TPWD 1964 F-7-R-12 #932: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region I-A: Job No. B-18 Fisheries Reconnaissance

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No. F-7-R-12 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS OF THE WATERS OF REGION I-A Job No. B-18 Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Co-leaders: Lonnie J. Peters, Region I-Al George G. Henderson, Jr., Region I-A2 J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Assistant Director, Wildlife April 20, 1965 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Region I-Al Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on 8 lakes and 1 river system during this segment. Fish samples, which were collected with seines and standardized gill nets, provided data concerning species composition, physical conditions, food habits, spawning success, parasites and diseases. Habitat features were noted and in some instances were correlated with population data. Utilization and fisherman harvest data were limited to lake concessionaire's reports and spot check creel census. This limited data did not show total utilization and harvest but did provide a general idea of the overall fishing success in each lake. Current and past reconnaissance data are discussed and population trends noted, Management recommendations primarily concerning stocking or rehabilitation are given. Region I-A2 Reconnaissance surveys were conducted on 19 lakes and 3 river systems in Region 1-A2 this segment. Examination of data from these surveys revealed that Lakes Aspermont, Crowell City, Stamford and New Anson have excessive rough fish populations and need management. Lakes J. B. Thomas and Fort Phantom Hill have acceptable fish populations but should be checked to determine if supplemental stocking is necessary. There is no need for surveying Lakes Abernathy, Old Anson, League Davis, New Hamlin, Old Hamlin, Maxey Park, or McKenzie State Park Lake next segment. League Davis Lake has a decimated fish population as a result of insecticide pollution from surrounding cotton fields operated by the lake owners. The Hamlin lakes are very saline and have few fish of any species. Both lakes need management but a study of the lakes problems should precede management. Old Anson City Lake needs additional fishing pressure. Justiceburg Lake had a suitable fish population but now it is almost dry and may need salvage work done early in 1965. The lake will need stocking when it refills. K. N. Clapp Lake was drained and salvage work was done this segment. The lake is being reshaped and landscaped and will need stocking when it refills. Reese Air Force Base Lake has no fish population. Extensive management is recommended prior to restocking. --- Page 3 --- Benjamin City Lake was treated and restocked. The survey was made after treatment and undesirable fish were present. This lake should be surveyed in 1965 to determine progress of the stocked fish. South Lake at Post was renovated and restocked and may need additional management next segment. \ | White River Reservoir needs more water in its basin. The newly renovated lake was stocked with sufficient fish to populate the lake when full. The expected raise in water level has not come and the fish are showing evidence of crowding and stunting. The Pease, Brazos, and Wichita River systems in Region 1-A2 produced almost no utilizable fish and it is recommended that they not be surveyed in the future. --- Page 5 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No, _F-7-R-12 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region I-A Job No. B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance (Fisheries Region I-Al) Period Covered January 1, 1964 - December 31, 1964 Objectives: To collect representative samples of fish populations from waters where data are needed to determine changes in the balance of species and changes in the conditions of individual species. To determine basic ecological conditions where not available from previous surveys, or major changes in ecological conditions having important effects on the fish population. To determine utilization and fish harvest of each concerned water area. To determine if management, development, or stocking programs are needed, and to recommend such programs as are necessary to improve the fishery. Techniques Used: Standard survey gill nets were usually used to sample populations of larger species, but in some cases 100-foot or 300-foot 1/2-inch mesh seines were used to supplement netting samples. Small mesh minnow seines were used to sample stream populations and populations of minnows and other smaller fishes in im- poundments. Netting and seining data were tabulated to show the balance of species in terms of percentage composition by number and weight. Average weights and "K" factors were computed for each species to show size and condition. Gonadal development, parasites, and pathological conditions were noted from representative samples of each species which were weighed, measured, and examined in the field. Forage fish samples and predaceous fish stomachs were preserved and processed later in the laboratory. Physical data recorded during each survey included air temperatures, water temperatures, weather conditions, and turbidity. Notation was made of significant changes in ecological conditions such as water level, vegetation, cover, and plankton abundance, Determination of utilization and fish harvest was limited to spot~check of ereels and information provided by lake concessionaires. Current and past survey data provided the basis for management recommendations. --- Page 6 --- Findings: Reconnaissance data, discussion of specific problems, and recommendations are presented for each lake or stream surveyed. Data for each of the concerned waters in Region I-Al are presented in the following order: Lake Baylor, Buffalo Lake, Canadian River, Lake Childress, Lake Fryer, Lake McClellan, Lake Pauline, Rita Blanca Lake and Tule Lake. No data were gathered on the Red and Pease Rivers due to a combination of problems including drought, inaccess- ibility and a shortage or project personnel time. Lake Baylor Surveys at Lake Baylor were made in mid-May and early November during this segment. Carp, hybrid carp and black bullheads were the only undesirable species taken, but totaled 77.70 per cent and 69.88 per cent of the total number of fish netted in May and November respectively. The bullhead remained the dominant species taken, averaging 49.66 per cent for the two surveys com-~ bined. The channel catfish was the dominant game species taken on both surveys. Tables 1 and 2 give percentage composition by number, weight and average weight of species. Table 1 Percentage Composition by Number,Weight and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Baylor, May 13, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp 62 21.60 270.07 69. 89 4.36 Carp-goldfish hybrid 2 0.69 6.49 1.68 3.25 Channel catfish 54 18.82 45.67 11.82 0.85 Black bullhead 159 55.40 48.27 12.49 0.30 Flathead catfish 2 0.70 3.64 0.94 1.82 Largemouth bass 1 0.35 8.47 2.19 8.47 White bass 2 0.69 3.26 0.85 1.63 Green sunfish 1 0.35 0.13 0.03 0.13 Orangespotted sunfish 1 0.35 0.09 0.02 0.09 White crappie 3 1.05 0.31 0.09 0.10 Total 287 100.00 386.40 100.00 Game Fish 64 22.30 61.57 15.93 0.96 Rough Fish 223 77.70 324.83 84.07 1.46 Reconnaissance surveys have been made at Lake Baylor each year since 1961. Table 3, which gives a 4-year history of the fish population as determined from gill netting, shows a significant increase in percentage of game species for 1963. Whether or not this was an actual increase due to recruitment is not known. The 40 per cent decrease in bullheads is believed to be due to predation on the 1962 spawn. --- Page 7 --- Table 2 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Baylor, November 4, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by by Average Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp 49 29.51 116.62 65.92 2.38 Carp~goldfish hybrid 1 0.61 3.04 1.72 3.04 Channel catfish 20 12.04 15.40 8.71 0.77 Black bullhead 66 39.76 16. 62 9.39 0.25 Flathead catfish 2 1.21 9.07 5.13 4.54 Largemouth bass 2 1.20 4.72 2267 2.36 White bass 16 9.64 9.97 5.64 0.62 Longear sunfish 4 2.41 0.33 0.18 0.08 Bluegill 2 Led 0.14 0.08 0.07 White crappie 4 2.41 0.98 0.56 0.25 Total 166 100.00 176.89 100.00 Game Fish 50 30.12 40.61 22.96 0.81 Rough Fish __ 116 i BB i228 77.04 si 17 Table 3 Percentage Composition of Netting Samples Taken from Lake Baylor, 1961 - 1964. Species 1961 1962 1963 1964 Carp 14.09 3.54 28.00 24.50 Carp~goldfish hybrid 0.00 0.00 0.92 0.66 Channel catfish 12.375 12.77 18.15 16.34 Black bullhead 67.11 78.02 39.69 49.66 Flathead catfish 0.00 0.00 0.62 0.89 White bass 2.02 3 «23 5.85 3.97 Largemouth bass 0.00 0.70 0.61 0.66 Green sunfish 0.67 0.00 0.00 0222 Longear sunfish 0.00 0,00 0.92 0.89 Bluegill 0.67 0.71 0.31 0.44 Orangespotted sunfish 0.00 O71 0.00 0.22 White crappie 2.69 0.00 4.93 1.55 Game Fish 18.80 18.44 31.39 25.18 Rough Fish 81.20 81.56 68.61 74.82 Lake Baylor is extremely clear and for this reason the sight~-feeding white bass and Centrarchids are not represented in netting samples in true proportion. The success of bass fishermen indicates that bass are more abundant than are shown by netting data. Small forage fishes are noticeably lacking in Lake Baylor; therefore, it is reasonable that small bullheads would be heavily preyed upon. Flathead catfish fingerlings (375) stocked in 1962 may have contributed to the reduction of the 1962 year-class of bullheads,. Figure 1 illustrates the results of netting surveys from 1961 to 1964 in terms of yearly changes in the per cent of families of fishes taken by netting. Ameiuridae is divided, with the undesirable bullhead shown separately from --- Page 8 --- 196 | CYPRINIDAE i & fic a Ke ae ay Psi 7 So geetan ® : erga o a: Beit § AMEIURIDAE i seth bd te ba ae ahr aie Geers. Saad e® setnete) oetes eke raat 5 Patera? Boer OH Tovotsdct Fete Neate te he fey 1 hans eute PR ta a ie Ho ete ietetn fy Sadeines eae Ne at ete Le Pad te wotat ode dale® Ste kern tsetse en sck otl dad ene ed efeye wie ce ys ~h see ate Povorensted P Pad gies eth, So died a oles ease set Sroeteness metre. SERRANIDAE K Prey ter eprterien a Peer re rt Pied Desirable -——.{.__.— Os stare’ eters Po kovatat sve FTr pce ges Vovolade! t cae ‘ Dre ts Be hen oleweo a af, CENTRARCHIDAE i ate (aE D hd ate where effet a2 abe Neinde —_ fad 9 33 ss 2 Serene pat dl a ps 1 ates’ WEEE MARTE DENCE T G D oS cf a Fo Vote! rorres mt ets Sel hd dak Saale ORD Sele pepe, Tepe eras fe es Paha betnate rental sshd ea 2%. Petersen le ainfetete efor eect ate Totnes events Prien A tein ee ‘Aa bean te Se ie r Brite rotor ohy es Nake ee Vertes, ares aera AE PL rere: ons Veoratede aadis Lecce ve Paras TeV Te botnet s Figure 1. Baylor Lake Survey Results by Family 1961 - 1964 stele fe pereveg ey Poser alsrdtomrelyre mopereineoy ober efevorn fetes PSterseretgers vente aten? es STA ee. ete eh rey ate ein Pabetetatea EP bey PPMP EE EVP STR ERLE OY. Cert Beate ornate de wee 3 PRT evawral atone eerie Cre ere) ete yy ° 2 FUP MEME ETT ON IED ° Peas t Ce eee ee ee feicee Jame species --- Page 9 --- channel catfish and flathead catfish. While this lake has clear water and for other reasons should be ideal for bluegill propagation, they have not increased. It is therefore assumed they are heavily preyed upon by white and largemouth bass. Seine sample data from 1961 to 1964 are listed in Table 4, Important Cyprinids included the red shiner and the bullhead minnow. Both species signifi- cantly increased in the past 2 years. The black bullhead catfish was common in some seine samples but rare or absent in others. The channel catfish was absent or rare in all samples. The family Cyprinodontidae is represented by a single species, the plains killifish. This species is abundant in brackish or salty water of local rivers but is rare in Lake Baylor. The mosquitofish was some~- times locally abundant in the shallows of the lake but has not been an important forage species in this lake because of limited shallow-water habitat. Six Centrarchids have been recorded in Lake Baylor but only three are important. The predaceous largemouth bass and green sunfish were both seasonally abundant in seine samples as was the bluegill. Green sunfish probably are detrimental in Lake Baylor because they compete with largemouth bass for small forage fish. They seldom attain a size greater than 5 inches and thus contribute little to the creel. Their value as a forage species in questionable. Table 4 Seine Sample Results, Lake Baylor 1961 - 1964 (20-foot one-eighth inch mesh) June May June Oct. May Nov. Species 1961 1962 1963 1963 1964 1964 CYPRINIDAE Golden shiner 2 Red shiner 1 2 6 406 30 1224 Ghost shiner 2 Plains minnow 117 a Bullhead minnow 5 15 193 Fathead minnow 47 6 AME TURIDAE Channel catfish 1 Black bullhead 104 1 23 CY PRINODONTIDAE Plains killifish 1 7 2 POECTLIDAE Mosquitofish 1 1 353 CENTRARCHIDAE Largemouth bass 148 33 5 Green sunfish 7 202 1 32 2 Spotted sunfish 4 Bluegill 1 78 LO 80 2 Orangespotted sunfish 6 7 Longear sunfish 9 Sunfish sp. 23 Total 162 442 185 905 59 1448 --- Page 10 --- Reasons for the limited production of forage in Lake Baylor includes such factors as limited shallow areas, limited cover, clear water, heavy predation and decreasing water level. During this segment the lake level dropped below elevation 1985 (less than 130 surface acres) and virtually no marginal cover existed throughout the entire summer and fall. The November seine sample in- dicates little or no reproduction by species other than the red shiner and the bullhead minnow. Extensive exposed areas of the lake bed have grown up in smartweed and grasses. When the lake level rises these areas will be flooded and conditions will be better for spawning and survival of forage species. Figure 2 gives area and capacity curves for Lake Baylor. Lake-bed elevation is 1970 (20 acres in the creek channel), maximum elevation is 2015 (765 acres), and the normal lake elevation ranges between 1995 to 2000 (275 to 375 acres). Maximum volume is slightly over 13,000 acre feet and average volume is between 2,600 and 4,200 acre feet. Figure 3 shows the percentage of the total lake surface that is 5 feet or less and 10 feet or less in depth at various lake elevations. Actual acreage of 5-foot and 10-foot water, as well as total lake surface are also listed. The curves illustrate the rapid decrease in relative proportion of littoral area present as the total lake surface expands. At the normal lake elevation range of 1995 to 2000, the percentage of water less than 5 feet deep ranges from 31 to 26.5 per cent. At the same range in elevations, ten feet or less water ranges from 52.5 to 49 per cent, At greater elevations the percentage of littoral area decreases further. Contents of preserved stomachs of 132 fish were examined and 87 contained identifiable food (Table 5). Food items were categorized as: fish, insect larvae, adult insect, vegetation, crustacean and other. Insect larvae was the most common food item and occurred in 55 stomachs, Vegetation occurred 43 times, adult insect 24 times, crustaceans 17 times, "other'' 16 times and fish 16 times. Table 5 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items of Predaceous Species Taken from Lake Baylor, May and November 1964. Species Number examined 3 7 1 2 4 44 50 18 Number with food il 1 4 1 1 4 30 36 9 Food Items: Fish 0 1 2 0 0 0 8 3 2 Insect larvae 0 0 2 0 1 3 16 24 9 Insect-adult _ 1 0 0 1 0 0 15 6 1 Vegetation @) ) 0 0) 0 1 17 25 0 Crustacean ) 0 2 0) 0) 0 1 14 0) Other 0 @) 1 0 0 ) 9 7 0) To n n G G n oc wn wn ©] ise} ban! i) pe] od od oO a if od rs wy a ro) io9) Q od c rs) a set 3) A, uw 2) my aan wn Vv oO fon} Ww 13) ci n sa) bo) u 3 ci o) cov) fo) oO is) n ei w ec a oO 5 £ 2 « » § 2 & 4» 60 Vv VW oO oO fol) G 13) co) u foe) od ro) 3 G oO o od is} rd eG is onl fe) G wt pic | Fy = oO FQ 4 1S) —Q = --- Page 11 --- TA 67 Ws iJ Fis c Jeeg-erdoy Jo spuesnouy, ut A,Toedeo ‘OD NSEOTAIG BNBONA fe [ o | © Coon a | fe) | Leer HH 5 EE | | i 1 7 c rotseg eye] scj SsAdng Aytoedeo-esdy °2 sanety | | AO og / | Ho : i j | H | Ht | | aoe | _L i i J | | Fe +H | Pe | - eory | é sees aanan coe oA / obs! 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Pi an aia Hae es ee oo H- : HH Z +H aay aan ~ 7 ECE = PEPE 5 itt { | L | CI ae cc ct 7 a rH PH HEE ann EEE S : mee enste FEEL Eettacece FEE : “4 ; LATE “Ho rH FHH Seeueeeee HL 4 Ect Pee a HEF Feo a ~ @ ara | Ee aEIEeee 9 i Lf H my HEH N BS ie isueueuee g ; : iiae Hd cans“ cnenemamaa % ; HEE C corr ann tH it aenae --- Page 13 --- Species "K" factor averages (Table 6) were below normal to normal. Channel catfish had an average "K" of 1.5 in both May and November which is below normal for this area. Similarly, white crappie, white bass and flathead catfish were apparently in poor condition. Poor physical condition of these species is probably related to food shortages. Table 6 'K"' Factor Range and Average for Species Taken from Lake Baylor May and November 1964. Number Range Average "Kk" ypecies May Y.. No May Carp 25 25 2.4°-3.8 1.9-3.2 2.8 2.8 Carp-goldfish hybrid 2 1 3.3-3.6 - 3.4 3.5 3.4 Channel catfish 25 20 1.4-1.7 1.2-1.8 1.5 Ld Black bullhead 25 25 1.9-2.9 2,0-2.6 2.4 263 Flathead catfish 2 2 2.0 1,.8-2.4 2.0 2Ze1 White bass 2 16 2,672.7 1.82.7 2.65 2.5 Largemouth bass 1 2 4.0 2e5*226 4.0 2.55 Green sunfish 1 = 3.8 - 3.8 = Bluegill 0 2 - 3.8-4.0 7 3%9 Orangespotted sunfish 1 - 4.6 - 4.6 - Longear sunfish 0 4 - 4.3-4.8 “ 4.6 White crappie 3 4 2.8 2.4-3.1 2.8 Zed Buffalo Lake Fisheries surveys at Buffalo Lake were made on May 27 and November 24, 1964. Tables 7 and 8 give the netting data collected on these dates. The game fish population apparently has remained fairly stable. The white crappie, which is the dominant game species in Buffalo Lake, has steadily declined since a peak population in 1962. White bass and largemouth bass have increased. Channel catfish have failed to show an increase in spite of the fact that about 80,000 fingerlings were stocked in 1963. Table 9 gives the species composition of six netting samples from April 1962 to November 1964. Probably the best year-to-year comparisons can be made from three November surveys since the water temperatures and other conditions were more nearly the same. Carp and goldfish have increased steadily but the black bullhead has decreased steadily. A surprising feature of the November 1964 survey was that the netting samples included 18.62 per cent white bass. Previously the highest percentage of white bass was less than 2 per cent. Forage samples taken with a 20-foot one-eighth inch mesh seine are shown in Table 10. The increase in numbers of the golden shiner, red shiner and fathead minnow in November indicates fair reproduction for these species. This does not hold true for any other species, however. Table 11 contains a com- parison of yearly composite forage samples, which indicates a steadily increasing population of Centrarchids since 1962. The July 1963 forage sample included a large number of bullhead fry, and the total forage sample for this year was dominated by the bullhead. In 1962 and 1964, however, the bullhead was of minor importance. The families Cyprinodontidae and Poeciliidae, represented by a single species of each, have remained minor in importance. --- Page 14 --- -10- Table 7 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Buffalo Lake May 27, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp 172 17.71 321.75 32.98 1.87 Goldfish 23 2.37 39.85 4.09 1.73 Carp-goldfish hybrid 20 2.06 35.69 3,66 1.78 Carpsucker 1 0.10 0.13 0.01 0.13 Channel catfish 24 2,47 43.18 4.43 1.80 Black bullhead 299 30.79 221.31 22.69 0.74 Flathead catfish 2 0.21 17.49 1.79 8.75 White bass 3 0.31 2.55 0.26 0.85 Largemouth bass 3 0.31 2.49 0.26 0.83 Bluegill 15 1.54 3.40 0.35 0.23 White crappie 409 42.13 287.52 29.48 0.70 Total 971 100.00 975.36 100.00 Game Fish 456 46.96 356.63 36.56 0.78 Rough Fish 515 53.04 618.73 63.44 1.20 Table 8 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Buffalo Lake November 24, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp 75 32.46 316.46 63.61 4,22 Goldfish 8 347 12.59 2.53 1.57 Carp~goldfish hybrid 11 4.76 17.58 3,53 1.60 Carpsucker y 0.86 1.94 0.39 0.97 Channel catfish 2 0.87 5.82 1.17 2.91 Black bullhead 15 6.49 9.90 1.99 0.66 White bass 43 18.62 76.58 15.40 1.78 Largemouth bass 10 4.33 20.54 4.12 2.05 Bluegill 4 1/3 0.32 0.07 0.08 White crappi 61 26.41 35.75 7.19 0.59 Total 231 100.00 497.48 100.00 Game Fish 120 51.95 139.01 27.94 1.16 Rough Fish 111 48.05 358.47 72.06 3.23 Rough Fish A --- Page 15 --- -ll- Table 9 Percentage Composition of Netting Samples Taken from Buffalo Lake 1962 - 1964, Apr. Nov. July Nov. May Nov. Species 1962 1962 1963 1963 1964 1964 Carp 14.73 8.77 27.73 13.84 17.71 32.47 Goldfish 0.26 0.56 4.42 1,64 2.37 3.46 Carp-goldfish hybrid 2.48 1.46 5.83 9.65 2.06 4.76 Golden shiner 0.00 0,14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 River carpsucker 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.86 Channel catfish 4,82 0.28 9,54 20 92 2047 0.87 Black bullhead 64.67 13.65 23.68 27.14 30.79 6.49 Flathead catfish 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.21 0.00 White bass 0.26 1.39 0.35 1.82 0.31 18.62 Largemouth bass 0.39 0.70 0.00 1.82 0.31 4:33 Green sunfish 1.30 1.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Bluegill 4,82 1.88 13.96 4.19 1.54 1.73 Longear sunfish 1.57 0.00 0.17 0.36 0.00 0.00 Hybrid sunfish 0.00 4,04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 White crappie 4.57 66.09 14.32 36.62 42.13 26.41 Game Fish 17.73 75.42 38.34 47.73 46.97. 51.96 Rough Fish 82.27 24.58 61.66 52.27 53.03 48.04 Table 10 Percentage Composition by Number of Fish Taken from Buffalo Lake with 20-foot Seine on May 26 and November 23, 1964 (Ten Drags Each Date) Number Per Cent Species May Nov. May Nov. Carp 4. 0 1.04 0.00 Golden shiner 0 31 0.00 14.09 Plains shiner 9 0 2,36 0.00 Red shiner 85 147 22.25 66.81 Sand shiner 13 0) 3.40 0.00 Pimephales sp. 1 0 0.26 0.00 Fathead minnow 3 25 0.79 11637 Black bullhead 31 0 8.11 0.00 Plains killifish 2 3 0.53 1.36 Mosquitofish 2 1 0.52 0.46 Largemouth bass 10 0 2 «62 0.00 Green sunfish 41 4 10.73 1.81 Bluegill 147 2 38.48 0.91 Longear sunfish 0 3 0.00 L,37 White crappie 34 4 8.91 1.82 Total 382 220 100.00 100.00 --- Page 16 --- «12- Table 11 Comparison of Yearly Forage Samples from Buffalo Lake 1962-1964 (Collected With 20- or 40-Foot Minnow Seines) 1962 1963 1964 ‘be No. % No. he No, CYPRINIDAE 88.24 13.99 52.82 Carp 239 6 4 Goldfish 0 0 0 Carp-goldfish hybrid 4 0 0 Golden shiner 2 65 31 Plains shiner 0 ) 9 Red River shiner 0) 26 ) Red shiner 972 52 232 Sand shiner 0 0) 13 Plains minnow 8 0 0 Fathead minnow 658 15 28 Bullhead minnow 1 1 0 Minnow sp. 0 0 1 AMEURIDAE 0.51 59.46 5.15 Black bullhead 11 701 31 CYPRINODONTIDAE 2.39 1.35 0. 83 Plains killifish 51 16 5 POECILIIDAE 0.28 1.28 0.50 Mosquitofish 6 15 3 CENTRARCHIDAE 8.58 23.92 40.70 Largemouth bass 0 36 10 Green sunfish 93 18 45 Bluegill 50 161 149 Orangespotted sunfish 19 5 0 Longear sunfish 8 5 3 White crappie 13 57 38 Predator fishes fed primarily on fish in both May and November. White bass and largemouth bass stomach contents were exclusively fish, a large percentage of which could be identified as small crappie. Large white crappie fed almost exclusively on fish while smaller crappie fed on zooplankton. Both bullhead and channel catfish fed on fish more heavily than usual. Both current and past data show that forage fish in Buffalo Lake are abundant. Table 12 lists the frequency of occurrence of food items for May and November 1964, '"K" factor averages show most species to be in good to excellent condition. Table 13 lists "K" factor averages for all 11 species in gill nets. These high "K" factor averages are con- sistent with past data and reflect continued fertility and high forage production of the lake. Canadian River Fisheries reconnaissance surveys on the Canadian River were conducted on June 23 and 24, 1964, in two general areas, the western part of Oldham County and immediately below the Sanford Dam in Hutchinson County, At the time of the survey the river was not flowing so all samples were taken from potholes. The primary purposes of the survey were to determine whether blue catfish had sur- vived from a stocking in December 1963 and what rough species existed in the river. --- Page 17 --- -13- Table 12 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items in Stomachs of Fish Taken from Buffalo Lake May 27 and November 24, 1964. Channel catfish Black bullhead Largemouth bass White crappie Warmouth Species May Nov. May Nov. May Nov. May Nov. May Nov. Total Number 20 2 6 13 3 32 3 9 52 57 197 Examined Number 15 0 5 6 0) 24 2 9 36 40 137 with Food Food Items: Fish 10 0 3 3 @) 24 2 9 36 31 118 Insect-Adult 1 0 0 1 0 0 0) 0 0 8 10 Insect - Larvae 0 0) 0 1 6) 6) 0 0 0) 2 3 Crustacean 2 0 0 0 0 0 0) 0) 0 12 14 Vegetation 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 Other 0 0 0 0 ) 0 0 0) 0 ) ) Table 13. "K'" Factor Range and Average for Species Taken from Buffalo Lake in May and November 1964. Species Number "K" Range Average "'K" May Nov. May Nov. May Nov. Carp 24 25 2.3-3.5 2.2-3.0 2.8 2.6 Goldfish 23 8 4.1-6.7 4.4-6.1 5.0 Ded Carp-goldfish hybrid 20 11 3.0-4.3 2.1-4.2 3.6 3.4 River carpsucker 1 2 tel 3elL=3.2 1.1 3.15 Channel catfish 24 2 1.6-2.4 2.0-2.1 1.9 2.05 Black bullhead 25 15 1.6-3.0 2.1-3.0 25 pes Flathead catfish 2 0 1.9-2.3 - Zed. = White bass 3 42 2.5-3.1 3.0-4.0 2.9 3.6 Largemouth bass 3 10 2.3-3.2 2.7-4.4 2,8 3.2 Bluegill 15 4 3.4-4.7 4.,2-4.6 4,2 4.4 White crappie 25 43 2.8-4.4 2.,0-4.5 348 3d --- Page 18 --- -[4- Sanford Dam will impound water to form Meredith Lake. The dam, presently near completion, is located 10 miles northwest of Borger, Texas. Meredith Lake will have a contributing watershed of approximately 9,000 square miles and will impound a maximum of 24,000 acres at service spillway crest. Normal pool will range from about 14,000 to 16,000 surface acres. Two attempts have been made to establish the blue catfish in the Canadian River prior to impoundment of water in Meredith Lake. In December 1963 approxi- mately 2,000 blue catfish fingerlings (4 inches to 6 inches total length) were distributed along 30 miles of river downstream from the New Mexico line. No blue catfish were recovered on June 23 by seining, and the success of this stocking is doubtful because of adverse conditions that followed, In September 1964, 10,000 blue catfish fingerlings were distributed along the river and in temporary holding ponds near the river. These will be moved to the Meredith Reseryoir as soon as sufficient water is impounded, Rough fish species known to exist in the Canadian River above Sanford Dam include gizzard shad, carp, river carpsucker, white sucker, black bullhead catfish, and yellow bullhead catfish. Carp, gizzard shad, and black bullhead have been seined from the Canadian River in Texas. The carpsucker, white sucker and yellow bullhead are reported present in Conchas Lake, an impoundment on the Canadian River in New Mexico 1/, but have not been recovered from the Canadian River in Texas. Stocking of Lake Meredith will begin in 1965. Tentatively, fish species to be stocked in Lake Meredith will include game and forage fish native to the Panhandle area. In addition, experimental introduction of walleye 5 Stizostedion vitreum, may be made. 1/ Fisheries Study of Conchas Lake, Federal Aid Project F-22-R-3, Work Plan 2, Job No. B-1 (3) New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish, March 31, 1962. Lake Childress Net and seine samples were collected from Lake Childress on May 15 and November 6, 1964. Netting data are given in Tables 14 and 15. The May survey revealed a dominant black bullhead population (95 per cent), but no other rough species were present. The November survey, however, included 41 per cent white crappie. Of the remaining 59 per cent of the fish netted in November, 57 per. cent were black bullheads. It was reported that approximately 80,000 white crappie seined from Amarillo City Lake were transported to and stocked in Lakes Baylor and Childress. Since this stocking was done without prior notification of project personnel, accurate total numbers, sexual development and numbers of different size classes of these crappie are not available. A 4-year record of netting-survey results is given in Table 16. Channel catfish show a steady decline since 1961. Largemouth bass increased in 1962 but decreased in 1963 and 1964. Bullheads remained stable at 66 to 74 per cent, and the other species fluctuated irregularly. It is encouraging that the carp has not been introduced in Lake Childress. However, an undesirable Cyprinid, the golden shiner, has been introduced. --- Page 19 --- a1 5< Table 14 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Childress, May 15, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Black bullhead 214 95.11 55.07 82,84 0.26 Channel catfish 1 0.44 4.54 6.83 4.54 Largemouth bass 1 0.45 2.63 3.96 2.63 Redear sunfish 6 2,66 3.97 5.97 0.66 White crappie 3 1.34 0.26 0.40 0.09 Total 225 100.00 66.47 100.00 Game Fish 11 4.89 11.40 17.15 1.04 Rough Fish _214 95.11 _ 59.07 82.85 _—_—0. 26 Table 15 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Childress, November 6, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Golden shiner 1 0.17 0.20 0.15 0.20 Black bullhead 325 56.72 53.00 40.22 0.16 Channel catfish 5 0.87 13.29 10.08 2.66 Largemouth bass 4 0.70 11.82 8.97 2096 Redear sunfish 2 0.35 Le26 0.96 0.63 Longear sunfish 1 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.08 White crappie 235 41.02 52.12 39.56 0.22 Total 573 100.00 131.77 100.00 Game Fish 247 43.11 78.57 59.63 0.32 Rough Fish 326 56.89 53.20 40.37 sO 16 Table 16 Percentage Composition of Netting Samples Taken from Lake Childress 1961 - 1964. Per Cent by Number Species _ ee 1961 1962, 19868 1964 Golden shiner 0.00 0.00 0.00 0, L2 Channel catfish 16.66 10.16 4.06 0.75 Black bullhead 73.81 67.80 66.49 67.55 Largemouth bass 4.76 11.87 3.05 0.62 Green sunfish 0.00 5.09 0.51 0.00 Bluegill 4.77 1.69 12.69 0.00 Redear sunfish 0.00 3.639 5.07 1.01 Longear sunfish 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.12 White crappie 0.00 0.00 8.13 29 . 83 --- Page 20 --- ~“16= Lake Childress has a notable lack of small forage similar to nearby Lake Baylor. Seasonally, minnows and young of other species are fairly abundant; however, depredation throughout fall and winter drastically reduces the forage and by spring the lack of forage is critical. Table 17 illustrates the fluctuating forage abundance. Note that seining in May 1962 and May 1964 produced almost no forage. The seining effort was approximately equal (8 to 11 drags) on each survey. In May 1964, when only 3 fish were taken, the water was warmer (68° F.) than in November 1964 (57° F.) when 101 fish were taken. Thus cold water does not account for the lack of minnows in shallow areas in May. Table 17. Twenty-foot Seine Results from Lake Childress 1961 - 1964. June May June Oct. May Nov. Species 1961 1962 1963 1963 1964 1964 Red shiner 119 0 65 Largemouth bass 60 0) 33 12 1 12 Plains killifish 9 0 19 1 ll Green sunfish 6 0 Ll 83 L 3 Bluegill 0 16 39 Redear sunfish 0 54 Black bullhead 0) 1 3 Mosquitofish 0 196 Longear sunfish 0 1 White crappie 0 9 Total 194 0 61 406 3 101 The larger predator fishes (channel catfish and largemouth bass) in Lake Childress fed on bullhead catfish and crayfish. Sunfish fed primarily on insect larvae. White crappie fed primarily on zooplankton and to a lesser extent on insect larvae. Only 3 out of 17 crappie stomachs contained fish remains. Bull- heads fed on a variety of foods including primarily vegetation, zooplankton and insect larvae. Compared to fish in Lake Baylor, fish in Lake Childress were in better condition, In November "K" factors for channel catfish averaged 1.7, white crappie 3.0 and largemouth bass 2.8. Table 18 gives the "K" factor range and average for both surveys. Table 18 "K" Factor Range and Average for Species Taken from Lake Childress May and November 1964. Average Species Number . Range "K" Factor May __ Nov. Ma N May __—siNov. Golden shiner Channel catfish Black bullhead 2 Largemouth bass Green sunfish Bluegill Redear sunfish Longear sunfish White crappie WORDDORDE-HO --- Page 21 --- -17- Lake Fryer Reconnaissance data were collected from Lake Fryer on May 20 and 21 and November 17 and 18, 1964. Netting results are given in Tables 19 and 20. In May, the dominant species, in order of abundance, were black bullhead, carp and white crappie. In November, dominant species were white crappie, black bullhead and carp. The three species combined totaled 94.35 and 96.76 per cent respectively for the May and November surveys. Most white crappie in this lake are stunted and contribute little to the sport fishery. Table 19 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Fryer May 21, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp 120 29.48 123.19 65.58 1.03 Channel catfish 7 1272 Le 3d 4.03 1.08 Black bullhead 182 44.72 34,32 18.28 0.19 Largemouth bass 2 0.49 6.81 362 3.41 Bluegill 1 0.24 0.48 0.26 0.48 Longear sunfish 13 3.20 1e1l5 0.61 0.09 White crappie 82 20.15 14.30 7.62 0.17 Total 407 100.00 187.82 100.00 Game Fish 105 25.80 30.31 16.14 0.29 Rough Fish 302 74.20 157.51 83. 86 0.52 Table 20 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Fryer November 18, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp — 88 23,52 119.40 68.11 1.36 Channel catfish 9 2.41 9.60 5.48 1.07 Black bullhead 109 29.15 19.73 11.25 0.18 White bass 1 0.26 2.00 1.14 2.00 Largemouth bass 2 0.54 13.16 Zeal 6.58 White crappie 165 44.12 11.40 6.51 0.07 Total 374 100.00 175.29 100.00 Game Fish 177 47.33 36.16 20.63 0.20 Rough Fish 197 3267 139.13 19.237 0.71 Table 21 gives the relative abundance of species in five netting samples from 1962 to 1964. Carp showed major gains in both 1963 and 1964 while crappie showed a major gain in 1962, The relative abundance of bullheads has ranged from 90 per cent in May 1962 to 29 per cent in November 1964, --- Page 22 --- -18- Table 21 Netting Data from Lake Fryer, 1962 to 1964. Species May _ Aug. July May Nov. 5-Survey 1962 1962 1963 1964 __ 1964 _—s_— Average Carp 2.34 5.07 10.58 29.48 23,52 14.20 Channel catfish 2.01 1.61 2.19 L672 2.41 1.99 Black bullhead 90.30 38.01 36.13 44,72 29.15 47.66 White bass 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.05 Largemouth bass 1.34 0.46 0.00 0.49 0.00 0.46 Redear sunfish 0.34 0.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11 Bluegill 0.66 0.00 0.37 0.24 0.00 0.25 Longear sunfish 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.20 0.00 0.64 White crappie 3.01 54.61 50.73 20.15 44.12 34.52 The high turbidity of Lake Fryer promotes natural reproduction of white crappie. Predation on crappie is limited by the small numbers of large predators, and fishermen harvest is limited by the small, undesirable average size of the individual crappie. "K" factor averages, shown in Table 22, increased slightly as compared to past years, indicating that fish may have been somewhat less crowded. Table 22 "K' Factor Range and Average for Species Taken from Lake Fryer May 21 and November 19, 1964. Species Number Range Average May Nov. May Nov. May Nov. Carp 25 25 2.6-3.3 2.1-3.0 29 Jed Channel catfish 7 2 Leom bed 1.5-1.8 1.8 1.65 Black bullhead 25 “25 2,0-2.9 2.3-3.4 2.4 2.7 White bass 0 1 - 3.7 7 3.7 Largemouth bass 2 2 2.6-3.5 3.2-3.6 Di eal 3.4 Bluegill 1 1 5.9 4.5 5.9 4.5 Longear sunfish 13 0 4.6-5.7 = 5.2 - White crappie 25 14 2,773.6 2,773.5 3.1 3.0 Food items of fishes taken in May are shown in Table 23. Crappie and longear sunfish were feeding on insect larvae at this time while channel catfish were feeding primarily on fish. Most bullheads had consumed vegetation, but fish and insect larvae were also important items. Forage species were abundant in the seine samples in May and it was some- what surprising that crappie were not feeding more heavily on fish. In November the seine sample was greatly reduced in both total number taken and variety of species. Tables 24 and 25 show the results of 10 seine hauls on each date. --- Page 23 --- -19- Table .: 23 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items of Fish Taken from Lake Fryer May 21, 1964. a i: n Be) n (0) oc sy] od onl Wy (9) Uy a b fis S Qu oO re i) oO 1o) rd wn u 3 ) = O u oO is) o =| ad ro) b a 3) a0 q o © S aa ic 4 ) Species 3 0 -O 4 Total Number Examined 23 6 24 6 59 Number with Food 20 5 11 3 39 Food Items: Fish 2 4 3 0) 9 Insect 1 1 0 0 2 Insect Larvae 20 0 4 3 27 Vegetation 0 0 9 0 9 Crustacean 4 2 1 0) 7 Other 0 0) 0) 0) @) Table 24 Percentage Composition by Number of Fish Taken from Lake Fryer May 20, 1964 with 20-foot Seine. (10 drags) Species Number Per Cent Carp 4 0.25 Red shiner 1196 74.93 Golden shiner 21 LedZ Suckermouth minnow 1 0.06 Fathead minnow 46 2.88 Sand shiner 1 0.07 Mosquitofish 139 8.71 Killifish 17 1.06 Redear sunfish 35 2.19 Black bullhead 7 0.44 Green sunfish 31 1.94 Bluegill 86 5.39 Orangespotted sunfish 10 0.63 Largemouth bass 1 0.06 White crappie l 0.07 Total 1596 100.00 Table 25 Percentage Composition by Number of Fish Taken from Lake Fryer : November 19, 1964 with 20-foot Seinc. (10 drags) Species Number Per Cent Red shiner 275 99.28 Bluegill 2 0.72 Total 277 100.00 --- Page 24 --- -20- Lake McClellan Lake McClellan was renovated in early October 1964. This was accomplished as a joint project with the U. S. Forest Service, Panhandle National Grasslands. Planning and execution of the renovation and restocking were coordinated through Mr. D. C. Stevens, Supervisor, Panhandle National Grasslands, and Mr. McKirdy, Regional Fisheries Biologist, U. S. Forest Service. Rotenone, supplied by the Forest Service, was applied at the equivalent rate of 2.5 ppm ~ 5% powder. Post-treatment surveys indicated that a total kill was achieved, Initial restocking was provided by the Ellis Kansas National Fish Hatchery and consisted of 10,000 fingerling bass (3- to 4-inch total length) 50,000 channel catfish fingerlings (1l- to 1%-inch total length) and 20,000 yearling channel catfish (6- to 10-inches total length). The lake was extremely low at the time of treatment, which reduced toxicant requirements considerably, but hampered treating operations because of extensive shallow flats. Treatment of the main body of the lake began at about 7:30 a.m. and was completed shortly after 12 M. Treatment of marginal shallows and flat areas was completed by 4:00 p.m. An estimated 2,500 spectators witnessed the treatment and many came equipped to capture the distressed fish. As usual, many persons were disappointed at the small numbers of edible fish available. Reconnaissance data which clearly illustrated the need for this renovation are given in Table 26. Excluding the white crappie which was overabundant, stunted and thus undesirable, the fishery of this lake deteriorated from 10 per cent desirable fish in March 1962 to 6 per cent in March 1964, The last netting survey prior to renovation yielded the data shown in Table 27. Game fish accounted for only 13.68 per cent of the total number taken, and 7.23 per cent were stunted white crappie. Three species of rough fish accounted for 85 per cent of the total weight. Table 26 Percentage Composition of Netting Samples from Lake McClellan, March 1962 - March 1964. Per Cent by Number Species 3/1/62 12/13/62 7/7/63 3/24/64 Carp 52.46 29.09 56.17 26.95 River carpsucker 1.64 1.82 0.40 4.88 Channel catfish 4.10 3.64 3219 5.27 Black bullhead 7.38 50.00 33,86 54.50 Flathead catfish 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.19 White bass 5/3 2.72 0.40 0.59 Largemouth bass 0.82 0.00 0.00 0.19 Bluegill 0.00 1.82 0.80 0.20 White crappie 27.87 10.91 5.18 7.23 Desirable fish* 10.66 8.18 4.38 6.44 Average weight in pound of white crappie 0.08 0.11 0.10 0.32 *Excludes white crappie --- Page 25 --- -21- Table 27 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight and Average Weight of Fish Taken from McClellan Lake, March 24, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carpsucker 25 4.88 65.66 19.53 2.63 Carp 138 26.95 163.03 48.49 1.18 Black bullhead 279 54.49 55a 74 16.58 0.20 Channel catfish 27 5.28 25.79 7.67 0.96 Flathead catfish 1 0.19 3.41 1.01 3.41 White bass 3 0.59 7.32 2.18 2.44 Largemouth bass 1 0.19 3.41 1.01 3.41 Bluegill 1 0.20 0.07 0.02 0.07 White crappie 37 7.23 11.77 3.51 0.32 Total © 512 100.00 336.20 100.00 Game Fish 70 13.68 51.77 15.40 0.74 Rough Fish 442 86.32 284.43 84.60 0.64 Seining data, Table 28, further illustrates the overabundance of white crappie. Table 28 Tabulation of Fish Taken from Lake McClellan March 23, 1964 with a 100-foot one-half inch Mesh Seine and a 20-foot one-eighth inch Mesh Seine. Number Number Species 100-foot Seine 20-foot Seine Carp 4 0 Red shiner ) 6 Black bullhead ) 0 Channel catfish 6 0) White bass 2 ) Largemouth bass 2 0 Bluegill 8 20 Orangespotted sunfish 13 7 White crappie 301 1 Total 341 34 Food items are listed in Table 29. The treatment was planned to coincide with the construction of a new spill- way. This work necessitated cutting through the dam, and had the lake level not been lowered by drought it would have been lowered by draining. Future development work will include stocking of brood stock of several desirable forage species in Lake McClellan prior to the 1965 spawning season. Tentatively, forage species to be stocked will include red shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, Mississippi silversides and bluegill sunfish. --- Page 26 --- ~22- Table 29 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items in Fish Stomachs Taken from Lake McClellan March 24, 1964. Channel catfish Black bullhead Warmouth Largemouth bass Bluegill White crappie Number Examined 24 21 3 1 1 24 74 Number with Food 16 18 3 1 0 23 61 Food Items: Fish 11 1 3 1 0 10 26 Insect-Adult 1 1 0 0 0 8 10 Insect-Larvae 7 17 0 0 0) 13 37 Crustacean 7 16 0 0 0 19 42 Vegetation 2 17 0 0 0 0 19 Other 0 0 0 0 0) ) 0 Lake Pauline Drought conditions, which have prevailed since Lake Pauline was renovated in May 1963, have had serious detrimental effects on the fishery. A gradually receding water level reduced the lake surface about 50 per cent and fish became overcrowded. This, coupled with the fact that additional fish were introduced with water pumped from Groesbeck Creek, produced a situation not conduCive to good growth. A shortage of forage existed until late June when sunfish and minnow fry became abundant. By mid-September largemouth bass had attained an average size of 3/4 pound and the lake was reopened to fishing on October 15. The spot- check creel census, on the first and second day after the lake was reopened, indicated an average catch rate of 2.7 fish per hour of fishing. The average hourly bag was 1.0 bass, 0.3 channel catfish, 0.3 sunfish and 0.1 other species. Table 30 summarizes creel data gathered. Table 30 Summary of Creel Data Taken from Lake Pauline October 15, 16, 1964, a 3 vr bi ax) ov J) n Q. n Gc M4 ui a Qu od = 3) 5 rf) a U4 ae ae) iS) 3 u rf 3 42 @, € de * &§ 8 - eo Oa bom fH a Y a o. o 6 s8 Fe ab @ & 8 = 8 Date O28 se S68 58 F&F a 42 oc 8 October 15 94 197 274 20 3 6 122 ne 4 October 16 ee) ae 217.124 114 : 8 3.3 Total 145 414 398 134 3 14 130 4 7 --- Page 27 --- =23= Surveys were made on April 8 and September 17, 1964. Netting data are given in Tables 31 and 32, Carp, which dominated the April netting samples, were almost all age class 0 and could have either been pumped into the lake from Groesbeck Creek or spawned in the lake in 1963. Small shad were abundant in April but did not appear in the netting sample. In September shad (average weight .32 1b.) dominated the net sample. Bluegill and longear sunfish were the most common game species taken. Table 31 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Pauline April 8, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average _Number Weight —_— Wei Species _ __ Number _ Carp 183 42,85 125.69 62.77 0.69 Carpsucker 2 0.47 4.42 2,21 2.21 Channel catfish 2 0.47 3.87 193 1.94 Blue catfish 1 0.23 0.04 0.02 0.04 Black bullhead 83 19.44 40.71 20.34 0.49 Largemouth bass 39 9.13 16,21 8.09 0.42 Green sunfish 5 1.18 0.54 0.27 O.11 Bluegill 106 24.82 8.25 4.13 0.08 Longear sunfish 5 1.17 0.38 0.19 0.08 White crappie 1 0.24 0.10 0.05 0.10 Total 427 100.00 200.21 100.00 Game Fish 159 37.24 29.39 14.68 0.18 Rough Fish 268 62.76 170. 82 856392 0.64 Table 32 Percentage Composition by Number, Weight, and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Lake Pauline September 17, 1964 Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average S) i ______ Number Number _———s Weight Shad 271 46.64 85.73 47.85 0.32 Carp 23 3.96 23.04 12.86 1.00 Channel catfish 27 4.64 10635 4.10 0.27 Blue catfish 13 2 «tilt 6.68 3473 0.51 Black bullhead 16 2.76 8.68 4.84 0.54 Largemouth bass 31 5.33 22.18 12.38 0.72 Green sunfish 9 1.55 1.49 0.83 0.17 Bluegill 93 16.01 9,31 5.20 0.10 Longear sunfish 86 14.80 6.87 3083 0.08 White crappie 12 2.07 7.83 4.38 0.65 Total 581 100.00 179.16 100.00 Game Fish 271 46.64 61.71 34.44 0.23 Rough Fish 310 53.36 117.45 65.56 0.38 --- Page 28 --- Hl ws The shortage of small forage fish early in the year is evident from stomach analysis data shown in Table 33. In April only 12 of 87 fish stomachs examined contained fish, Insects, insect larvae, and crustaceans were most common. In September the reverse was true, Table 34, with fish occurring 42 times in 83 stomachs examined. Other items were of minor importance. "R" factors were about normal for most species with few exceptions. In April "K", factors of largemouth bass were low, while in September, those of channel catfish and shad were low. Table 33 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items in Fish Stomachs Taken from Lake Pauline April 8, 1964. G G 4 oO) a= o) uw arf Sys c f 8 a Ww o v Sc wn = n v or) oS 5 ci ui or © G ° n ci u is) OW 3) i =a) oi o au Mo on Ss oO oO (0) ao o os od © 0) oS) oO u oe OU 3 © O uw Oo Oo a) c ond ne oa qo sv) u ca fe) x=. = a oa ov a: 4 = Total Number Examined 2 1 24 26 4 24 5 1 87 Number with Food 2 1 24 5 4 21 4 1 62 Food Items: Fish 2 0 8 0 0) 1 0 1 12 Insect-Adult 0 L 0) 0 0 0 0 0 1 Insect-Larvae 1 1 20 5 4 10 4 0 45 Crustacean 1 1. 2 ) 4 19 4 0) 31 Vegetation 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 18 Other _ 0 0. 0 0) _0 0. _0 0 0 Table 34 Frequency of Occurrence of Food Items in Fish Stomachs Taken from Lake Pauline September 17, 1964. oO Gc di n Qu ot ue} a Q a Wi oO ‘s) fou) n vv oO i) u cied is0) a ° 1S) oH (3) = =e) Gav set Von co) a 0 oO (oe) 00 0 4 o 9 ie © O uw a ond ce a od to) G S o pa fo a = Total Number Examined 18 13 16 25 11 83 Number with Food 13 9 7 9 10 48 Food Items: Fish Insect~Adult Insect-Larvae Crustacean Vegetation _Other lo oCOoOonNnN loooron ooooo~w oooco°o ls es hwWAN --- Page 29 --- ¥ -2)- Rita Blanca Lake Netting in late April produced only 4 1/2 per cent game species, Table 35, but in mid-November produced 18 per cent game species (Table 36). The relative increase in game species was due to an increase in the catch of white crappie. The black bullhead was extremely abundant in both samples and the golden shiner reappeared in considerable abundance in the November netting samples. In 1961, the population of large adult shiners was essentially eliminated by an anchor- worm, Lernaea sp. A few smaller individuals survived and have since successfully reproduced. They are now barely large enough :to stick in l-inch webbing. Table 35. Percentage Composition by Number, Weight and Average Weight of Fish Taken from Rita Blanca Lake April 30, 1964. Per Cent Per Cent by Total by Average Species Number Number Weight Weight Weight Carp-goldfish hybrid 3 0.32 9.92 2.64 3.31 Goldfish 16 1.76 23.56 6.30 1.47 Golden shiner 2 0.22 0.27 0.07 0.14 Black bullhead 849 93.09 166.85 44.56 0.20 Channel catfish 8 0.88 23.16 6.18 2.90 Flathead catfish 11 1.20 138.23 36.91 12.37 Largemout…