TPWD 1965 F-5-R-12 #972: Job Completion Report: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 1-B, Job No. B-28 Fish Harvest Regulations

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-12 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS OF THE WATERS OF REGION 1-B Job No. B-28 Fish Harvest Regulations Project Leader: James Wilcox J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole D-J Coordinator Eugene Walker Assistant Director, Wildlife September 15, 1965 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Current regulations for the Possum Kingdom and Edwards Plateau regulatory areas were reviewed. A summary of the fishery resources and biological findings for each county in Region I-B was presented. A warden-biologist meeting and public hearings in each of the regulatory counties was attended during the segment to insure practicality, enforceability and public acceptance of the proposed regulations. Present regulations were found to be uniform, practical and reasonable for the existing game fish supply. However, basic research is needed to determine the effects of specific fishing devices and fishing pressures on game. fish papulations.. Some means is needed, such as the use of metal or plastic tags, to identify thegwnership of trotlines so they will not be abandoned in public lakes. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. _F-5-R-12 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region 1-B Job No. B-28 Title: Fish Harvest Regulations Period Covered: March 1, 1964 - February 28, 1965 Objective: To recommend biologically sound and practical fish harvest regulations to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Procedures: Fish populations were sampled with standard gill nets and seines, in accordance with job description schedules, except in those special instances noted in the findings, Food habits and indications of reproductive success were recorded for all game fish captured. Water quality data and estimates of fishing pressure were obtained when available. Weather and water conditions were recorded for days when gill nets were used. A warden-biologist meeting was attended at Kerrville, Texas on May 4, 1964, by Co-Leader Wilcox to discuss the practicality and enforceability of proposed regu- lations, Public hearings were attended for all regulatory counties in Region I-B oy biologists on June 8-10, 1964. Proposed regulations and their justifications were explained to the sparse gatherings present. These transactions were tape- recorded and presented to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners for their consideration in enacting laws. Findings: Region I-B contains a segment of two regulatory areas. Reagan, Midland, Coke, Mitchell, Nolan and Taylor Counties are in the Possum Kingdom regulatory area; Crockett, Schikeicher, Menard, Sutton, Val Verde and Edwards Counties are a part of the Edwards Plateau regulatory area. Fishing. regulations for 1964-1965 were as follows: Possum Kingdom (Proclamation Number G-17 1.04 Finding of fact. "After having conducted continuous research and investigations of the supply, enviornment and other factors of the wildlife resources of the Possum Kingdom Regulatory Distrdct, it is found that a sufficiently ample supply of wildlife resources exists in said district to allow such resources to be taken in accord- ance with the regulations herein set forth." 1,10 Rough fish contracts and management practices. "The taking or attempting to take any fish or game in the above named counties by any means other than as hereinafter set forth shall be unlawful --- Page 4 --- -2- except under fish management. contracts with the Parks and Wildlife Department for removal of rough fish, as provided in Article 4050c, V.C.S. However, none of this proclamation shall apply to the Parks and Wildlife Department of Texas, its agents or.employees when in the course, acts or procedures of conservation, removal of rough fish or other practices deemed by said department to be in the best interest of game and fish culture and the preservation of the sport of hunting and fishing." 7.01 Fish. "Tt shall be unlawful to take or possess any fish in greater numbers or at any other time than as permitted in Part 7 of this proclamation. Except on State or Federal wildlife sanctuaries, there is no closed season on fishing." 7.02 Bag. .and possession limits: "(a) It shall be unlawful to take more largemouth, smallmouth or spotted black bass of any species in one day than fifteen (15), or to possess more than thirty (30). "(b) The bag limit on channel, blue and flathead catfish is twenty-five (25) per day and the possession limit if fifty (50). There is no possession limit in Borden, Mitchell, Nolan, Coke, Reagan, Midland and Taylor Counties. "(c) There is no possession limit on minnows, bream and perch. "(d) There are no bag or possession limits on white bass or crappie, except that in Borden County the daily bag limit is twenty-five (25) each. "(e) There are no bag or possession limits on other species of fish." 7.03 Rough fish. "The following are rough fish: carp, suckers, buffalo, gar, shad, Rio Grande perch and drum (gaspergou)." 7.04 Means and methods. "Except in Borden County (which is governed by a special law), it is unlawful to take any fish by any means or method except as specifically allowed in this section. Only the following means or methods of taking fish may be used: "(a) Not more than one hundred (100) hooks altogether which may be used in any combination of the following: Pole and line, rod and reel, artificial and natural baits,, hand line, set line or throw line and not more than two (2) trotlines with not more than fifty (50) hooks each; hooks on throw lines and trotlines must be spaced not less than three (3) horizontal feet apart. '"(b) Minnow seines not more than twenty (20) feet in length for taking only minnows, bream, perch or rough fish." Exception:" (not applicable to counties under consideration in this report) "(c) A common fruit: jar type trap or its metallic counterpart not longer than twenty-four (24) inches with throat no larger than one (1) inch in diameter, dip nets, cast nets or umbrella nets, constructed of non-metallic materials for taking only minnows, bream or perch and rough fish. All other fish must be immediately released in the water from which taken. --- Page 5 --- -3- "(d) A spear gun and spear or bow and arrows for taking only rough fish, but it shall be unlawful to possess any fish other than a rough fish when using a Spear gun and spear or bow and arrow.'! Edwards Plateau (proclamation Number A-16) Parts 1.04, 1.10, 7.01 and 7.03 are the same as the Possum Kingdom Proclamation. "7.02 Bag and possession limits: (a) It shall be unlawful to take more largemouth, smallmouth or spotted black bass of any species in any one day than fifteen (15) but there is no possession limit. (b) The bag limit on channel, blue and flathead catfish is twenty-five (25) and there is no possession limit. (c) The possession limit on minnows, bream and perch is 200 each, except that there are no limits on minnows taken from Burnet, Menard, Llano and Crockett Counties or from minnow hatcheries." (d) (not applicable to counties under consideration in this report) "(e) There are no bag or possession limits on other species of fish. 7.04 Means and methods. It is unlawful to take any fish by any means or methods except as specifically allowed in this Section. Only the following means or methods of taking fish may be used: (a) Not more than one hundred (100) hooks altogether which may be used in any combination of the following: pole and line, rod and reel, artificial and natural baits, non-metallic hand line, set line or throw line and not more than two (2) non-metallic trotlines with not more than fifty (50) hooks each; hooks on throw lines and trotlines must be spaced not less than three (3) horizontal feet apart. No trotline may be placed or set in the vicinity of any boat dock, or bathing pier, or bathing beach, or any place commonly used as a swimming or bathing area. Exception (i):" (not applicable to counties under consideration in this report) Exception (ii): In the Pecos River in Crockett County there are no restrictions on the number of total hooks which may be employed in total or on any device. (b) Minnow seines not more than twenty (20) feet in length for taking only minnows, bream, perch or rough fish. Exception:' (not applicable) "(c) A common fruit jar type trap or its metallic counterpart no longer than twenty-four (24) inches with throat no larger than one (1) inch in diameter, dip nets, cast nets or umbrella nets, constructed of non-metallic materials for taking only minnows, bream or perch and rough fish (all other fish must be immediately released in the water from which taken). (d) A spear gun and spear or bow and arrows for taking only rough fish, but it shall be unlawful to possess any fish other than a rough fish when using a --- Page 6 --- -4- spear gun and spear or bow and arrow. (e) A wire loop for taking rough fish, but when using a wire loop, one may not possess any crappie, bass or catfish." (£) (not applicable) A summary of the biological findings for each of the 12 regulatory counties is presented below. Only general comments, instead of factual records, were available concerning the degree of utilization of fishery resources. Limited water quality data exists and those data examined did not appear to contain any adverse or unusual situations except in the case of the Pecos River in Crockett County. This special situation is discussed in the biological findings for that county. Since a summation of available water quality data for the entire region is presented in Job D-2 for this segment, no records are included in this report. No definite indications of reproductive deficiency were encountered, and since ample hatchery fish are usually available to meet any suspected deficiencies, the voluminous sexual maturity records obtained under this job are not included. Common food items, such as shad, minnows and insects were found in the stomachs of the game fish opened. Since these data do not appear to have any special bearing on the formation or evaluation of fishing regulations they are omitted. Field records on sexual development and stomach contents will be retained for future reference. Reagan County-The only public water is Big Lake, which was dry during the first part of the year. In September 1964, the lake filled up. While full, the deepest water was only 4 feet. Large populations of copepodan and malacostracan crustaceans were soon established. Since no fish were captured in 6 netting and 3 seining collections, the lake was stocked with largemouth bass fingerlings. However, by the end of the segment the lake was again very low. Because Big Lake is very unstable and no other public fishing waters exist, fishing regulations for Reagan County should continue to be the same as the rest of the regulatory district. Midland County-No public waters exist in this county. The practical policy for Midland County is to make the fishing regulations conform to the regulatory counties near it. If all restrictions were lifted a special case would result which might lead to confusion and law enforcement difficulties in nearby counties. Coke County-The Colorado River, Mountain Creek Reservoir, Oak Creek Reservoir and Old Robert Lee Lake are the public waters existing in Coke County. No time was spent sampling the Old Robert Lee Lake because it is small, has light fishing pressure and would not be important enough to influence regulations for the entire county even if an unusual fishery situation were discovered. The data shown in Tables 1,2,3 and 4 were gathered during the year under this job and Job D-2 as a basis for altering or supporting existing regulations. --- Page 7 --- -5- Table 1. Results of Three Standard Nets Set in the Colorado River in Coke County on August 21, 1964. Water temperature 79°F, Precipitation «12 General turbidity 3 inches Relative humidity 20%-63% Air temperature 79°-104°R, Barometric pressure 27.69-27.81 inches Wind speed & direction 13.9 mph., S.S.West Moon phase first % +7 days Cloud cover 80% Per Cent Total Wt. Ave. Wt. Per:'Cent Average —_—— ee 4. Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Rt Longnose gar 12 12.37 23.87 1.99 23.54 42 Gizzard. shad 19 19.58 17.07 .90 16.85 1.89 Carp 1 1.03 6.50 6.50 6.41 2.43 River carpsucker 34 35.06 18.33 54 18.12 2.07 Channel catfish 17 17.52 8.60 .50 8.49 1,52 Flathead catfish 7 7.22 25.00 3.57 24.66 1.85 Bluegill 1 1.03 .20 .20 .20 3.77 Longear sunfish 5 5.15 38 08 .37 3.84 Freshwater drum 1 1.04 1.37 1.37 1.36 2.70 eee Totals 97 100.00 101.36 100.00 ne Table 2, Results of Eight Seining Collections From the Colorado River in Coke County on August 20, 1964. . (One collection with a 100-foat straight seine, 10 feet deep with l-inch mesh) (seven collections with a. 10-foot common sense seine, 4 feet deep with 1/8-inch mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Longnose gar 17 16-28 Gizzard shad 30 2-14 Stoneroller 96 + Bn dks Red shiner 91 gol River carpsucker 58 2-11 Channel catfish 12 14-8 Mosquitofish 11 ye] Bluegill 3 2-3 Longear sunfish 33 1-4 aaa eee en Total 351 eee --- Page 8 --- «6- Table 3. Results of 11 Standard Nets Set in Mountain Creek Reservoir on July 9 and September 17, 1964. July 9, 1964 Water temperature 73% Precipitation None General turbidity 36 inches Relative humidity 15%-64% Air temperature 77°-103°F. Barometric pressure 29.80-29.98 inches Wind speed & direction 8mph. 8.5.West Moon phise New Cloud cover 15% September 17, 1964 Water temperature 73°F. Precipitation .23 inches General turbidity 24 inches Relative humidity 29%-87% Air temperature 63°-87°F. Barometric pressure 27.92-28.05 inches Wind speed & direction 2.2 mph, S.S.East Moon phase First % + 4 days Cloud cover 90% a nen ey - E SRa Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Wyatt Golden shiner 3 . 83 .59 .20 1.17 2.00 Black bullhead 2 55 1.62 .81 3.22 2.46 Warmouth 8 2.22 1.63 .20 3.25 3.87 Green sunfish 4 1.11 73 18 1.45 2.96 Orangespotted sunfish4 1.10 31 08 62 3.50 Bluegill 258 71.47 25.51 .10 50.77 3.47 Redear sunfish 1 .28 68 68 1.36 4.10 Largemouth bass 6 1.66 7.87 1.31 15.66 2.50 White crappie 75 20.78 11.30 215 22.50 2.26 Totals 361 100.00 50.24 100.00 I --- Page 9 --- -7- in Table 4. Results of 19 Standard Nets Set in Oak Creek Reservoir on March 27 and September 16, 1964. March 27, 1964 Water temperature 57°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 18 inches Relative humidity 11%-59% Air temperature 53°-81°F. Barometric pressure 27.80-27.91 inches Wind speed & direction 10 mph., N.N.East Moon phase Full Cloud cover 80% September 16, 1964 Water temperature 74°F, Precipitation None General turbidity 18 inches Relative humidity 42%-84% Air temperature 68°-93°F. Barometric pressure 27.83-28.02 inches Wind speed & direction 10.2 mph., North Moon phase First % + 3 days Cloud cover 70%, Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ae Gizzard shad 337 52.00 63.93 .19 11.98 1.76 Carp 141 21.76 209... 55 > 1.49 39.27 2.83 Golden shiner 1 «Ld «19 .19 . 04 1.76 River carpsucker 62 9.57 67.62 1.09 12.67 2.51 Black bullhead 3 -47 1.85 . 62 235 2.30 Channel catfish ll 1.69 18.55 1.69 3.47 1.71 Flathead catfish 19 2.94 114.12 6.01 21.39 2.20 White bass 1 215 1.00 1.00 19 3.18 Warmouth 3 46 .90 30 .17 3.50 Green sunfish 1 .16 .15 15 .03 4.78 Bluegill 16 2.47 2.88 .18 54 Jie 59 Largemouth bass 17 2.62 24.74 1.46 4.63 2.47 White crappie 36 5.56 28.08 .78 5.27 2.88 Totals 648 100.00 533.56 100.00 In view of the foregoing findings the bag limit on largemouth bass and channel catfish seems reasonable and biologically justified. The 100-hook limit on trot- lines provides the fisherman ample opportunity to capture his bag limit and at the same time prevents an excessive "lacing" of the lakes with trotlines which might be obstructive to other fishing activities. Certainly no limit on sunfish, crappie or white bass is needed in this area where excessive numbers of these fish usually occur. Mitchell County-Lake Colorado City and Champion Creek Reservoir are both highly utilized public fishing waters in Mitchell County. The following fish population data were obtained from these lakes (Tables 5, 6 and 7), --- Page 10 --- Table 5. ber 23, 1964. May 28, 1964 Water temperature Tak Precipitation None General turbidity 28 inches Relative humidity 34%-84% Air temperature 66°F. -95°R, Barometric pressure 27.82-28.03 inches Wind speed & direction Cloud cover September 23, 1964 Water temperature 72°F. Precipitation .23 inches General turbidity 24 inches Relative humidity 74%-90% Air temperature 68°-79°F, Barometric pressure 28.00-28:09 inches Wind speed & direction Cloud cover -8- 11.2 mph., North 80% 4.5 mph., North 100% Moon phase. Moon phase Full + 2 days Full + 2 days Results of 18 Standard Nets Set in Lake Colorado City on May 28 and Septem- Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mR" Gizzard shad 34 12.78 5.20 .16 1,27 1.52 Carp 17 6.39 47.29 2.78 11.63 2.30 River carpsucker 84 31.58 106.79 1.27 26.26 2.33 Channel catfish 47 17.67 59.03 1.26 14.51 1.45 Flathead catfish 21 7.89 126.32 6.02 31.06 1.98 White bass 5 1.88 7.03 1.41 1.73 3.04 Bluegill 2 75 .16 . 08 04 3.58 Redear sunfish 1 38 . 06 . 06 02 2.90 Largemouth bass 31 11.65 38.86 1.25 9.55 2.45 White crappie 24 9.03 15.96 .67 3.93 2.61 Totals 266 100.00 406.70 100.00 --- Page 11 --- -9- Table 6. Results of Eight Seining Collections from Lake Colorado City on May 29, 1964. (two collections with a 200-foot straight seine, 10 feet deep with l-inch mesh) (six collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with 1/8- inch mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 115 5-9 Carp 2 12 Red shiner 4 2-3 Blacktail shiner 51 2-4 Bullhead minnow 3 2-3 River carpsucker 2 10-12 Channel catfish 56 2-20 Bluegill 87 2-4 Redear sunfish 4 4-6 Largemouth bass 4 2-10 White crappie. 3 1-7 Logperch 1 3 Total 332 --- Page 12 --- -10- — Table 7. Results of 12 Standard Nets Set in Champion Creek Reservoir on March 25 and September 10, 1964. March 25, 1964 Water temperature 63°F. Precipitation None Genéral..turbidity 50 inches Relative humidity 17%-80% Air temperature 46°-73°F, Barometric pressure 27.71-28.10 inches Wind speed & direction 11 mph., North Moon phase First % +5 days Cloud cover 0% September.10, 1964 Water. temperature 72°F 2 Precipitation None General turbidity 12 feet.: Relative humidity 30%-71% Air temperature 74°-98°F, Barometric pressure 27.88-28.00 inches Wind speed & direction 6.9 mph., South: Moon phase New + 5 days Cloud. cover 20% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by_No. Pounds | Pounds by Wt. gr Carp 1 gi 3437 3.37 1.36 2.48 Golden shiner 251 54.93 41.24 .16 16.68 1.97 Black bullhead 79 17.28 115.93 1.47 46.89 2.54 Channel catfish 7 1.54 26.25 3.75: 10.62 1.85 White bass 1 21 1.25 1.25 «50 3.12 Warmomth 2 344 -70 a .28 3.98 Green sunfish 17 3472 4.64 .27 1.88 3.27 Bluegill 31 6.79 7-43. 224 3,01 4.01 Largemouth bass 28 6.12 33.75 1.21 13.65 2.32 White crappie 40 8.76 12,68 1032 5,13 2.61 Totals 457 100.00 247.24 100.00 ee ee The Colorado River also runs through Mitchell County, but public access is limited.(Table 8). --- Page 13 --- ~1 {= Table 8. Results of Six Seining Collections from the Colorado River in Mitchell County on August 21, 1964, (three collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with %-inch mesh) (three collections with a 10-foot common sense seine, 4 feet deep with 1/8-inch mesh) SDC CLO Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 3,921 15-3 River carpsucker 2 3 Longear sunfish 4 2-3 eee Total 3,927 SSE Large populations of largemouth bass have been maintained in both major lakes under the present regulations. The fact that flathead catfish are numerous in Lake Colorado City could be partially responsible for the lake not being taken over by rough fish and stunted game fish as is often the case with older lakes. However, a daily bag limit of 25 catfish is apparently adequate. Commercial exploitation of the minnow resources in the Colorado River, even with a 20-foot minnow seine, would be possible if more access were available. However, since landowners actually control the extent to which these minnows are utilized, rather than the restrictions imposed by regulatory laws, the regulations should be left as they are, conforming to nearby counties. Nolan County-Lakes Sweetwater and Trammell are open to the public. Santa Fe Club Lake is also available for all fishermen at 25 cents per day. However, it was dry during most of the year (Tables 9, 10 and 11). --- Page 14 --- = (2 - Table 9. Results of 16 Standard Nets Set in Lake Sweetwater on September 11, 1964. May 7, 1964 Water temperature 69°F. Precipitation General turbidity 24 inches Relative humidity Air temperature 74°-96°F. Barometric pressure Wind speed & direction 18.8mph., N.N.East Moon phase Cloud cover 90% July 10, 1964 Water temperature 73°F. Precipitation General turbidity 36 inches Relative humidity Air temperature 75°-105°r . Barometric pressure Wind speed & direction 10.6 mph., South Moon phase Cloud cover 10% September 11, 1964 Water temperature 71 OF. Precipitation General turbidity 28 inches Relative humidity Air temperature 72°-95°F, Barometric pressure Wind speed & direction 8.1 mph., North Moon phase Cloud cover 50% Per Cent Total Wt. Ave. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mn Golden shiner 11 . 80 3.20 .29 55 2.11 River carpsucker 1 08 1.87 1.87 33 2.81 Black bullhead 195 14.32 149.62 .77 26.08 2.66 Channel catfish 67 4.93 254.34 3.80 44.32 2.05 Flathead catfish 7 +51 31.95 4.56 5.57 1.68 Warmouth 2 -15 38 19 07 3.40 Green sunfish 1 07 .21 a2 . 03 4.98 Bluegill 972 71.42 92.17 .09 16.07 3.56 Longear sunfish 4 .29 .37 . 09 . 06 4,62 Redear sunfish 1 .08 .10 10 . 02 3.42 Largemouth bass 9 66 22.14 2.46 3.86 2.22 White crappie 91 6.69 17.42 19 3.04 2.46 Totals 1,361 100.00 573.77 1 May 7, July 10 and None 36%-76% 27.70-27.90 inches Last % + 3 days None 15%-64% 27.90-28.01 inches New + 1 day None 35%-66% 27.94-28.05 inches New + 6 days --- Page 15 --- ~{5- ce a er Table 10. Results of Six Standard Nets Set in Lake Trammell on September 15, 1964. Water temperature Tak Precipitation None General turbidity 20 inches Relative humidity 52%-78% Air temperature 65°-87°F, Barometric pressure 27.83-27.94 inches Wind speed & direction 9.9 mph. South Moon phase First % + 2 days Cloud cover 80% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. UKM River carpsucker 4 3.03 8.62 2.15 6.99 2.50 Black bullhead 29 21.97 20,17 70 16.38 2.35 Channel catfish 9 6.81 18.84 2.09 15.30 Le/l Flathead catfish 7 5.31 25.56 3.65 20.75 1.82 Bluegill 23 17.42 2.09 . 09 1.69 3.83 Redear sunfish 17 12.88 3.51 21 21.85 3.83 Largemouth bass 17 12.88 40.53 2.38 32.91 2.82 White crappie 26 19.70 3.85 215 3.13 2.63 a ee eee Totals 132 100.00 123.17 100.00 SY ig is i Table 11. Results of Two Seining Collections from Lake Trammell on September 15, 1964, (two collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with ;- inch mesh) i Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 3 2 Bluegill 450 5-5 Redear sunfish 51 4-7 Largemouth bass L 6 Logperch 3 3-5 Total 508 --- Page 16 --- =-{4- The city of Sweetwater prohibits the use of trotlines by municipal ordinance. This restriction might he partially responsible for the high percentage of catfish in these lakes. However, this resource could probably be reasonably conserved and at the same time more heavily utilized. The continuance of the more lenient State regulations might eventually influence the city to liberalize its hook limit policy. These lakes are examples of waters which need heavier fishing pressure on their sunfish and crappie populations. The no-possession-limit regulation on these species is appropriate. Taylor-County-Lakes Abilene and Kirby are owned by the city of Abilene and are open to the public. Lake Kirby was not sampled as planned in the job description for this segment. Lake personnel opposed the use of nets while their fishermen were fishing. Since the State Laws are supplemented by municipal ordiance at this lake it was decided the work was not vital enough to reschedule. The results of netting and seining at Lake Abilene are presented below. Table 12. Results of 12 Standard Nets Set in Lake Abilene on May 21 and September 18, 1964. May 21, 1964 Water temperature 72°F, Precipitation None Water temperature 8 inches Relative humidity 447-817 Air temperature 63°-86°F, Barometric pressure 28.01-28.14 inches Wind speed & direction 8.7 mph., S.East Moon phase First % +3 days Cloud cover 60% September 18, 1964 Water temperature 74°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 8 inches Relative humidity 21%-87% Air temperature 69°-95°F, Barometric pressure 27,83-27.96 inches Wind speed & direction 9.7 mph., S.S.West Moon phase First % +5 days Cloud cover 30% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Oe Gizzard shad 25 4.96 3.70 wie 71 1.90 Carp 192 38,09 239.45 1.25 46.22 2.35 River carpsucker 124 24.60 179.77 1.45 34.70 2.58 Channel catfish 59 di .7L 65.75 L.Al 12,69 1,62 Flathead catfish 1 «20 A5i8 3.18 62 2.08 Warmouth 1 «20 sll Ll wh2 3.12 Green sunfish 1 «20 ell ell 02 3450 Bluegill 27 5.35 1.62 06 «31 3.47 Longear sunfish 1 «20 .05 05 OL 3.42 Largemouth bass. . 26 Bia dbe 19.14 074 3,70 2 «de White crappie 47 9.33 Bind my 1.00 2.26 Totals 504 100.00 518.05 100.00 --- Page 17 --- -15- Table 13, Results of Eight Seining Collections from Lake Abilene on May 22 and September 18, 1964, (three collections with a 200-foot straight seine, 10 feet deep with l-inch mesh) (one collection with a 100-foot straight seine, 8 feet deep with 4- inch mesh) (four collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with :- inch mesh) SCL Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 352 1-10 Carp 7 10-12 Golden shiner 2 3 Red shiner: 9 1-2 Bullhead minnow 1 2 Mosquitofish 1 23; Bluegill 28 3/4-4 Longear sunfish 7 1-3 Redear sunfish 11 223 Largemouth bass 9 1-16 White crappie 34 2-6 Logperch 1 iene Total 462 eee Present regulations seem adequate for the existing fishery resources. A heavy harvest of sunfish and crappie should be encouraged. Crockett County-The Pecos River is the only public water in the county. Public access is limited (Table 14). --- Page 18 --- -16- ce Table 14, Results of Two Standard Nets Set in the Pecos River in Crockett County on November 10, 1964. Water temperature 64°F, Precipitation None General turbidity 28 inches Relative humidity 46%-927% Air temperature 58°-81°F, Barometric pressure 27.85-28.01 inches Wind speed & direction 13.3 mph., South Moon phase New + 6 days Cloud cover 40% ; Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Inga Gizzard shad 22 68.75 26.30 1.20 64.17 2.21 Carp 1 3,12 3.62 3,62 8.84 2.41 River carpsucker 5 15.63 4,26 .85 10.39 2a 25 Blue sucker 1 33.12 5.25 5.25 12.81 1.55 Gray. redhorse 1 3.13 1.12 1.12 2.74 1.98 Channel catfish 1 3a h2 35 235 . 85 1.52 Bluegill 1 3.13 . 08 .08 .20 3.40 a Totals 32 100.00 40.98 100.00 a There appears to be few desirable sport fish to protect in this area of the Pecos River. Water quality is probably responsible. Chlorides have been known to range above 7,000 ppm at the Girvin sampling station, some 25 miles above the area where the netting collections were obtained. Seining was prohitied by heavy growths of aquatic vegetation so that smaller fish were not sampled. Exception (ii) under part 7.04 of the proclamation, which sets out a no- hook limit, exists so that the Pecos River will not be split down the middle by conflicting regulations. This leniency is not believed responsible for the lack of game fish, but as discussed, poor water quality is probably more to blame. Regulations should be left to conform to adjoining counties along the river, such as Pecos and Terrell, in order to prevent confusion and misinterpretation of the. laws. Schleicher County-The San Saba River is the only public water in the county. Seining was attempted but no fish were captured because of profuse aquatic vege- tation. The 200 possession limit on "minnows, bream and perch" may be desirable in this county where only the spring-fed headwaters of the stream exist. Darters and red- breast sunfish are known to inhabit these areas. These species are not bait fish and should not be used as such. Menard County-The San Saba River is also the only public water in Menard County. However, the stream bed is wider and the water is less intermittent than in Schleicher County (Tables 15 and 16). --- Page 19 --- -17- See Table 15. Results of Eight Standard Nets Set in the San Saba River in Menard County on November 25, 1964, ' Water temperature 53°R, Precipitation None General turbidity 14 inches Relative humidity 22%-76% Air temperature 34°-75°R, Barometric pressure 27.75-28.00 inches Wind speed & direction 8.8 mph., S.West Moon phase full + 6 days Cloud cover 00% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Mat Longnose gar 94 24.93 234.50 2.49 37.22 41 Gizzard shad 116 30.77 56.84 49 9.03 1.91 River carpsucker 92 24.40 166.62 1.81 26.45 2.60 Smallmouth buffalo 28 7.43 127.75 4.56 20.28 3.17 Gray redhorse 4 1.06 5.76 1.44 92 2.32 Channel catfish 4 1.06 10.06 2.52 1.59 L.72 Flathead catfish 2 «53 5.18 2.59 . 83 1.82 Warmouth 1 .27 .09 .09 -O1 3.16 Bluegill 3 .79 .26 . 09 . 04 3.38 White crappie 31 8.22 17.20 e)5) 2043 2.83 Freshwater drum 2 54 5.62 2.81 .90 2.61 cre eae ee eee Totals 377 100.00 629.88 100.00 eee Table 16. Results of Six Seining Collections from the San Saba River in Menard County on November 24-25, 1964. (two collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with %- inch mesh) (four collections with a 10-foot common sense seine, 4 feet deep with 1/8-inch mesh) i ee Species Number Size Range in Inches Blacktail shiner 101 Mosquitofish 6 Redbreast sunfish 2 Green sunfish 2 Bluegill 8 2 1 1 ve 1 1 MDM WD Wrst ar ' i] aorhruN Nh Largemouth bass White crappie Greenthroat darter LS) SSE Total 123 --- Page 20 --- -18- No possession limit on minnows is needed in Menard County where the river is wider and less apt to be affected by the use of a 20-foot minnow seine. The taking of "bream and perch" in this area should be encouraged since bluegill and green sunfish are prevalent. Sutton County-The upper reaches of the North Llano River and the Devil's River occur in this county. These streams are usually dry or intermittent and provide little public usage. No fish population sampling was done in this county. The regulations should be left as they are in order to conform to nearby regulatory counties. Val Verde County-Lake Walk, Devil's Lake, and the Devil's, Pecos and Rio Grande Rivers are all public waters within Val Verde County. No exceptions or special restrictions on bag or possession limits or means and methods are imposed. Because the laws on all these waters are uniform, the fisherman is not as apt to violate the regulations through ignorance and is encouraged to utilize the resources. Eighteen netting collections, rather than twenty-four as specified in the job description, were obtained from Lake Walk and Devils Lake. Netting samples of 681 fish and 905 fish, respectively, were considered adequate (Tables 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21). --- Page 21 --- -19- i Table 17. Results of 18 Standard Nets Set in Lake Walk on May 1 and October 14, 1964. May 1, 1964 Water temperature 73°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 60 inches Relative humidity 11%-93% Air temperature 62°-88°F, Barometric pressure 27.68-27.77 inches Wind speed & direction 11.7 mph., W.N.West Moon phase Full + 5 days Cloud cover 30% October 14, 1964 Water temperature 67°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 50 inches Relative humidity 27%-80% Air temperature 45°-79°R, Barometric pressure 28.05-28.18 inches Wind speed & direction 1.2 mph.,S.S.West Moon phase First %+1 day Cloud cover 00% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. WR" Spotted gar 3 44 1455 £52 16 «2D Longnose gar 32 4.69 58.71 1.83 6.17 .39 Gizzard shad 144 21.15 8.73 35 8.28 2025 Carp 19 2.79 195.81 10.30 20.60 2.48 River carpsucker 137 20.12 263.62 2.07 29..82 2.69 Gray redhorse 4 58 6.42 1.60 .68 2.10 Channel catfish 46 6.76 50.80 1.10 5.34 1.79 Flathead catfish 16 62.35 61.14 3,82 6.43 1.93 White bass 35 5.14 29.01 . 83 3.05 2.66 Warmouth 3 44 32 .10 04 3.31 Redbreast sunfish 2 .29 .50 225 .05 3.52 Bluegill 21 3.09 3.29 .16 235 3.76 Redear sunfish 2 -29 87 43 . 09 3.70 . Largemouth bass 4 259 1.03 .26 .1ll 2.16 White crappie 32 4.70 14.58 -46 1.53 2.59 Freshwater drum 179 26.28 163.16 91 17.16 2.37 Rio Grande perch 2 30 1.30 65 14 4.74 eee Totals 681 100.00 950.84 100.00 --- Page 22 --- =20- a Table 18. Results of 18 Standard Nets Set in Devils Lake on April 28 and October 16, 1964. April 28, 1964 Water temperature 73°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 18 inches Relative humidity 20%-71% Air temperature 53°-79°F, Barometric pressure 27.73-27.99 inches Wind speed & direction 9.7 iph., N.East Moon phase Full + 2 days Cloud cover 30% October 16, 1964 Water temperature 71°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 16 inches Relative humidity 27%-74% Air temperature 52°-88°F, Barometric pressure 27.85-27.98 inches Wind speed & direction 7.6 mph., S.S,West Moon phase First % + 3 days Cloud cover 00% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ee Spotted gar 16 ee daw .70 1.04 met Longnose gar 24 2.65 26.46 1.10 2.46 yoo Gizzard shad 192 21,22 71.75 .37 6.67 1.89 Carp 13 1.44 150.69 11,59 14.01 2.72 River carpsucker 152 16.79 161.66 1,06 15.04 2.59 Gray redhorse 25 2.76 30.07 1,20 2.79 1.98 Channel catfish 31 3.43 34.14 1.10 3,18 1.83 Flathead catfish 1l 1,22 47.57 4.32 4.42 2,00 White bass 7 077 6.95 .99 »65 2,99 Warmouth 8 . 88 1.73 «22 .16 3,39 Redbreast sunfish 12 1.33 4.07 34 38 3.37 Bluegill 31 3.42 5.91 19 a sue Redear sunfish 5 56 1.79 36 017 3.62 Largemouth bass 10 1.10 4,07 41 37 1,93 White crappie 40 4.42 12,03 «30 Ledd 2.53 Freshwater drum 323 35.69 502.74 1.56 46,76 2.94 Rio Grande perch 5 56 2.44 »49 23 4.71 Totals 905 100.00 1,075.26 100.00 --- Page 23 --- -21- Table 19. Results of Eight Seining Collections from Devil's Lake on April 29, 1965. (one collection’ with a 200-foot straight seine, 10 feet deep with 1- inch mesh) (one collection with a 100-foot straight seine, 8 feet deep with 4- inch mesh) (four collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with %- inch mesh) (two collections with a 10-foot common sense seine, 4 feet deep with 1/8-inch mesh) en ea ee a ee ee Species Number Size Range in..Inches.. Gizzard shad 17 6-10 Roundnose minnow 2 23-3 Sand shiner ll 14-2 Blacktail shiner 21 1-3 Bullhead minnow 2 3 River carpsucker 13 4-8 Channel catfish 1 12 White bass 9 L Redbreast sunfish 17 3-10 Bluegill 19 1-7 Longear sunfish 3 6 Largemouth bass 8 1-11 White crappie 1 5 Freshwater drum 2 12 Rio Grande perch 6 7-11 Total 132 a --- Page 24 --- =22- Table 20, Results of Seven Standard Nets Set in the Devils River in Val Verde County on. July 15, 1964. Water temperature 78°F. Precipitation None General turbidity 36 inches Relative humidity 21%-69% Air temperature 76°-100°F. Barometric pressure 27.88-28.01 inches Wind speed & direction 12 mph., South Moon phase New + 6 days Cloud cover 0% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds _. Pounds by Wt. "RN Longnose gar 29 19.86 33.17 1.14 14.06 .27 Gizzard shad 31 21.23 50.82 1.64 21.55 2.04 River carpsucker 46 SL sol 86.59 1.88 36.72 2.55 Gray xredhorse 8 5.48 13.81 1.72 5.86 1.84 Channel catfish 20 13.70 29.62 1.48 12.56 1.62 Flathead catfish 5 3.42 19.25 3.85 8.16 1.73 Warmouth u2 1.37 -46 23 20 3.22 Redbreast sunfish 1 .69 <91 91 .38 4.10 Bluegill 3 2.05 . 68 .23 .29 3.70 Rio Grande perch 1 . 69 .50 .50 «22 5.10 Totals 146 100.00 235.81 100.00 Table 21. Results of Six Seining Collections from the Devils River in Val Verde County on July 16, 1964. (six collections with a 20-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with - inch mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Mexican tetra 820 2-3 Blacktail shiner 415 14-24% River carpsucker 32 2-12 Gray redhorse 24 35-9 Channel catfish 5 7 Pupfish 522 1-2 Redbreast sunfish 10 4-6 Bluegill 7 2-4 Largemouth bass 57 3-5 ee LE ne Total 1,892 --- Page 25 --- #93 The Pecos and Rio Grande River data were combined because part of the nets were set in the confluence of the two streams and the fish populations interchange. Swiftly flowing water, covering much of the shoreline vegetation, made seining impossible during the time these rivers were netted.(Table 22). issn nnermreneipeepmmmenmnenrrememeenr eee Table 22. Results of 11 Standard Nets Set in the confluence of the Pecos and Rio Grande Rivers in Val Verde County on November 11-13, 1964. November 11, 1964. Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & direction Cloud cover November 12, 1964 Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & direction Cloud cover November 13, 1964 Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & direction Cloud cover 61°F. 16 inches 62°-80°F. 12.1 mph., South 60% , 60°F. 18 inches 45°-76°F, 3.7 mph., W.N.West 00% 60°F. 18 inches 42°-83°F, 9.7 mph. South 00% Per Cent Total Wt. Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure Moon phase Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure Moon phase Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure Moon phase Avg. Wt. None 39%-87% 27.73-27.89 inches New + 7 days None 15%-78% 27.92-28.00 inches First % None 27%-81% 27.88-28.03 inches First % + 1° day Per Cent Average eee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mgt Longnose gar 83 Alligator gar 2 Gizzard shad 26 River carpsucker 10 Blue sucker 4 Smallmouth buffalo 26 Gray redhorse 3 Blue catfish 8 Channel catfish 3 Flathead catfish 4 Bluegill 10 Largemouth bass 4 Freshwater drum 23 Rio Grande perch 1 40.09 111.42 97 46.18 12.56 25.46 4.83 15.48 1.93 17.00 12.56 221.68 1.45 5.12 3.87 51.62 1.45 4.31 1.93 27.06 4.83 1.39 1,93 2.10 11.11 37.48 -49 .30 eee Totals 207 100.00 566.60 1.34 19.56 38 23.09 8.15 82 -98 4.49 Aade 1.55 2.74 2.78 4.25 3.00 1.50 8.53 39.12 3«LZ 1.71 -90 2621 6.45 9.11 1.83 1.44 -/7 1.86 6.76 4.77 1.92 14 225 3.05 253 37 2.33 1.63 6.61 2.58 -30 - 06 4.75 100.00 aaa --- Page 26 --- -24- The diversity of the fish populations and the varied aquatic habitats in Val Verde County creates a need for lenient fishing regulations. The non-restrictive regulations now in effect seem to complement the fishery, therefdre, no changes are recommended. Edwards County-The South Llano River and East and West Nueces Rivers are the only public waters. substituted (Tables 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27). Table 23. County on June 8 and July 19-20, 1964. June 8, 1964 Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & direction Cloud cover July 19, 1964 Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & direction Cloud cover July 20, 1964 Water temperature General turbidity Air temperature Wind speed & directio Cloud cover : 79°F. 20 inches 74°-102°F. 19.5 mph., S.S. 0% 85°F. 28 inches .70°-97°F. 8.2 mph., S.S.E 50% 85°F. 28 inches 72°-97°F, 9.2 mph., South 60% Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure East Moon phase Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure as£ Moon phase Precipitation Relative humidity Barometric pressure Moon phase Since seining was difficult in the South Llano, netting was Results of Ten Standard Nets Set in the South Llano River in Edwards None 24%-74% 27.59-27.70 inches Last & + 5 days None 31%-74% 27.96-28.09 inches First % + 3 days None 347-76% 27.93-28.06 inches First % + 4 days Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "Rn Longnose gar 2 . 80 4,06 2,03 1,52 43 Gizzard shad 64 25.92 22,85 .36 8.60 1.62 Carp 7 2.83 27,56 3.94 10,38 2,08 River carpsucker _ 128 51.82 141,73 1.11 53.35 2.08 Gray redhorse 17 6.88 26.03 L<o3 9.80 2,29 Channel catfish 7 2.84 12.74 1.82 4,80 1.60 Flathead catfish 1 -40 10.00 10.00 3.76 1,53 Bluegill “12 4.86 85 07 232 3.30 Longear sunfish 1 -41 .09 .09 .03 3.40 Largemouth bass 4 1.62 2,82 wl 1.07 2.29 Freshwater drum 4 1,62 16.92 4.23 6.37 2.41 mS Totals 247 100.00 265.65 100.00 nee UEIEIn EI EREEI REIL EAA RAR ERARRRREEnEane enema a a a aaa aaa assis --- Page 27 --- #95= eee Table 24, Results of One Standard Net Set in the East Nueces River in Edwards County on June 11, 1964. Water temperature 78°F. Precipitation -O1 inche General turbidity 40 inches Relative humidity 39%-82% Air temperature 73°-93°F, Barometric pressure 27.70-27.95 inches Wind speed & direction 15.4 mph.,S.S.East Moon phase New + 2 days Cloud cover 100% eee Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Rt Gray redhorse 2 16.66 4.87 2.43 74.92 1.71 Yellow bullhead 4 33034 -63 .16 9.69 1.87 Bluegill 2 16.66 .12 . 06 1.84 2.77 Longear sunfish 2 16.67 .16 .08 2.46 2.67 Largemouth bass 2 16.67 whZ .36 11.07 1.70 SSeS Totals 12 100.00 6.50 100.00 ee Table 25. Results of Two Seining Collections from the East Nueces River in Edwards County on June 9, 1964, (two collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with :- inch mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Mexican tetra 5 2-3 Roundnose minnow 35 14-23 Texas shiner 36 15-24 Channel catfish 1 17 Mosquitofish 6 1-14 Bluegill 3 3-5 Total eee --- Page 28 --- -~26- Table 26. Results of Four Standard Nets Set in the West Nueces River in Edwards County on June 11-12, 1964. June 11, 1964 - weather data given on Table 23. June 12, 1964 Water temperature 79°F. Precipitation None General. turbidity 34 inches Relative humidity 34%-79% Air temperature 75°-96°F, Barometric pressure 27.81-27.94 inches Wind speed & direction 13.8 mph.,S.S.East Moon phase New + 3 days Cloud cover 80% Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "KN Gray redhorse 20 35471 30.03 1.50 47.26 1.73 Yellow bullhead 21 37.50 9.08 -43 14.29 1.93 Channel catfish 5 8.93 15.00 3.00 23.60 1.52 Green sunfish 3 5.36 79 26 die25 2.90 Beuegill 1 1.78 .07 07 ll 2.68 Largemouth bass 6 10.72 8.57 1.43 1p. 49 1.85 Totals 56 100.00 63.54 100.00 Table 27. Results of Six Seining Collections from the West Nueces River in Edwards County on June 12, 1964. (two collections with a 30-foot straight seine, 6 feet deep with aa inch mesh) (four collections with a 10-foot common sense seine, 4 feet with 1/8- inch mesh) Bc i a Species Number Lids Size Range in Inches Mexican tetra 31 1-3 Roundnose minnow 151 1-2% Texas shiner 295 1-23 Blacktail shiner 127 2-4 Channel catfish 1 9 Mosquitofish 68 1-2 Bluegill 49 2-5 Longear sunfish 5 3-5 Largemouth bass 28 1-14 Guadalupe bass 5 6-8 Orangethroat darter 2 14-2 Rio Grande perch 31 4-11 i Total 793 a A --- Page 29 --- =97- A two-hook limit on the East Fork of the Nueces River was removed recently. This makes the fishing regulations for all Edwards County waters uniform. The beds of these streams are narrow and 100 hooks might be excessive and obstructive if public utilization was great. Since access is limited, the leniency of this regulation is probably feasible. No changes are currently recommended. Conclusions and Recommendations: Ideal fishing regulations permit as many fish to be caught in as many ways as possible, without materially depleting the supply. Fortunately, most warm water fishes are prolific and can withstand heavy fishing pressures. The regulations currently in effect in the Possum Kingdom and Edwards Plateau Areas are simple to understand, not cluttered with exceptions and special cases, and allow a great deal of fishing freedom. As many counties should be brought under regulatory responsibility as possible so that large blocks of the State will have the same. fishing laws. Special fishery situations, which are uncommon, could be regulated by municipal or lake authority ordinance. Basically, the effects of fishing pressure on fish populations is unknown. Research designed to measure the effects of a heavy harvest on various game species is needed. The removal of large numbers of catfish may be detrimental to the supply, while harvesting large numbers of sunfish and crappie may enhance the resource by producing more large, "keeper" size fish. In situations where rough fish populations are high, the possiblity of commer- cial utilization is sometimes mentioned by interested parties. Often the use of commercial nets and seines would be obstructive to access and a hazard to fisher- men and boaters. It could also damage the small populations of game species by net injuries and resultant fungus infection in some instances commercial netting would be difficult to regulate. A common complaint concerns unattended trotlines. Weekend or once-a-season trotliners often set their lines in desirable locations and then forget about them. After several months a small, heavily utilized lake becomes "laced" with moss-covered, rusty-hooked lines at all levels. These are dangerous and obstructive. A regulation is needed whereby trotlines would have to be tagged with the owner's name and address and unattended lines could be legally removed. In the future, field data should be collected under jobs stating the need for specific information. Current fishing regulations are adequate, and until basic research dealing with specific aspects of the effects of fishing devices and fishing pressures is done, general investigations similar to this one will not be fruitful enough to justify the time and cost involved. \ L. Prepared by James F. Wilcox Approved by Liao Loote. Project Leader Date September 15, 1965 Leo D. Lewis Regional Supervisor --- Page 30 --- -38- Table 28. A Checklist of Common and Scientific Names Used in This Report. (as listed in the American Fisheries Societies' special publication Number 2). Spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus Longnose gar Alligator gar Gizzard shad Mexican tetra Stoneroller Carp Roundnose minnow Golden shiner Texas shiner Red shiner Sand shiner Blacktail shiner Bullhead minnow River carpsucker Blue sucker Smallmouth buffalo Gray redhorse Blue catfish Black bullhead Yellow bullhead Channel catfish Flathead catfish Pupfish Mosquitofish White bass Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Redear sunfish Largemouth bass Guadalupe. bass White crappie Greenthroat darter Orangethroat darter Logperch Freshwater drum Rio Grande perch Lepisosteus osseus Lepisosteus spatula Dorosoma cepedianum Astyanax mexicanus Campostoma anomalum Cyprinus carpio Dionda episcopa Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis amabilis Notropis lutrensis Notropis stramineus Notropis venustus Pimephales vigilax | Carpiodes carpio Cycleptus elongatus Ictiobus bubalus Moxostoma congestum Ictalurus furcatus Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis. Ictalurus punctatus Pylodictis olivaris Cyprinodon spa Gambusia affinis Roccus chrysops Chaenobryttus gulosus Lepomis auritus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis humilis Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis megalotis Lepomis microlophus Micropterus salmoides Micropterus treculi Pomoxis annularis Etheostoma lepidum Etheostoma spectabile Percina caprodes Aplodinotus grunniens Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum