TPWD 1965 F-3-R-12 #993: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B, Job No. B-18: Fisheries Reconnaissance

--- Page 1 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No, F-3-R-12 Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B Job No. B-18 Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Leader Joe BH. Toole J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Bugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services "} June 4, 1965 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Netting trips were made to six reservoirs and portions of three rivers in Inland Fisheries Region 3-B during the 1964 segment to collect reconnaissance data. Such limited netting collections on large reservoirs cannot provide ac- curate data on population trends. It is recommended that this job be terminated for this “eason. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. F-3-R-12 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 3-B, Job No. B-18 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance Period Covered: February 1, 1964 - January 31, 1965 ee a OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine gross changes in the relative abundance of individual species. &. To determine the quality of fishing. 5. To determine changes in those factors which may influence fish popu- lations. 4. To insure adequate fishing regulations. TECHNIQUES USED: Netting trips were made to six reservoirs in Region 3-B and to portions of three rivers during this segment. The lakes are as follows: Dam "B" Reser- voir, Lake 0' the Pines, Lake Murvaul, Caddo Lake, Lake Striker and Lake Tyler. Collections were also made on portions of the Sabine, Neches and Trinity Rivers. Fish were collected with standardized gill nets 150 feet in length and 8 feet in depth with mesh size ranging from 1 to 33 inches. Bag seines were used to supplement the netting with seining collections. Observations were made on the status of aquatic vegetation, fishing pres- Sure, and public access, Water analyses included pH, methyl orange alkalinity, chlorides, turbidity and water temperature. DAM "B" REHSBRVOIR Dam "B" Reservoir, located in Jasper and Tyler Counties on the Angelina and Neches Rivers, has been surveyed in 1958-59, 1961-62, 1963 and 1964. Table is a checklist of all species of fish collected from Dam "B" during all surveys. Table 2 is a comparison of the percentage of numbers of netted fish for all sur- veys. In 1963, the number of game fish collected reached an all-time low of £7.41 per cent. During the 1964 segment, game fish comprised 40.07 per cent of the collection. Dam "B" continues to be a very productive reservoir, due to its shallow depth and water fluctuation. During the summer months of 1964, the lake was drawn down to the river channels in many areas, exposing most of the basin to aeration and sunlight. This provided for the growth of lush vegetation which in turn produced natural fertilization when inundated in the fall. 1. --- Page 4 --- -2- It is doubtful however if Dam "B" will continue to be as productive with the completion of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, located upstream on the Angelina River. The water level of Dam "B" will be stabilized and without the annual fluctuations of the water level the fertility of the reservoir may decrease. The aerial spraying conducted by the U. S. Corps of Hngineers for the con- trol of water hyacinths on Dam "B" has been very successful. Low water level and increased turbidity during the summer of 1964 also aided in the control of submerged vegetation. Dam "B" continues to be a favorite spot to fishermen and campers. ‘The Dam "B" State Park has recently been completed. Table 3 is a comparison of the 1963 and 1964 average "K" factors for the reservoir as compared to the regional averages according to species. The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) from the 1964 collection showed an increase in con- dition factor over the 1963 figure. In general the game fish collected from Dam "B" are below the regional average for the respective species. Table 1. A checklist of Dam-*B! Reservoir Fish Species Species 1958-59 LO6L 1962 1963 1964 Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) x Shortnose gar (L. platostomus ) x Spotted gar (L. oculatus) x x x x x Longnose gar (L. osseus) x x x x Bowfin (Amia calva) x x Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) x x Gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) x x x x x Blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) x Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) X xX x X x River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) xX Dd x x X Gray redhorse (Moxostoma congestum) x Blacktail redhorse (M. poecilurum) x Spotted sucker (Minytrema me lanops ) x x x x Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) x Carp (Cyprinus oa x x x Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) x Hmerald shiner (Notropis athernoides ) x Ribbon shiner (N. fumeus) x Weed shiner (N. texanus) x x Chub shiner (N. potteri) x x Pallid shiner (N. amnis) x x Blacktail shiner (N. venustus ) x x x x Red shiner (N. lutrensis) x x x x Sand shiner (N. stramineus) x x Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) x Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) X x Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) x x x x Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) x x xX xX £g£ X Blue catfish (I. furcatus) x x x x «x Black bullhead (I. melas) x Yellow bullhead (1. natalis) x Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) # x x x x Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) x x x Blackstrip topminnow (F. notatus) x x x --- Page 5 --- Table 1. A Checklist of Dam "B" Reservoir Fish Species (Continued) Species 1958-59 1961 1962 1963 1964 x x x x x Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus ) White bass (Roccus chrysops) * Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Largemouth bass (Mo salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Spotted sunfish (Lepomis punctatus ) Redear sunfish (L. microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis ) Black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) River darter (Hadropterus shumardi) Logperch (Percina caprodes) Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypte vivax ) Bluntnose darter (Etheos toma chlorosomum) x Slough darter (E. pracile) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) x x x tad ta bes Pd od MoM i ta Number of Species 41 16 ro) 50 el *Introduced Table & Comparison of Percentages of Numbers of Netted Fish from Dam "B" Reservoir Species 1958-59 1961 1962 1963 1964 Alligator gar* 0.34 ) ) 6) O Longnose gar* 5.12 14.74 5.66 2.88 e) Shortnose gar* 0.08 6.31 Q e) e) Spotted gar* 4.68 0 5.00 6.73 11.35 Bowfin* OQ. 68 O O O 0.35 Gizzard shad* 16.27 10. 53 27.00 40.38 28.76 Blue sucker* 0.08 6) O O 6) Smallmouth buffalo* 2e.1l1 18.95 14.33 15.38 10.29 River carpsucker® 4.96 4.21 6.54 0.96 1.77 Gray redhorse* 0.24 O O ) O Blacktail redhorse* 0.356 O O 6) ) Spotted sucker* 5.08 O 0.66 2.40 3.90 Lake chubsucker* 0.08 O O O ) Carp* 0,80 O 0 0.48 1.06 Channel catfish 6.20 4.21 11.33 2.40 Dade Blue catfish 2.72 12. 63 3.00 Twee 12.06 Black bullhead* 0.16 O 6) O O Yellow bullhead* O.47 O O O ) Flathead catfish 0.60 2.11 0.34 0.96 lef Spotted bass 0.24 O fs) 0.48 0.35 --- Page 6 --- ~ 4 = Table 2 Comparison of Percentages of Numbers of Netted Fish from Dam "B" Reservoir (Continued) Species 1958-59 1961 19682 1963 1964 Largemouth bass 3.56 4,a1 1,34 2.88 2.48 Warmouth 0.47 fe) ) ) 6) Redear sunfish }, 80 4.21 3.00 1.45 3.55 Bluegill sunfish 4.24 1.05 1. 67 1.45 2.15 Longear sunfish 6) O 0.33 @) 0 White crappie 10.60 2.11 10.00 7.69 12.41 Black crappie 5.40 5.26 4.00 2.88 O Freshwater drum* 2.56 9.47 6.00 3.38 2.48 Rough Fish * 62.57 64.21 64.99 Tex O9 59.938 Game Fish 37.693 35.79 35.01 27.41 40.07 Totals 100, 00 100.00 100.00 100. 00 100.00 Table 3 Comparison of Dam "B" Average "K" Factor to Average "K" for Region. 1963 1964 wel Species Number Average "K" Number Average "K" Regional Average Channel catfish 5 1.56 7 1.57 1.70 Blue catfish 15 1.57 7 1.55 1.82 Flathead catfish 2 1.98 a 1.79 2.038 Largemouth bass 6 2.29 1 2.00 2.78 Spotted bass 1 Bx 09 6) -- 2.95 Redear sunfish } 5.82 4 5.83 3.82 Bluegill sunfish } 4.18 5 4,64 4.58 White crappie 16 A290 12 2.00 3.038 Black crappie 6 5.15 1) -- 5.04 --- Page 7 --- -5- LAKE O° THE PINES Lake 0' the Pines is located in Marion County west of Jefferson. This reservoir was surveyed in 1958-59, 1960-61, 1963 and 1964, Table 4 is a checklist of fish species from all collections, Table 5 is a comparison of the per cent of numbers of fish collected by nets. A sharp increase was noted in sunfish and black bullhead catfish populations during the 1964 col- lection. A decrease in gizzard shad was indicated by the 1964 collection. It is the writer's belief, however, that for a reservoir of this size, a Series of netting collections throughout the year is necessary to obtain valid data concerning relative species abundance. Lake O' the Pines pro- duces an excellent fishery for both largemouth bass and black crappie al- though the reconnaissance netting data for the 1964 segment indicates a decrease in both of these important game fish species. Submerged vegetation is an increasing problem in the shallow marginal areas of Lake O' the Pines. The clear water and stable water level of the reservoir provide a good habitat for the submerged plants. Public access and facilities are very good at Lake O' the Pines. Many camping areas and swimming beaches are available as well as boat launching ramps. Over three million people visit the reservoir annually. Table 6 contains water analysis data on Lake O' the Pines collected during the 1963 and 1964 segments. Table 7 lists coefficient of condition figures for several game fish species. Table 4. A Checklist of Lake O'! the Pines Fish Species Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus ) x Spotted gar (L. oculatus) x x x x x Ps Longnose gar (L. osseus) x x Bowfin (Amia calva) x x x x Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense ) x x x x Gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) x x x X x x Grass pickerel (Esox americanus ) x X x x Chain pickerel (EH. niger) x x x Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus ) x x Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) x Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops ) x x x x x Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) x x x x Carp (Cyprinus carpio) x x Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas ) x x x Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus) x x Spottail shiner (N. venustus) x x x x x Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) x x x x x Sand shiner (N. stramineus) x x Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) x Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) x x Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) x x x x x Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) x x x Blue catfish (I. furcatus) x x --- Page 8 --- ~ 6 - Table 4. A Checklist of Lake O' the Pines Fish Species (Continued) Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 Black bullhead (I. melas) x x x x x x Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) x x x x x Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) x x x Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus) x Golden topminnow (Fundulus chryso tus ) x x x x Starhead topminnow (F. notti) bs Blackstripe topminnow (F. notatus ) x x x x x Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) x x x x X x Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus ) x Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) x x x xX x x White bass (Roccus chrysops) x x x x x x Spotted bass (Mi cropterus punctulatus) x x x x Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) x X x x x x Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus ) x Pd x X xX x Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) x Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus ) x x x x x xX Redear sunfish (L. microlophus ) X xX x X X xX Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus ) x x x x x x Redbreast sunfish (L. auritus) x x x Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) x x White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x x x ¥ x Black crappie (P. nigromaculatus ) x x x x Pe x Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) x x Blackside darter (Hadropterus maculatus) X Log perch (Percina caprodes) X x x xX Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum) x Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens ) tad Number of Species 47 39 22 24 29 Lg Table 5. Comparison of Percentages of Number of Netted Fish from Lake O' the Pines. Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 Shortnose gar * OQ. 08 O ) fe) e) O Spotted gar * 18.23 13.44 2:79 6.51 9.13 2.88 Longnose gar * 0.42 0.28 fe) O 6) O Bowfin * 1.04 0. 80 O 0. 59 0.48 O Threadfin shad * O ¢) 0. 56 @) 6) O Gizzard shad * 7,00 26.19 44.14 30.78 48.08 Las99 Grass pickerel * 0.45 Oke O Ow BY ) 0) Chain pickerel * 0.40 ¢) 0 6) ) O Smallmouth buffalo * 10.78 0.58 0 0 O O Blacktail redhorse * 0.56 0) O ©) O O Spotted sucker* 2.03 10.20 8.94 5.08 1.44 0.72 Lake chubsucker * 0.56 0.12 0.56 6s OL O 0) Carp * 1.04 0.46 O O ) 0) Golden shiner * 0.06 O 0 2.96 O O Channel catfish 4.98 0.58 2.20 O 0 0 Blue catfish aie 0.23 O O 0.48 0 Black bullhead * 17,41 10.66 8.94 6. 51 3.85 £0. 79 Yellow bullhead * 3.67 3.71 Le l2 3.55 1.44 O --- Page 9 --- = To Table 5. Comparison of Percentages of Number of Netted Fish from Lake O' the Pines. (Continued) Species 1958-59 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 Flathead catfish 1.24 0.268 0 O O 2.88 White bass 2.15 4,52 4.47 Q.,59 1.44 0.72 Spotted bass 2.82 QO.12 O O 0.96 0.72 Largemouth bass 6.46 5.el 7.26 5.55 4.58 1.44 Warmouth 4,49 2.67 1.12 dee FE 0.48 2.16 Green sunfish 0,03 O 6) ) O 0 Spotted sunfish 0. 59 0.80 ) OQ. 59 1.44 0 Redear sunfish 0, 54 1.51 2.79 2.96 4.81 30.21 Bluegill sunfish 5.73 7.88 4.47 5.91 9.13 20.14 Redbreast sunfish O.11 0. 58 O o) ) 5.03 Longear sunfish 0.25 O O 0 O O White crappie 2.82 4.98 5.55 1.18 1.93 O Black crappie 5.28 4,06 7.26 20.12 10. 58 4.32 Flier ¢) Oz O @) 0 ) Freshwater drum * 0.06 6) O 0 O O Rough fish * 63.79 66.51 67,05 63.33 64.42 o2.07 Game fish 56.21 55.49 32.95 56. 67 55. 58 67. 63 Total 100.00 100. 00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100. 00 Table 6. Water Quality of Lake O' the Pines 1958-59 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 pH Bia 5 6.9 7.0 6.8 Tee 7.8 Alkalinity (p.p.m. ) 18.00 41.00 15.00 38.00 35.00 35.00 Chlorides (p.p.m.) 24.11 54.57 21.28 35.46 55.46 35.46 Table 7. Comparison of Lake O' the Pines Average "K" and Regional Average "K" Factor. Species Lake O° the Pines Regional 1963 1964 Flathead catfish O def D 2.03 Blue catfish 1.30 ) 1.82 Channel catfish O 1.51 hie 70 Largemouth bass 2.54 2.08 Ale Spotted bass 2.50 2.42 2.55 Warmouth 5.508 o.07 4.10 Redear sunfish 5.98 3.69 5.82 Bluegill sunfish 4,07 5.90 4.38 White crappie 2.99 O 3,03 Black crappie 3.00 6) 5.04 White bass A097 5.14 5.16 --- Page 10 --- -8- Lake Murvaul Lake Murvaul, located in Panola County near Carthage, was surveyed in 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964. Table 8 is a checklist for Lake Murvaul. No additional species were added in 1964. Table 9 is a comparison of the percentages of numbers of netted fish for the past collections. Lake Murvaul contains a high percentage of game fish. The reservoir contains large populations of bluegill and redear sunfish, in addition to an increasing population of white crappie. These species, as well as a high population of gizzard shad, provide an abundant food supply for the largemouth bass in the reservoir. Lake Murvaul has gained the reputation of being the best lake in Texas for catching large bass. Many bass weighing from 7 to 10 pounds have been caught from Lake Murvaul. January and February of 1964 were productive months for bass fishermen. Table 10 is the Lake Murvaul average "K" factors compared to the regional average. With the exception of largemouth bass and channel catfish, all of the game fish collected during 1964 had a higher condition factor than did those of the 1963 collection. m Table 11 gives water quality data from Lake Murvaul. Table 8. A Checklist of Lake Murvaul Fish Species Species 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus ) Bowfin (Amia calva) ‘Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum ) Grass pickerel (Hsox americanus) Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops ) Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) Ribbon shiner (Notropis fumeus ) Pallid shiner (N. amnis) es Blacktail shiner (N. venustus) Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) Sand shiner (N. stramineus) Blackspot shiner (N. atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) Taillight shiner (N. maculatus ) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax)’ Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Blue catfish (I. furcatus) Black bullhead (I. melas) Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus ) Blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus ) Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus ) hod OOM MM bd ob OM i bas ba MM MM OM OM ta ba bd bad tad yx be be ba MM OM OM bes pd Mm PM mM MO OM i! MP RO pr ta ba ba --- Page 11 --- Table 8. A Checklist of Lake Murvaul Fish Species (Continued) Species i958 1959 Largemouth bass (M. salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus ) Redear sunfish (L. microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) Redbreast sunfish (L. auri tus ) Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) Flier (Centrarchus macropterus) Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) a a MS PM MM OM bs MOM OM OM ww fav) o4 Number of Species Table 9, Comparison of Percentages of Number of Species i960 i961 Spotted gar* O @) Bowfin® 4,11 3.58 Gizzard shad* o1.71 12.90 Grass pickerel* 0.29 0.38 Smallmouth buffalo* 0.09 O Spotted sucker® 1.91 0.69 Lake chubsucker* 6.78 15.23 Golden shiner* 0,48 2.94 Channel catfish 2.209 0,80 Blue catfish 0,19 0,16 Black bullhead* 16.24 13.05 Yellow bullhead* 6.40 8.72 Largemouth bass 1.43 £.0 Warmouth 0.48 3.26 Spotted sunfish 0.29 0.92 Redear sunfish 0.48 2.51 Bluegill sunfish 6.69 14,06 Redbreast sunfish 6) fe) Longear sunfish 0.09 fe) White crappie 13.56 16. 63 Black crappis 6,49 Lil Rough fish* 68.00 57.49 Game fish 32.00 42,51 Total 100.00 100.00 1 1960 2 to oP 8 1961 1962 1963 1964 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 18 22 20 19 Netted Fish from Lake Murvaul 1962 0’; 2 ol 44 ie) 44 OF Fwoam 68. él. 00 » OO 51 ie) 0 0) O07 .00 2 Dak fe) » 81 .05 200 220 e) 50 » 65 »o1 fe) 00 18 94 06 1963 0.27 O. 5D 40.44 ) O O 1,09 @) QO, 95 O 5.55 8.47 1.91 0.55 O 5.19 24.86 O 0.82 8.20 «55 54.57 45.638 100.00 1964 QO. 41. CO ow wk om Oo ole 88 » 00 --- Page 12 --- - 10 - Table 10. Comparison of Lake Murvaul "K" Factors and Regional "K" Factors Lake Murvaul Species 1963 1964 Regional Average Channel catfish 1.83 1.65 1.70 Largemouth bass 2.51 Bedl Bele Redear sunfish 5.57 5.85 3.82 Bluegill sunfish 5.98 4.44 4,38 White crappie 2.08 2.82 3.03 Black crappie 2.96 Oe LS 5.04 Table 11. Water Quality of Lake Murvaul 1958 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 pH 6.6 7.3 7.1 7.4 7.2 Tell Alkalinity (p.p.m.) 44.00 50.00 32.00 45.00 45.00 31.00 Chlorides (p.p.m.) 27.56 63.83 35.46 56.74 70.92 48.55 Lake Striker A basic fisheries survey was conducted on Lake Striker beginning in 1957 and completed in 1960. Reconnaissance surveys were made in 1961, 1962 and 1964. One new species, the flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris) was netted in 1964. Table 12 is a checklist of fish species collected from the lake for all col- lections., Table 13 contains a comparison of the percentages of numbers of fish netted from Lake Striker. The 1964 collection was made up of 64.28 per cent of game fish as com- pared to the normal 20.00 to 30.00 per cent of past collections. This high game fish percentage for 1964 was primarily due to large numbers of redear and bluegill sunfish netted. In 1960, Department personnel released an initial stocking of white bass in Lake Striker. In 1962, the first white bass was netted from the reservoir. In 1964, five white bass weighing 1.75 pounds were netted. This indicates that this species has successfully spawned in the lake. Aquatic vegetation, primarily coontail (Ceratophyllum sp.) and parrot feather (Myriophyllum sp.) is a problem in the upper wooded area of Lake Striker. Sunfish collected during the 1964 survey had a lower condition factor than those from earlier collections. Table 14 contains water analyses data from all collections. --- Page 13 --- = 11 Table 12. A Checklist of Lake Striker Fish Species Species 1958 1959 1960 L961 1962 1964 Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) x Spotted gar (L. oculatus) ed x x x x x Bowfin (Amia calva) x x x x Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) x x x x xX x Grass pickerel (Hsox americanus) x x x River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) X Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) x xX Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) x x xX x x x Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) x xX x xX x X Carp (Cyprinus carpio) xX x xX x x x Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) x x x Re Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) x X X Texas shiner (Notropis amabilis) x Ribbon shiner (N. fumeus) Redfin shiner (N. umbratilis) Brazos River shiner (N. brazosensis) Weed shiner (N. texanus) River shiner (N. blennius ) Blacktail shiner (N. venustus) Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) Sand shiner (N. stramineus) Blackspot shiner (N. atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Black bullhead (I. melas) Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) x ba ta ba tal bes ba bs pa a i i | ba tal ba ta ta ta Pd 5 ps ca tal ba | ba ta ta Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) x x x Blackstripe topminnow (F. notatus ) x x x x x xX Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) x x x x x x Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) x x x x White bass * (Roccus chrysops) x x Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) x x Largemouth bass (M. salmoides ) x x X x x x Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) x x x x Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) x x x Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus ) x x x x x Redear sunfish (L. microlophus ) x x x x x x Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) x x x x x x Redbreast sunfish (L. auritus) x x x Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) x x White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x x x x x m4 Black crappie (Fs nigromaculatus ) x x x x x Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax ) X x x xX Slough darter (Etheostoma gracile) x x x Number of Species 40 o7 fore! 25 25 19 * Tntroduced. --- Page 14 --- | - 12 - Table 13. Comparison of Percentages of Numbers of Netted Fish from Lake Striker. Species 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60 1961 1962 1964 Shortnose gar* ) <6) O O O« 2b ) Spotted gar* 2.87 2.87 O« 71 5,76 6.18 1.59 Bowfin* 0.18 0.39 @) 1. 69 O 0.79 Gizzard shad* 29.695 54.68 58.86 37.63 58.42 26.99 Grass pickerel* 0.15 0,07 6) ) 0 ) River carpsucker* fe) 0.07 6) O Q 0 Blacktail redhorse* 0.31 0.59 O O O O Spotted sucker* 4.74 e 14.79 L729 2.72 1098 2.58 Lake chubsucker* 7.82 5.67 7.86 he G6 3.96 0.79 Carp* 2.87 0.26 0.14 2.58 5.69 1.59 Golden shiner* 6) 0.07 0 6) O O Channel catfish 0.26 2.15 2.86 6.10 0.25 1. 89 Blue catfish ¢) 6) O 0.33 @) O Black bullhead* 16.89 6.65 2.57 Y whe 4,45 O Yellow bullhead* 9.12 7.56 4,29 11.53 6) . 1.59 Flathead catfish O O O @) O 1.59 White bass O @) O O 0.25, 3.96 Largemouth bass 7.77 6.06 5.00 5.359 0.75 1.59 Spotted. bass O 0. 52 0.29 fe) 6) O Warmouth 5.02 1.50 0.43 ) Owa0 ) Green sunfish 0) 6) 0.28 ) ) O Spotted sunfish 2.70 0.59 Lal 6) O O Redear sunfish O 0.20 @) 1, OL 4.70 °57.30 Bluegill sunfish 6.83 10.03 13. bY dy OB 10,14 15.87 Redbreast sunfish 1.82 0.39 O 0.33 2.2008 0 Longear sunfish 0.20 0.78 0 0 ce) 0 White crappie On16 0.85 2.48 3.06 0.25 0.79 Black crappie 2.36 5.26 he fa: 4.06 O 1. 59 Rough fish * 74.89 75.66 Ts 72 70% 19 80.93 35.72 Game fish 20411 26.34 28.28 29.81 19.07 64.28 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Table 14. Water Quality for Lake Striker Turbidity 28 inches ii pH 6.6 { . Alkalinity 17 p.p.m. Chlorides 285.68 p.p.m. --- Page 15 --- = 11 «= Table 12. A Checklist of Lake Striker Fish Species Species 1958 1959 1960 L961 1966 1964 Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus ) x Spotted gar (L. oculatus) x x % x x x Bowfin (Amia calva) x x x x Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) x x x x x x Grass pickerel (Hsox americanus) x x x River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) x Blacktail redhorse (Moxostoma poecilurum) x x Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops ) x x x x x xX Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) x x x x x x Carp (Cyprinus carpio) x x X x x x Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas ) x Pa xX x Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) x x x Texas shiner (Notropis amabilis) X Ribbon shiner (N. fumeus ) Redfin shiner (N. umbratilis) Brazos River shiner (N. brazosensis) Weed shiner (N. texanus) River shiner (N. blennius) Blacktail shiner (N. venustus) Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) Sand shiner (N. stramineus) Blackspot shiner (N. atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus ) Black bullhead (I. melas) Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) x PS tal Pd Pd bad a bas a i a ps P4 bs bs ba te pd be tad tal tal bal Po OPO br mt tel Pd p pS Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus) x x x Blackstripe topminnow (F. notatus ) x x xX x x X Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) x x x x x x Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) x x x x White bass * (Roccus chrysops) x x Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) Largemouth bass (M. salmoides) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus) Redear sunfish (L. microlophus) Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) Redbreast sunfish (L. auritus) Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie ae nigromaculatus ) Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) Slough darter (Htheostoma gracile) | tad ta MP POM pb tad ba Pd a ss a bd ts a a bas bo a fore 25 20 19 ws (=) Ww a) Number of Species * Introduced. --- Page 17 --- ; - 12 - re Table 13. Comparison of Percentages of Numbers of Netted Fish from Lake Striker. Species 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60 1961 1962 1964 Shortnose gar* O 0 0 e) 0.25 0 Spotted gar* 2.87 2.87 0.71 5.76 6.18 1.59 Bowfin* 0.18 0.39 0 1.69 0 0.79 Gizzard shad* 29.93 54.68 58.86 o7,63 58.42 26.99 Grass pickerel* 0.15 0.07 Q O 0 fs) River carpsucker* 6) 0.07 QO 0 O 0 Blacktail redhorse* 0.31 0. 59 6) i) O Qu Spotted sucker* 4.74 14.79 17.29 2.72 1.98 2.38 Lake chubsucker* 7.82 5. 67 7.86 1.36 5.96 0.79 Carp* 2.87 0.26 O.14 2.38 5. 69 1.59 Golden shiner* 6) 0.07 ) 6) 6) O Channel catfish 0.26 2.15 2.86 6.10 0.25 1,59 Blue catfish O e) O 0.33 e) 6) Black bullhead* 1689 6.65 2.57 7.12 4.45 ) Yellow bullhead* 9.8 7.56 4,29 LL.5S O . 1.59 Flathead catfish O 0) O ) O 1.59 White bass ) 0 O- O 0.25, 5.96 Largemouth bass 7.77 6.06 5. 00 5.39 0.75 1.59 Spotted. bass O 0.52 0.29 O O 6) Warmouth 5.02 1.50 0.43 ) 0.50 0) Green sunfish 0 fe) 0.28 6) ) 6) Spotted sunfish 2.70 0... 59 1.71 0 O O Redear sunfish O 0.20 O 1.01 4.70 57.30 Bluegill sunfish 6.83 10.038 13.57 11. 53 10.14 15.87 Redbreast sunfish 1.82 0.39 0) 0.33 2.25 ) Longear sunfish 0.20 0.78 O O 6) ) White crappie 0.16 0.85 2.43 3.06 0.25 0.79 Black crappie 2.56 5.26 dew P25 4.06 6) 1.59 Rough fish * 74.89 75.66 71.72 70.19 80.93 55.72 Game fish 25.11 26.34 28.28 29.81 19.07 64.28 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Table 14. Water Quality for Lake Striker Turbidity 28 inches 4 pH 6.6 | so Alkalinity 17 p.p.m. Chlorides 285.68 p.p.m. --- Page 19 --- - 13 - CADDO LAKE Caddo Lake, located on the Texas-Louisiana line and lying in Marion and Harrison Counties, was surveyed in 1953-55, 1961-62, 1962-63 and 1964. Table 15 is a checklist of all species of fish collected from Caddo Lake, Table 16 is a comparison of the per cent of numbers of fish species from all collections. Table 17 contains condition factors on some game fish species from Caddo Lake. For several years, Caddo Lake has been choked with a variety of sub- merged aquatic vegetation. A lack of flooding on Big Cypress Bayou which feeds Caddo Lake provided a habitat of clear shallow waters in which these plants flourished. During the fall of 1964, however, heavy rains created a substantial rise on the lake and increased its turbidity. This natural con- trol of the submerged vegetation should provide fine fishing on Caddo during the coming year. Caddo Lake contains a large variety of fish species and continues to be a favorite fishing spot to many Texas and Louisiana sportsmen. Table 15. A Checklist of Caddo Lake Fish Species Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63 1964 Chestnut lamprey (Ichthyomyzon cas taneus ) Alligator gar (Lepisosteus spatula) Shortnose gar (L. platostomus ) Spotted gar (L. oculatus) Longnose gar (Lh. osseus ) Bowfin (Amia calva) Skipjack (Alosa chrysochloris) Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense ) Gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) Grass pickerel (Hsox americanus) Chain pickerel (HE. niger) Bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) Smallmouth buffalo (I. bubalus) River’ carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) Spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops ) Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) x Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas ) Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) Ironcolor shiner (Notropis chalybaeus ) Weed shiner (N. texanus) Pallid shiner (N, amnis ) Blacktail shiner (N. venustus) Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) Sand shiner (N. stramineus) Blackspot shiner (N. atrocaudalis) Mimic shiner (N. volucellus) Taillight shiner (N. maculatus) Silvery minnow (Hybognathus nuchalis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus ) Blue catfish (I. furcatus) Black bullhead (I. melas) Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) x tad tad i i ba MM OM OM oP ba mM PM Pb OO OO OO OOOO --- Page 20 --- 4-7 Table 15. A Checklist of Caddo Lake Fish Species (Continued) Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-65 1964 Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) x x x Tadpole madtom (Schilbeodes gyrinus ) x American eel (Anguilla rostrata) x Golden topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus ) x X Starhead topminnow (F. notti) x Blackstripe topminnow (F. notatus ) x x Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus ) x Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) x x Mississippi silversides (Menidia audens) x Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) x X White bass (Roccus chrysops) x x Yellow bass (R. interruptus) % x x x Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) x Largemouth bass (M. salmoides) x x x x Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus ) x x x x Bantam sunfish (Lepomis symmetricus ) x Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus ) x xX x Redear sunfish (L. microlophus ) x X x Bluegill sunfish (L. macrochirus) x x x Redbreast sunfish (L. auritus) x Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) x x Dollar sunfish om marginatus ) x White crappie (Pomoxis annularis ) x X x x Black crappie (P. nigromaculatus ) x x x x Flier (Centrarchus macropterus ) x Banded pygmy sunfish (Elassoma zonatum) x River darter (Hadropterus shumardi) x Logperch (Percina carpodes) x . Scaly sand darter (Ammocrypta vivax) x Bluntnose darter (Etheostoma chlorosomum) x Slough darter (BE. gracile) x Scalyhead darter (H. barratti) x x Cypress darter (EH. proeliare) x Fountain darter(E. fonticola) x Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens ) x x x xX Number of Species 67 36 Pala 11 --- Page 21 --- - 15 - Table 16. Comparison of Per Cent of Numbers of Netted Fish from Caddo Lake. Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63 1964 Chestnut lamprey* ) ) O 1.43 Alligator gar* 0.02 0 6) O Shortnose gar* 0.26 fe) e) o) Spotted gar* 4,14 1«51 1.19 1.42 Longnose gar* 1.15 0.90 0.08 Q Bowfin* Owed 0. 60 1.36 0 Skipjack* 0.02 e) 0 O Gizzard shad* 45.83 24.09 26.78 50.00 Chain pickerel* 4.27 13.25 11.05 20.00 Bigmouth buffalo* 0.08 e) Q O Smallmouth buffalo* 0.34 1.81 6) fe) River carpsucker* 0.81 0.60 6) O Spotted sucker* 8.22 19.58 21.00 5.72 Lake chubsucker* 4,59 5.98 0.82 12.86 Car p* e) Q 0.08 fe) Golden shiner* 0.10 O ) 6) Channel catfish O.21 0 ade LO 6) Blue catfish 0.08 0.90 ) ) Black bullhead* 2.75 1.20 1.61 fe) Yellow bullhead* 0.89 0.90 1.44 0 Flathead catfish 0.33 0.30 0.08 0 White bass 1.32 0.50 O fe) Yellow bass 8.56 18.98 7e99 11.43 Spotted bass 0.08 6) @) 1.42 Largemouth bass 1.39 1.20 2.el e) Warmouth 5.61 0.30 4.16 2.87 Spotted sunfish 0.10 0 0.08 0 Redear sunfish 2.51 0.90 2.08 0 Bluegill sunfish 2.44 1.81 5.06 O Longear sunfish 0.02 e) 0 O White crappie 0.69 1281 0.17 2.87 Black crappie 4.73 3.93 10.28 7.14 Flier O.11 O 0 fe) Freshwater drum* 0.46 1.20 0.08 1.42 Rough fish* 74.08 69.57 68.49 72.85 Game fish 20.92 50.45 31.51 27.15 Total 100.00 100.00 100,00 100.00 Table 17. Comparison of Average Coefficients of Condition "K" of several Game Fish Species from Caddo Lake. Species 1953-55 1961-62 1962-63 1964 Channel catfish 1.80 ©) 1.96 O Flathead catfish 1.60 3.950 1.81 0) White bass 2.66 2.88 O O Largemouth bass 2.56 fe) e) 2.51 Warmouth 5.93 4.30 4.27 4.05 Redear sunfish 5.07 4,02 4.29 O Black crappie 5.28 3.45 5.al 3.56 White crappie © 2.91 3.18 2.59 O --- Page 22 --- - 16 - LAKE TYLER Lake Tyler, located in Smith County, is the water supply reservoir for the City of Tyler. Surveys were conducted in 1955-54, 1962, 1965 and 1964. Table 18 is a checklist of all fish collected from the lake. Table 19 is a comparison of the percentage of numbers of fish collected during all collections. The per cent of game fish has increased with each collection made on Lake Tyler. White crappie represented a substantial 17.65 per cent of the 1964 collection compared to 5.59 per cent of the 1963 collection. Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in this reservoir with the exception of American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) in the shallow flats of the upper end of the lake. Table 20 is a comparison of coefficient of condition factors on several game fish species from Lake Tyler. Table 21 contains water quality analyses data. Table 18. A Thecklist of the Fish Species of Lake Tyler Species 1953-54 1962 1963 1964 Bowfin (Amia calva) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum ) Blacktail redhorss (Moxoston toma poecilurum) Spotted sucker (Minytrema me lanops ) Lake chubsucker (Brimyzon sucetta) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas ) Pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae) Emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides) Weed shiner (N. texanus) Pallid shiner (N, amnis) x Blacktail shiner (N. » venus tus) Redhorse shiner (N. lutrensis) x Blackspot shiner (N. atrocaudalis) Parrot minnow (Pimephales “vigilax) Channel catfish “(Tet ralurus punctatus ) Black bullhead (I. “melas ) Yellow bullhead (I. natalis) Starhead topminnow ( Fu andulus notti.) Blackstripe topminnow (F. notatus ) Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Brook silversides (Labidesthes sicculus) Spotted bass (Ms. cropterus punctulatus ) Largemouth bass (M, salmoides Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus )* Spotted sunfish (Lepomis panode/is } i a MP OP MoM x OM MM OM XM ~ ms ba ba ba ba bad OS a MM MM OM OM PM OM OM tad Bluegill aes on tL. ~nacrocht cus) Redbreast sunfish (L. ~auri tus) Longear sunfish (L. megalotis) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Black crappie (P. 4 ni Tgromaculatus ) Flier (Gentrarchus “macropterus ) x Bluntnose darter (Bthos toma ~ chlorosomum ) x Slough darter (EH. gracile). x Number of Species 32 235 25 17 ie tal a ba 2 Ps Pa tat --- Page 23 --- er" - - 7 - Table 19. A Comparison of Percentages oF Numbers of Netted Fish from Lake Tyler. Species 1953-54 1962 1963 1964 Bowfin* 0.78 0 0 @) Gizzard shad* ¢) 36.72 © 30. 59 22.35 Blacktail redhorse* 0. 59 O.| O O Spotted sucker* 25.18 11.34 16.45 29.41 Chubsucker* 25.58 2.99 2.63 4.71 Car p* 0.20 17.02 9. 54 2.59 Golden shiner* 1.37 1.49 0.66 ¢) Channel catfish 0.12 2.09 $095 Ae 3D Black bullhead* 45.14 O 0.338 O Yellow bullhead* 1.37 4.18 6.91 4.71 Spotted bass 0 0.30 ) 6) Largemouth bass 2.04 — 2.68 5.26 0 Warmouth 0,12 1.79 1,32 0 Spotted sunfish ©) 6) O 1218 Redear sunfish 1.80 4.18 3.09 12.94 Bluegill sunfish 4,94 12.24 11.84 2.55 Redbreast sunfish 6) 0.30 6) O Longear sunfish 6) 0.30 0.358 6) White crappie 1.20 0.50 5. 59 17.65 Black crappie 1.338 1.78 1.51 ) Flier 0.24 O 0 0 Rough Fish* 88.21 75.74 67.11 63,53 Game Fish 11.79 26.26 32.89 36.47 Total 100.00 100.00 100. 00 100.00 Table 20. A Comparison of .Lake Tyler "K" Factor Averages and Region "K" Factor Averages. Lake Tyler Average "K" Regional "kK" Species 1963 1964 Channel catfish 1.75 Aw0e 1.70 Largemouth bass 2.60 ) 2.78 Warmouth | 35.59 me) 4,10 Redear sunfish Sie D4 2.98 5.82 Bluegill sunfish 5.47 3.50 4.38 White crappie 2.42 Be Lo 5.05 Black crappie 2.88 6) 5.04 Table 21. Water Quality for Lake Tyler 1953-54 1962 1963 1964 pH 7.5 7.4 7.4 7.6 Alkalinity (p.p.m.) Unknown 19.00 30.00 40.00 Chlorides (p.p.m.) Unknown 21.28 21. 28 21.28 --- Page 24 --- - 18 - SABINE RIVER Approximately twenty miles of the Sabine River in Newton County was surveyed in 1964. Table 22 is a checklist of all fish species collected. Table 23 contains the per cent by number and the per cent by weight of fish collected. Table 24 contains water analysis data. Table 22. A Checklist of the Fish Species of the Sabine River (1964) Species Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Longnose gar (L. osseus ) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus ) Sabine shiner (Notropis sabinae) Blacktail shiner (N. venustus ) Red shiner (N. lutrensis) Pallid shiner (N. amnis) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Western sand darter (Ammocrypta clara) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus ) Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus ) Spotted sunfish (L. punctatus Redbreast sunfish (L. auritus) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) Number of Species 17 Table 23. Comparison of Percentages of Numbers and Weights of Netted Fish from the Sabine River (1964) Species Number Per Cent Number Weight Per Cent Weight Longnose gar* 12 357.50 53.62 72.50 Spotted gar® 6 18.75 6.44 13.89 Gizzard shad* 4 12.50 2.06 4.44 Blue catfish 1 3.12 2.00 4.31 Spotted bass at 3.12 0..69 1.49 Warmouth 2 6.25 0.62 1.34 Bluegill sunfish 1 3.12 Owl9 0.41 Spotted sunfish 2 6.20 Oal9 0.41 Redbreast sunfish a Sele 0.06 0.13 White crappie 2 6.20 0. 50 1.08 Rough fish* Re 68.75 42.12 90.83 Game fish 10 31.25 4.25 9.17 Total = 8B LL, 100.00 46.37 100,00 Table £4, Water Quality for the Sabine River ‘ Turbidity 8 inches Alkalinity ee p.p.m. pH 6.4 Chlorides 14.18 p.p.m. --- Page 25 --- ° - 19 - TRINITY RIVER A 30-mile section of the Trinity River in Polk County was surveyed in April, 1964. The river was falling rapidly after a heavy rise and conditions were poor for setting gill nets. Only 2.47 per cent by number of game fish Species was netted and this is not a valid figure for the game fish populations. Many gar were netted and valuable data was collected for the Project's evalu- ation of bowfin and gar study. Table 25 is a checklist of all species collected from the Trinity River. Table 26 contains per cents by number and weights for each species. Table 27 contains water analysis data. Table 25. A Checklist of Trinity River Fish Species (1964) Species Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Pallid shiner (Notropis amnis) Alligator gar (L. spatula) Blacktail shiner (N. venustus) Longnose gar (L. osseus Red shiner (N. lutrensis Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum ) Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas ) Bowfin (Amia calva) Spotted bass (Micropterus unctulatus ) River carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) White crappie (Pomoxis annularis Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus ) White bass (Roccus chrysops Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) Bullhead minnow (Pimephales vigilax) Total species - - - 17 Table 26. Comparison of Percentages of Numbers and Weights from the Trinity River (1964) Species Number Per Cent Number Weight Per Cent Weight Spotted gar* 23 14.20 31.44 7.80 Alligator gar* 9 5. 56 138.50 32.14 Longnose gar* 70 43.20 217.60 50. 50 Giazard shad* 13 8.03 5.81 1.23 Bowfin* 1 0.62 6.75 1.57 River carpsucker* al 12.97 6.00 1.39 Smallmouth buffalo* 1 0.62 2.75 0. 64 Black bullhead* a 0.62 0.88 0.20 Spotted bass 1 0.62 0.75 0.17 White orappie 1 0.62 1.12 0.26 White bass 2 1.22 0.76 0.18 Freshwater drum* 1 0.62 0.12 0.038 Striped mullet* 18 11.12 18.93 4.39 Rough fish* 158 97.53 428.28 99.39 Game fish 4 2.47 2.63 0.61 Total 162 100.00 430.91 100.00 Table 27. Water Quality for the Trinity River Turbidity 1¢ inches seochi Alkalinity 57.00 p.p.m. pH 7.0 Chlorides 70.92 p.p.m. --- Page 26 --- 20 NECHES RIVER A survey was conducted in the Neches River below U. S. Highway 59 in Trinity County immediately following the Trinity River Survey. The Neches River was also high and netting conditions were poor. Only 4.44 per cent of the fish netted were game species. A total of 45 fish were netted from 1500 feet of gill nets. Table 28 is a checklist of all species collected. Table «9 contains the percentages of weights and numbers by species. Table 50 contains water analysis data from the Neches River. Table 28. A Checklist of the Fish Species of the Neches River (1964) Species Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Longnose gar (L. osseus) Alligator gar (L. spatula) Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Black bullhead (Ictalurus melas) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus ) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) Number of Species ~ ~ - ~- = ----- -9 Table £9. Comparison of Percentages of Numbers and Weights of netted fish from the Neches River (1964). Species Number Per Cent Number Weight Per Cent Weight Spotted gar* 9 20,03 14,62 8.85 Longnose gar* 22 48,88 118.91 71,97 Alligator gar® 1 2 .Re 6. 56 3.97 Smallmouth buffalo* 5 oil 10,06 6.09 Carp” 3 6.66 8.50 5.15 Black builhead* 1 2.00 0.19 O.11 Flathead catfish 1 Bate 4.50 2.73 Redear sunfish 1 fe Oe 0.19 0.11 Freshwater drum* 2 4,44 1.69 1.02 Rough fish* 43 95.56 160. 53 97.16 Game fish a 4.44 4.69 2.84 Total 49 100. 00 165.282 100.00 Table 30. Water Quality for the Neches River pH 6.8 Alkalinity 13.00 p.p.m. Chlorides 21.28 p.p.m. --- Page 27 --- -~ 21 - CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS : Limited reconnaissance netting on large reservoirs is not adequate for providing valid data concerning population trends. For this reason, it is recommended that this job be terminated. , ae Prepared by Joe BE. Toole Approved by Vi, Leet pare Ligote Project Leader * Coordinator Date June 4, 1965 Charles EH. Gray Regional Supervisor