ysty zeo Teuueys dieo zeyonsdied AeATA orTesgnq yAnowTTeUuUs peys piezzt3 ze3 asousuot ATOAAESOY FJINTA pew worzy usyei ystF Fo vot 3nqyaqistq pue soSeroay ‘oSuey z0o7IeF¥-Y °9 PTIFL --- Page 21 --- ~19- eee 00°00T LE“S8S 00 °00T 970 °T STeI0], eee 96°T 62°47 90°SZ 90°SZ OT‘O if unip per LY? cl 7S 67° T €8°9OTE LZ°0Z Z1Z sseq aTyA 97°Z 8S°T 78°0 €7°6 SO'T IT dies L0°C 8T°€ 69°0 79ST 8S °C LZ layonsdies reaTI LE*Z 97°€ 90°T L0°6T LT 8T oTeF3Nq YInouwT Tews 18°T GO°LT 7T°O ZE°€OT 78°89 Oz peys piezzt3 07° Z6°ST 79° T 72° €6 77°C LS ies asousuoclT Toequnyy wy Ss punog aoqunn Sot 3 ads aZe1saAy &q que9 10g VYy8tom a8eraay 1YySTeM [eqOL Aq Ua) 19g Ee dt : JS AFOATISeY TeTradwl Jo sduessteuuode1 seTAsysTy A0J yas sou TIt3 79 JO SiINSay °y oTqeyL --- Page 22 --- aP< 4TFS pue pnw SeATLT Joasut suTewer Joesut I SUTBWdI SOPTSIBATTS peus suTeuet Ustad €v cS ~O OM FON suey] poog pood qJtM ON poyoeqy “ON Satoods TloAdesay [etaodwW] Wor WSeye] YStA Jo setpnjig poog Fo uoTewuMsS unip pet LY°C 801 T T G T t S c € £ tt ck “Lf OL MT € L T T T *ON TECPECEE TELE OC OCR CLC CS CH EC ee Ve Oe oT et L°T sseq oqTUM 97°C 8 tT IT @ Tt Z@ 1 ‘ON Fe LS St Pe Le Oe A dzeo ore ZZ26L YX Aeyonsdred ASATI G8'T 09 T T € Ss 8 8 LT 8 9 T c “ON G7upeecccotTeCOcC6I8StTLigitistyvt peys piezzt3 07 °0 ST T Ws €___- G T T T T T T T “ON i aSersay TeI0L iy vy €h cy Ty Ov 6€° LE° 9E° VE" ce Te 4 ze3 asousu0T ATOAZasey TeTledw] worq useye]L ysty Jo wuotinqtaistq pue so8eroay ‘o8uey toqIeFT-yY °Q PTqPL --- Page 23 --- «3i = Lake Trammel Background Information Lake Trammel is one of three reservoirs that supply Sweetwater and lesser area communities with water. Having completed management designed to restore game fish production in Lake Sweetwater and Oak Creek Reservoir, and with knowledge that these efforts were initially successful, a study of game fish production in Lake Trammel was deemed advisable. The original inventory survey of Lake Trammel was completed in 1959 (see completion report B-24, Project F-5-R-6). The results of that work indicated that channel catfish and bluegill sunfish were the principal game species, and problematic fish were low in relative abundance. Fish Populations As shown in Table 9, game fish continue to dominate the lakes production. Black bullheads, the most abundant problematic species according to original survey data, were less abundant and largemouth bass were more abundant. However, the decline of channel catfish (from 19.01 per cent to .60 per cent) and the introduction of river carpsuckers offset these advantages. Sunfish populations exhibited a greater degree of stunting than in 1959 and forage minnows were less abundant. Harvest Harvest success has obviously declined, and fishing pressures have been drastically reduced. No creel records were obtained in three trips to the lake by the local game warden. Management Efforts and Appraisal The only management procedures employed have been attempts to provide natural controls through the introduction of flathead catfish and population manipulations through opportune stocking. The first of these procedures has not met with recognizable success, and results of the second procedure appear favorable but data are inconclusive. --- Page 24 --- =99'= I 00 ‘OOT 80°94 00 °OOT 89oT STeIOL BEEZ Z1°ST O€"O OS IT 79°77 SE etddeazo a7 Tym I8°€ 8S°* IT‘O 77 °0O BE? 7] yqnouzem LEE V6°E OT*O 0O0°€ 98°LT O€ TT F8enTq GO°€e Tg°Z 91°0 76°S 79° CS BE ystyuns 1ebeped 77°C 78 °8é 69°T 6°T?C bel €1 sseq ynowesireT 62°C oD VE 1L°O 61 972 70°C? LE peeyltng yoetq 00°C 67°T ell €T’l 09° I ystyzeo Teuueyo 8S°T ST°T 8T 0 88 °0 L6°C G zeuTys uepTo3 T2°C ¢9°9 €S°c 90°S 6T 1 Z azayonsdieo AeATI ———— yO F7BTOM~*~*~C«CS#*pUMOG = SPUN Taquny yaqunn OOSSSSSSSOCCS FV, aseLOAV &q ued zed 1ysTom eBeroaAy 1UsTEM TeI0] &q que 19d €96T *8 4990290 [[Tewueray, eyeT Jo souessTeuuodet SoTLoYysSTF AOF 398 sqou [T]1T3 9 Jo sazpnsey “6 9TIPL --- Page 25 --- «D3 II. Reconnaissance Investigations to Evaluate Previous Management Effort Lake Balmorhea Background Information Prior to 1960 Lake Balmorhea was reported to produce good fishing. Survey work initiated in Junel%0 indicated that this production was rapidly deteriorating. By October 1961, problematic fish dominated production by more than 9 to l. Using toxaphene, the lake was treated to eradicate or drastically reduce fish popu- lations in December 1961 (see completion report 16a34, Project F-14-D-6). Post treatment gill net checks failed to capture fish, and the lake was restocked in the spring of 1962. Subsequent checks in 1962 indicated (a) problematic species had been eliminated, and (b) game fish were exhibiting acceptable growth. Fish Populations During the second year following the treatment game fish grew rapidly and exhibited excellent condition (see Tables 10 and 11).However, black bullheads were captured in July collections, and carp were captured in November 1963. Harvest Beginning in March 1963 and continuing through the following fall, fishing success was excellent. However, the average sizes of fish were less than ex- pected when management was completed 15 months earlier. Employing estimates provided by the concessionaire, the estimated harvest of largemouth bass may have exceeded 30,000 individuals. Evaluation The primary objectives for carrying out the management effort was accom- plished. Two years following chemical treatment to eliminate fish life, 97.10 per cent of fish captured in gill nets in Lake Balmorhea were game species. An abundance of forage minnows was determined by seining collections. However, the reoccurrence of carp, gizzard shad and black bullheads in netting collections represents the beginning of the long term trend back to predominance of pro- duction by rough fish. This is an anticipated procession of events that will require close scrutiny by fisheries personnel. --- Page 26 --- Figure 5. Figure 6. pl Hins Condition of gizzard shad taken from Lake Balmorhea prior to management effort. Rough fish captured in 375 feet of experimental gill net prior to management of Lake Balmorhea. --- Page 27 --- -25- eee 00° 00T cy Thy 00°OOT GSG‘T sqTeqOL eee LO°E 77° OT ST°O L£0°9% GS" 6T HOE yqnowrzen CEE G8 °8Z €1T°O ZE°LZT 98°€9 €66 ystyuns used €S°~ 80°8Z €6°0 86° €ZT 9¢°8 EET sseq yjNowses1eT 18°7 €8°9 Te"T GT°O€ 8y°T EZ speeyTIng yoeTq 86°T 78°91 €6°0 bZ° OL HLS 08 ysty zeo Touueyo ST°€ G6°8 88° TS °6€ Ge'l TZ dies OT"Z €0°0 ST°0 ST‘0 90°0 T peys piezzts FysToM ‘S$ punog spunog Taqunn Aq 3uUe9 190g Wy3TomM ae8eraay 2yUsTaM TeIOL Aq juUay 109g wl zequnN ~ Sotoodg ese1oAy eoyszouyeg oyeT FO souUeSSTeuUODS.A SOTLISYUSTF AOF Jos sjou ystTyzeo ITF Toeds 8 pue sjou TIt3 €G FO sjZ[nNsoy “OL 8TGFL --- Page 28 --- ~26- cl 9 ¢ 6 c6 cv 6cT 88¢ L Tl LT Gc t G OT eC 8v 9 T S L9 a 99 set v T T el S GT ce 8 ¢ 6 Gc sestV SuULOM Sspeol ystzAery Usta S}yoosuyT <SWoqy][ pooy poog qaTM i ci cu ce tc ¥al ayeT eoysoupTeg Worg Uaye] YSTy JO Ssetpnysg poog Fo uoT ewUMsS L9O°E L£GT T T BP L°Y € 0 9 7 € 6 6 61 €T LT ZT 6 vt It 2 L L 7 T °ON yoy HHEDVOEVIVOVECSELEVESE VE EE CE TEOE 6°7 8°t 4X cone BLT T T €. £ a EEE Unni euema“ariar wal Q°7 £°7 9°) CH 7 EV zz %y 47 %L£ Oot LT LT 9T ST OT 6 ¢€t LT 6 6 € € € T °ON “THOVOECSEELEXVESEVESCETE VE OE CBC LCI CGS °C C°C 9S°C OcT € Tt T GG GS G _ L ZL OT SGT OT €T L 6 G¢ @ € TT "ON CePpEL ECC CE TE OC OC eC LCC SCT EC TCT COC OT BT oT 86°T SY T € Z@ 2 2 € 4% FY 8 6 FY E€ 7 ON Teoewcerpee cco CLC OC HOTS TL IT9OT ST OY 18°C TZ € Io.t-¢§ Zz t tT tt tt ijt @_ tT “ON rEeOVeGCPreeecELeoec ec 8c £°t 97°C SC W'S Ee Ce BT y ste Te _ ee SS A TEVeSEVE CE TE TEOE 6CB CHC A OT’? T I °ON eSersay TeI0I, I Tc a "ON peyoeyD “ON sTe1OF, yanouren ystjyuns ueeis sseq Y}Nowes1eT ystyqeo Teuueyo ystyqyeo peoylin4g Sotoeds yqnowzen ystjuns usei3 sseq yjnowes1eT ystyzeo Teuueyo speoyTing dieo peus aye] eayizowteg wory ueye] ysT{ Jo wot inqTazqsTq pue ‘so8ertoay ‘o8uey rtojOeT-yY “IT PTdeL --- Page 29 --- -27- Lake Sweetwater Background Information Surveys beginning in 1957 and continuing until August 1960 indicated that 0.11 per cent of fish present in Lake Sweetwater were game fish and 99.99 per cent were undesirable species. To renovate game fish production, the lake and its contributing watershed were chemically treated in August 1960. For sixteen months following the treatment, collections from the lake indicated that problematic fish were absent. In December 1961, black bullheads were captured for the first time. Lake Sweetwater was reopened to public fishing on February 15, 1962. Creel census work conducted on that day indicated average catches in retainable fish to be 1.3 fish per man-hour, more than 10 times greater than catches prior to manage- ment. From March 1962 to March 1963 further reinfestation of problematic species was undetected, Fishing success remained high and game fish experienced extremely rapid growth. These findings were regarded as extremely favorable results of management work. This is especially true when the general recession of the lake during the post treatment period is considered. Fish Populations No further reinfestation of Lake Sweetwater was detected during 1963, Table 12 and Figure 7 indicate expansion and rapid growth of channel and flathead catfish. The expansion of bluegill sunfish and crappie may be beyond desirable limits, but other indications are that few production problems exist. Harvest Fishing continues to be excellent. Data from 63 creels indicate a catch of over one fish per man-hour and a significant increase in pounds of fish per man- hour. Evaluation Four years following management effort, game fish production was more than 20 times as great as that indicated in pre-management data. --- Page 30 --- Figure 7. =28- Following management to renovate Lake Sweetwater catfish grew to 8 pounds in 3 years. --- Page 31 --- =29- eee 00 *OOT 68° 777 00 °OOT 9672 STeIOL eee T6°T 76°C 610 6T°L G8 4T BE euTYys usepto3 8S°C 89°E 8e°0 00°6 LE°6 HZ atddezs aqTyM 00°S SO° €T ‘0 €T'0 6€° T ystyuns 1e98u0T 18°72 10° OT*O 18°6 OS "LE 96 IT ?8enTq ev" € OT’ €T°O Gé°0 6L° c yqnowreM CSE ST° €T°O 8e°0 LTT € ystyuns useig8 G7°C cS? 78°T 90°TT VET 9 sseq yAnouwesre{ 78° T 80°” Cer’ 00 °OT LTT € YsTy7eo peoyzeTs 6E°7 66°SZ ST T €9°€9 OT°T¢ VAS SpeesyuTiIng yoetq €6°T 87° 7S 09° 07° CET ce Tt 6¢ ysTyieo Touueys Mii Tq3TOM spunog spunog Tequnn Tequny Satoods oseraay _ __4q qu99 log 2Yy3ToM od e12Ay 73 TOM T8301 Aq que9 40d €96T ‘7 1990390 ATOATOSOY TaeMJIeMG JO s.UeSSTeUUODAIA SeTIoysTF 1OZ Jos sjyou [TIS g FO sjtnsay “ZT etqeyz --- Page 32 --- -30-: Oak Creek Resevoir Background Information Reconnaissance work completed under Project F-5-R-9 indicated problematic fish had increased from less than 50 per cent of fish captured in gill nets in 1960 to over 80.95 per cent of collections in 1962. By June 1962, dominance of collections had reached 89.91 per cent. A contour type chemical treatment was carried out between June 14 and June 19, 1962. The purpose of this work was (a) to drastically reduce existing fish populations while they were concentrated in the shallower waters of the lake, (b) to attempt manipulation of fish popu- lations by following the treatment with heavy stocking of cleared waters with hatchery-reared fish, and (c) to provide additional stocking should a significant increase in volume occur. Post-treatment evaluation carried out during 1962-63 indicated (a) the number of fish in Oak Creek Lake had been reduced to approxi- mately 30 per cent of the quantity of fish present before the treatment, (b) river carpsuckers were reduced from 24 per cent of the pre-treatment sample to about 13 per cent of the post-treatment sample. Gizzard shad were reduced from 52 per cent of the pre-treatment sample to about 11 per cent of the post-treatment sample. Largemouth bass increased from about .65 per cent in June to 20.66 per cent in October. An examination of creels indicated a marked increase in fishing success. Fish Populations By October 1963 gizzard shad had expanded to 61.79 per cent of collections. However, river carpsuckers and carp were less than in pre-treatment collections, and channel and flathead catfish were expanding and in excellent condition, The most notable improvement in game fish production was in white crappie, and the most notable failure was the attempt to increase relative abundance of largemouth bass, Harvest Fishing was excellent during 1963. This was not only apparent from creels recorded, but from the obvious satisfaction of individuals who had initially opposed the work. During the spring of 1963 fishing success was estimated at 1.5 fish per man-hour. Evaluation Most of the problematic species remain below pre-treatment levels, and gizzard shad are of a utilizable size. Game fish have expanded and exhibit capability of providing further expansion. The success or failure of this management is not yet determined. The continued recession of the lake following the treatment has not provided the increase in growing room needed. If an expansion in volume does not occur prior to the summer of 1964 it is doubtful if long-term benefits will be obtained. --- Page 33 --- -31- Figure 8. Following management of Oak Creek Reservoir, crappie grew from one-fourth pound to a pound in 10 months. --- Page 34 --- =39- i 00°00T 00 °S4%72 00 °OOT 9GE STeIOL 89°C 98°8T 00°T 61°94 €6°CT 9% etdderzs eqTyM 09°T S0° €T°O €l°O 8c" T TIFSenTq 61°? LE°S £6°0 18°S 89°T 9 sseq yyNowesreT 8T°? 1é° 0s°0 0S °0 8c" T sseq o2TYM It°é 76°82 hy a] L8°OL os’? OT ystyaeo peoyryeyTys G6°T €e° T?°O T8°O 9° (4 peesyting AoeTq G9°T TS OT 98°C GL°S?e Sc 6 ystyyeo Touueyo 07 °z 87 °LT 87 °T 18°72 91'S 62 dieo 70°? T8°Z yL°O €T°6L TE’s 92 aeyonsdieo AaATIA ce°T 97° ET STO OO°EE 62°19 Oc? peys piezzt3 wu ))))”””CSTOM ~ spunog “spunog aAoquny Zequny setoeds ase1oAy hq Ue 13g aYystem edersay 1YysTOM Teq1oL &q .ue9 19g €96T £6 19902390 AToOATaSaYy yooIN YeQ Jo souesstTeuuodel SaTASYSTJ AOJ Jas sqou TITS ZT FO sqtNsey “ET eTWQeL --- Page 35 --- ~35- Champion Creek Reservoir Background Information Following pre-inundation investigations that indicated the basin area and virtually all of the watershed were heavily dominated by rough fish, Champion Creek Reservoir and most of the watershed were treated to eliminate existing fish populations in 1959 (see completion report 16a15, Project F-14-D-3). The principal problematic species detected in the watershed prior to inundation were river carpsuckers, carp, gizzard shad, longnose gar and freshwater drum. The reservoir captured 13,000 acre feet of water in 1959-60, reduced to 10,000 acre feet in 1961 and to 8,000 acre feet in 1962. In spite of these adverse conditions, game fish exhibited remarkable growth. By May 1961, channel catfish averaged nearly 2 pounds and largemouth bass averaged nearly 1 pound. The highest "K'" values ever recorded for largemouth bass in this region were obtained from post-treatment collections. To date none of the primary rough fish species have been taken in collections. Fish Populations Gill net collections obtained during the current segment indicate a con- tinued expansion in size and numbers of game species. Black bullheads, the only problematic species captured in the five year period following the initial control effort, were less abundant than in previous collections. Harvest Although fishing success is good, it is below that for 1962. This is attributed to the increase in submerged aquatic vegetation rather than a reduction in available fish. Evaluation This may be the most successful management effort ever carried out under this project. At the end of five years only black bullheads of the principal problematic species have been detected in the reservoir or the impounded watershed. --- Page 36 --- -34- a 00°00 0Z°9€ 00°00T Z9 STeIOL 60°Z LL‘°Z €£°0 00°T "8° € etddexo aatym OLE 16°SZ oz"0 8E"6 ZG "49 Ov ITF3enTq Z0°Z by TE 771 ge°1l 06° ET 8 sseq yjnowe8i1eT 26°7 “ms 1z°T 90°ZT €L°9T OT peeyttng yoetq TL°T LS°9 Be°z 8e°Z 19°T I ystjqeo Teuueyo ha ~7yStoM —“spunog. —“spunog. aoquny’.. aequmy soafoods aSeADAV Aq quag 19g 2Yy8tTomM sBe19AV JUSTOM TeIOL &q ua9Q 19g €961 *€ 19q0390 AITOATesey YyaeIQ votdweyD Jo souessTeuUoIeA SoTASYSTJ OF Jas sjzou TITS 9 Fo sj[Nsoy °bT OTqeL --- Page 37 --- -35- Mountain Creek Reservoir Background Information In May 1958, sampling of Mountain Creek Reservoir with gill nets indicated a rough fish population of 88.66 per cent. By September 1960, this dominance had increased to 98.87 per cent. On April 27 and 28, 1961, Mountain Creek Reservoir and approximately four miles of stream were treated to eliminate existing fish life. Gill nets set May 10, 1961, failed to capture fish. Following restocking, five gill nets were set in February 1962. These and subsequent collections indicated (a) that the management effort succeeded in achieving its primary objectives of eliminating river carpsuckers, carp, gizzard shad and other primary problematic species, and (b) game fish were surviving but, with the exception of channel catfish, were growing slower than normally experienced under these conditions. Gill net collections also es- tablished that black bullheads had been reintroduced into the watershed. Near the close of 1962, game fish still made up 98 per cent of collections. Excellent harvest was also indicated during this period. Fish Populations As shown in Table 15, the lake continues to produce excellent populations of game fish. Flathead catfish introduced in 1962 were expanding and may account for the lack of black bullheads in current collections. Stunted sunfish and crappie present a minor problem. An increase in the volume of the reservoir might turn these non-utilizable fish into an asset. Harvest Fishing continues to be good, but may be somewhat poorer than during the previous yea…