TPWD 1965 F-5-R-12 #994: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region I-B: Job No. B-32 Fisheries Reconnaissance

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-12 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS OF THE WATERS OF REGION I-B Job No. B-32 Fisheries Reconnaissance Project Co-Leader: James F. Wilcox J. Weldon Watson Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director for Program Planning June 30, 1965 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Fish populations were sampled at San Angelo Reservoir, New Winters Lake, Lake Talpa and Valley Creek Reservoir. These investigations indicated a need for population improvement at all four lakes. A selective rotenone treatment to control gizzard shad and heavier contour or area applications to reduce river carpsuckers was recommended for San Angelo Reservoir. A complete eradication of existing fish populations and restocking program was recommended for New Winters Lake.. This program was completed during the segment by using State funds. No recommendations have been made for Lake Talpa, pending more favorable hydrological conditions and additional documentation of the existing fishery. Management recommendations for Valley Creek Reservoir have also been post- poned until a more intensive survey can be obtained. --- Page 3 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. F-5-R-12 Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region I-B Job No. B-32 Title: Fisheries Reconnaissance Zips tho SS SS Period Covered March 1, 1964 - February 28, 1965 Objectives: To conduct limited investigations of regional waters: 1. To maintain a biological history of lakes not covered under other jobs, utilizable in future justification and evaluation of management or development projects. 2. To indicate when more detailed studies are required for the purpose of recommending management or development. 3. For use as background information in making fish harvest recommendations to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as counties are added in regulatory responsibility. 4, Where urgent but unanticipated situations arise demanding in- vestigation or consultation. Procedures: Standard gill nets and seines were used to measure fish populations in four lakes. Standard nets have six 25- by 8-foot sections. The first section has 1- inch mesh. In each succeeding section the mesh is 1/2 inch larger. Most standard nets are made to droop. This slack is created by tying 6-foot cords between the float and lead lines at 9-foot intervals. All nets were set overnight. A variety of seines were used. The measurements of each are described as their catches are reported. A seining collection is two or three drags of a 20-, 30-, or 40-foot seine or one drag of a 100-, 200-, or 300-foot seine in an area no larger than 2 acres. Fish captured in seines were counted and a length range was determined. Unusual specimens were preserved in 10 per cent formalin solution and identified in the laboratory. Fish captured in nets were counted, weighed and measured. The gonadal development and stomach contents of at least 50 specimens of each species were examined when that many were available. Physical data, such as air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, and weather conditions, were recorded at the time nets were run. This was supplemented by information from calendars, almanacs and the United States Weather Bureau. --- Page 4 --- Total numbers, total weights, per tabulated with an automatic calculator. percentages to two places. Common names of fishes are used in this report. prevent any confusion of terminology. cents, average weights and "K" factors were It was set to automatically round off A checklist is presented to These names are specified in "A list of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada", Second Edition, American Fisheries Society, Special Publication No. 2 Longnose gar Gizzard shad Carp Golden shiner Red shiner Blacktail shiner Fathead minnow River carpsucker Smallmouth buffalo Gray redhorse Black bullhead Channel catfish Flathead catfish Mosquitofish White bass Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie Logperch Freshwater drum i. 1960. 3 Lepisosteus osseus Dorosoma cepedianum Cyprinus carpio Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis lutrensis N. venustus Pimephales promelas Carpiodes carpio Ictiobus bubalus Moxostoma congestum Ictalurus melas i. punctatus Pylodictus olivaris Gambusia affinis Roccus chrysops Chaenobryttus gulosus Lepomis auritus L. humilis macrochirus L. megalotis Micropterus salmoides Pomoxis annularis . Percina caprodes Aplodinotus grunniens San Angelo Reservoir Findings: San Angelo Reservoir, near San Angelo, Texas, decreased in volume during the project period from 36,000 to 25,000 acre feet. is 119,000 acre feet. The conservation pool capacity Fishermen report that many small white crappie have been caught but that largemouth bass and white bass fishing slightly better luck than artificial ba Trotline anglers have had Several stringers of large has been poor. it fishermen. channel catfish have been reported, and occasionally a flathead catfish is caught. Samples of the fish population were taken in March, July, September and November of 1964. Twelve seining and 2 The results of the 12 seining coll seasonal variations in catches may be noted. 4 netting collections were obtained. ections are given individually so that River carpsuckers were abundant in the shallows during the spring. Blacktail shiners were prevalent in the seining areas during the fall. Gizzard shad were numerous during both periods (Table 1). --- Page 5 --- Table 1. Results of Individual Seining Collections Obtained From San Angelo Reservoir From March 1, 1964, to February 28, 1965. Collection 1. March 13, 1964 300-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep: with 1l-Inch Mesh. Species Gizzard shad Carp River carpsucker White bass Redbreast sunfish Total Collection 2. March 13, 1964 Mesh. Species Gizzard shad Carp River carpsucker Channel catfish White bass Redbreast sunfish Total Collection 3. March 13, 1964 Mesh, Species Gizzard shad Blacktail shiner Total Collection 4. March 13, 1964 Mesh. Species Gizzard shad Blacktail shiner Fathead minnow Redbreast sunfish Longear sunfish Logperch Total Number 350 4 9 3 1 367 Size Range in Inches 4-6 12-16 5-15 7-14 6 300-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with 1-Inch Number 42 3 294 3 27 3 372 Size Range in Inches 4-7 14-20 8-18 5-8 6-14 5-6 40-Foot Straight Seine, 8 Feet Deep with %-Inch Number 7 4 11 Size Range in Inches 4-8 2-3 40-Foot Straight Seine, 8 Feet Deep with %-Inch Size Range in Inches 4-8 Collection 5. September 9, 1964 200-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with 1-Inch Mesh. Species Gizzard shad Carp River carpsucker Channel catfish Redbreast sunfish White crappie Freshwater drum Total Number 600 N Wo wo 12 he Size Range in Inches --- Page 6 --- -4- Collection 6. September 9, 1964 200-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with 1-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 120 2-9 River carpsucker 6 4-16 White crappie 3 4-6 Total 129 Collection 7. September 9, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh, Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 24 1-5 Blacktail shiners 44 4-14 River carpsucker 5 4 Redbreast sunfish 4 4-5 Longear sunfish 1 4 Total 78 Collection 8. September 9, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 32 1-4 Blacktail shiner 58 4-14 River carpsucker 7 1-4 Total 97 Collection 9. November 4, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 87 3-7 Blacktail shiner 280 1-24 Bluegill 3 3-4 Largemouth bass i} 4 Logperch il 4 Total 372 Collection 10. November 4, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 22 3-7 Blacktail shiner 149 1-23 Largemouth bass 2 4-5 Total 173 --- Page 7 --- Collection 11. November 4, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 52 3=7 Blacktail shiner 211 1-24 River carpsucker 7 2-5 Bluegill 2 3-4 Total 272 Collection 12. November 4, 1964 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Blacktail shiner 108 1-25 When seining collections are grouped according to the size seine used, selectivity is indicated. Several species were too small to be captured in the l-inch mesh seines. River carpsuckers, white bass and channel catfish may have run under or around the smaller seines (Table 2). Table 2, Results of all Seining Collections Obtained from San Angelo Reservoir from March 1, 1964 to February 28, 1965, Grouped According to Seine Size, Two Collections - 300-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with 1-Inch Mesh, Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 392 4-7 Carp 7 12-20 River carpsucker 303 5-18 Channel catfish 3 5-8 White bass 30 6-14 Redbreast sunfish 4 5-6 Total 739 Two Collections - 200-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with 1-Inch Mesh. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 720 2-9 Carp 9 7-16 River carpsucker 14 1-16 Channel catfish 3 5-6 Redbreast sunfish 2 4-5 White crappie 15 3-7 Freshwater drum 1 6 Total 764 --- Page 8 --- Two Collections - 40-Foot Straight Seine, 8 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh, Species Gizzard shad Blacktail shiner Fathead minnow Redbreast sunfish Longear sunfish Logperch Number 26 15 23 2 17 2 Total 85 Size Range in Inches 4-8 Six Collections - 30-Feet Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh, Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 217 1-7 Blacktail shiner 850 4-24 River carpsucker 19 1-5 Redbreast sunfish 4 4-5 Bluegill 5 3-4 Longear sunfish 1 4 Largemouth bass 3 4-5 Logperch 1 4 Total 1,100 A compilation of seining results indicates that gizzard shad, blacktail shiners and river carpsuckers are all very numerous. Rebreast sunfish appear to be the only sunfish growing large enough to be desirable in the angler's creel, Not many largemouth bass have successfully reproduced during the last 2 years (Table 3). Table 3. Results of all 12 Seining Collections Obtained from San Angelo Reservoir from March 1, 1964, to February 28, 1965. Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 1,355 1-9 Carp 16 7-20 Blacktail shiner 865 4-3 Fathead minnow 23 1-3 River carpsucker 336 1-18 Channel catfish 6 5-8 White bass 30 6-14 Redbreast sunfish 12 4-6 Bluegill 5 3-4 Longear sunfish 18 2-4 Largemouth bass 3 4-5 White crappie 15 3-7 Logperch 3 2-4 Freshwater drum lL 6 Total 2,688 --- Page 9 --- Seasonal netting results are presented independently so that selectivity in gill netting is reflected as well as variations in relative abundance. Most nets were set near the shore in water less than 10 feet deep.. Considering this, the netting results support the seining indication that river carpsuckers were in shallow water during the spring (Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7). Table 4, Results of Eight Standard Nets Set in San Angelo Reservoir on March 11, 1964. Water temperature 46° F. Precipitation None General turbidity 30 inches Relative humidity 12%-65% Air temperature 36°-75° F. Barometric pressure 29.82-30.13 inches Wind speed and direction 12.0 mph, North Moon phase Last 4+ 5 days Cloud cover 50% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Longnose gar 2 1.51 25.69 5.14 6.49 Gizzard shad 71 21.45 8.73 12 2.20 Carp 3 . 290 9.20 So Le 2.41 River carpsucker 195 58.91 292.51 1.50 73.93 Smallmouth buffalo 1 o3l 6.63 6.63 1.67 Channel catfish 5 1.51 7.43 1.49 1.88 Flathead catfish 1 .30 4.50 4.50 1.14 White bass 16 4.83 16.93 1.06 4,27 Bluegill 1 231 12 12 04 Largemouth bass 2 60 10.13 5.07 2.56 White crappie 31 9.37 13.49 244 3,41 Total 331 100.00 395.66 100.00 stO0tas i Table 5. Results of Four Standard Nets Set in San Angelo Reservoir on July 1, 1964. Water temperature 80° F. Precipitation None General turbidity 35 inches Relative humidity 25%- 56% Air temperature 74°-105° 'F. Barometric pressure 27,87-28.00 inches Wind speed and direction 7.4 mph, SSE. Moon phase Last & Cloud cover 10% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Gizzard shad 74 37.00 8.48 ell 5.58 Carp 9 4.50 18.27 2.03 12.03 River carpsucker 75 37.50 99.44 1.33 65.48 Channel catfish 6 3.00 6.56 1.09 4.32 Flathead catfish 1 .50 3.12 3al2 2.06 White bass 16 8.00 9.83 61 6.47 Bluegill 10 5.00 . 87 . 09 257 Largemouth bass 1. ~50 3.68 3,68 2.42 White crappie 4 2.00 1,07 s27 ol Freshwater drum 4 2.00 54 14 36 Total 200 100.00 151.86 100.00 --- Page 10 --- Table 6, Results of Six Standard Nets Set in San Angelo Reservoir on September 10, 1964 Water temperature 80° F. Precipitation None General turbidity 14 inches Relative humidity 30%-72% Air temperature 74°-98° F, Barometric pressure 27.88-28.00 inches Wind speed and direction 6.9 mph, South Moon phase New + 5 days Cloud cover 20% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Gizzard shad 43 23.62 4,41 » LO 2.38 Carp 16 8.79 36.20 2.26 19.55 River carpsucker 63 34,62 92,22 1.46 49.82 Smallmouth buffalo 1 295 8.31 8.31 4.49 Channel catfish 18 9.89 25.00 1.39 13.51 Flathead catfish 1 moe) 3.43 3,43 1.85 White bass 9 4.94 4,82 0504 2.60 Bluegill 6 3.30 -50 08 ey Largemouth bass 1 0535 19 19 cdl White crappie 17 9.34 3.54 021 1.91 um 7 3.85 6.49 93 3.51 Freshwater dr Total 182 100.00 185.11 100.00 Table 7. Results of Six Standard Nets Set in San Angelo Reservoir on November 5, 1964, Water temperature 69° F. Precipitation Trace of rain General turbidity 20 inches Relative humidity 53%-93% Air temperature 43°-60° F. Barometric pressure 28.18-28,25 inches Wind speed and direction 4.7 mph, WNW. Moon phase First % +3 days Cloud cover 70% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cents Pounds Pounds by Weight Gizzard shad 37 21.38 4.39 12 1.81 Carp 11 6.36 17.53 1.59 7,25 River carpsucker 77 44.51 111.87 1.45 46.28 Gray redhorse 1 58 2.31 2.31 095 Channel catfish 17 9.82 47.82 2.81 19.78 Flathead catfish 5 2.89 37.56 7,51 15.54 White bass 13 7.52 8.76 67 3.62 Warmouth 1 258 05 »05 02 Bluegill 3 Lie 73 28 09 ~12 Largemouth bass 2 1.16 9.81 4.91 4,06 White crappie 3 Total 173 100.00 941.75 100.00 _ --- Page 11 --- Combined results of the 24 net ting collections indicate that most crappie are small; all sunfish are small; largemouth bass are big but scarce; white bass and channel catfish are the most abundant game species. River carpsuckers were the most abundant fish captured in the nets. Their total weight was greater than the total weight for any other species (Table 8). Table 8. Combined Results of 24 Standard Nets Set in San Angelo Reservoir from March 1, 1964, to February 28, 1965. Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Longnose gar 5 .56 25.69 5.14 2.63 Gizzard shad 225 25.39 26.01 .12 2.67 Carp 39 4.41 81.50 2.09 8.37 River carpsucker 410 46.27 596.04 1.45 61.17 Smallmouth buffalo 2 »23 14.94 7.47 1.53 Gray redhorse 1 ell 2.31 2,31 »24 Channel catfish 46 51. L9 86.81 1,89 8.91 Flathead catfish 8 90 48.61 6.08 4.98 White bass 54 6.10 40.34 75 4,14 Warmouth 1 .ll .05 05 OL Bluegill 20 2«26 1.77 .09 18 Largemouth bass 6 68 23.81 3.97 2.45 White crappie 58 6.54 19.47 34 1.99 Freshwater drum 11 1,25 7.03 64 13 Total 886 100.00 974.38 100.00 When netted fish are categorized according to desirability, the game fish ratio is small (Table 9). Table 9. Rough Fish - Game Fish Ratio as Indicated by Netting Results from San Angelo Reservoir. Number Per Cent by Number Undesirable Fish (Shad, buffalo, suckers, carp, sunfish and crappie less than 4 ounces, and drum) 754 85.10 Desirable Fish (Catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie larger than 4 ounces 132 14.90 Total 886 100.00 A summary of 9 year's netting results indicates that game fish populations will increase very little in relative abundance even if the lake fills. Significant gains in volume occurred in 1957 and high levels were maintained until 1961. --- Page 12 --- -10- (The 1962-1963 netting data must be partially disregarded because 11 collections were made with large meshed nets and all 30 samples were taken in January when largemouth bass are most easily captured). During the last 5 years, most average weights and "K" factors varied no more than would be expected from normal sampling error (Table 10). Table 10. A Comparative Summary of Yearly Netting Results from San Angelo Reservoir. Year 1953-1954 1954-1955 1955-1956 Per Avg. Per Avg. Per Avg. Species No. Cent "kK" No. Cent "Kk" No. Cent "KY Longnose gar 4 ae ee: 14 ~«.35 3 38 ~)~«.33 Gizzard shad 247 14,13 1.69 352 26.00 1.85 269 34.76 1.84 Carp 30 1.72 2.54 4 30 2.60 10 1.29 2.66 River carpsucker 505 28.89 2.47 499 36.85 2.64 316 40.83 2.54 Smallmouth buffalo 1 -06 2.59 0 0 0 1 13 3.64 Gray redhorse 16 91 2.31 4 29 2,27 4 51 2.26 Black bullhead 7 40 2.47 1 08 2.10 1 13. 2.30 Channel catfish 313 17.91 2.18 130 9.60 1.97 76 9.82 2,09 Flathead catfish 4 23 2.22 0 0 0 0 0 0 White bass 2 oll 2.04 18 41,33 2,23 21 2.71 2.40 Sunfishes 39 2.23 3.25 128 9.45 4.08 7 91 3.62 Largemouth bass 321 18.37 2.84 54 3.99 2492 16 2.07 2.90 White crappie 952 14.41 2.73 126 9.31 3.3/7 29 3.74 3.10 Freshwater drum 7.41 2.21 36 2.66 2.40 21 2.72 2.28 Total 1,748 100.00 1,354 100.00 774 100.00 Year 1957-1958 1958-1959 ee Number of Nets Il 12 . Per Avg. Avg. Per Avg. Avg. BpEicie” No. Cent We. ''K" No, Cent Wt. el Longnose gar 0 0 0 0 7 1.97 4.25 63 Gizzard shad 252 48.83 18 1.75 122 34,36 34 1.33 Carp 63 12.21 6.00 2.58 13 3,67 2.37 1.97 River carpsucker 127 24.61 2.31 2.43 68 19.15 1.31 2.24 Smallmouth buffalo 0 0 0 0 2 256 3,87 2.78 Gray redhorse 0 0 0 0 21 5.92 1.18 1.88 Black bullhead 0 0 0 0 17 4.79 31 «61,82 Channel catfish 12 2.33 3.12 2.12 14 3.94 43 1.68 White bass 33 6.39 2.87 3,32 32 9.02 1.18 2.10 Bluegill 0 0 0 0 16 4.50 28 4.00 Largemouth bass 8 1.56 4.56 2.96 1 o28 1.50 2.19 White crappie 19 3.68 18 2,97 38 8610.71 37 «3,08 Freshwater drum 2 239 #87 2w dd, 4 1.13 93 1,84 Total 516 100.00 355 100.00 | --- Page 13 --- =11< Table 10 continued. Year 1959-1960 1961-1962 a ee Number of Nets 12 5 , Per Avg. Avg. Per Avg. Avg. Spence No. Cent We. "RK" No. Cent We. "RK" Longnose gar 1 16 1.12 «33 45 12,60 3.13 ~53 Gizzard shad 369 59.04 -20 1.38 140 39,22 s47 1238 Carp 8 1.28 09 2,32 9 2.52 3.78 1.50 River carpsucker 77 12.32 1.81 2.54 47 13.16 2.63 2.56 Black bullhead 1 .16 43 2,23 0 0 0 0 Channel catfish 33 5.28 1.68 2.17 19 5.32 2.11 1.56 White bass 66 10.56 1.08 2.46 27 7.57 1.03 2.17 Bluegill 4 64 14 2,82 6 1.68 .06 3.14 Longear sunfish 0 0 0 0 1 228 -06 2.70 White crappie 59 9.44 16 1.81 17 4.76 -08 3,10 Freshwater drum 7 1.12 37 1.66 46 12.89 36 1,80 Total 625 100.00. 357 100.00 Year 1962-1963 1964-1965 nnn nO Number of Nets 30 24 Species Per Avg. Avg. No. Per Avg. Avg. No Cent Wt. WRU No. Cent Wt, "kK" Longnose gar 2 -28 6.40 044 3 256 5.14 o42 Gizzard shad 19 2.69 ..15 1.50 225 25.39 12 1.58 Carp 29 4,10 12.71 2.10 39 4.41 2,09 2.29 Golden shiner 1 14 14 - 0 0 0 0 River carpsucker 481 68.03 1.74 2.20 410 46.27 1.45 2.29 Smallmouth buffalo 9 1.28 12.71 2.80 2 .23. 7.47 3.20 Gray redhorse B) -70 2.18 2.10 1 sll 2edL «99 Black bullhead 1 oL4 265 - 0 0 0 0 Channel catfish 18 2.55 1.88 1.60 46 5.19 1,89 1.75 Flathead catfish 1 14 50.13 # 8 .90 6,08 2,18 White bass 66 9.34 1.82 2.60 54 6.10 o75 2.61 Warmouth 0 0 0 0 1 aL 205 3.95 Bluegill 4 «ov -07 3.40 20 2.26 09 3.61 Largemouth bass 40 5.66 5.64 2.90 6 .68 3.97 3.01 White crappie 30 4.24 252 2.30 58 6.54 034 2.58 Freshwater drum L 2214 1.13 - ll 1.25 -64 1.94 Total 707 100.00 886 100.00 --- Page 14 --- -12- When individual "K" factors for game species are plotted on a graduated scale, great intraspecific deviations appear (Table 11). Average "K" and "K''-ranges have been calculated to maintain a record of the physical condition of each species as their environmental influences change (Table 12). Table 12, "K'-Range and Average "K" for all Species Netted from San Angelo Reservoir from March 1, 1964, to February 28, 1965. “Number ———“™s™SCSCSCSK Range Average "kK" Species CNet KR Range Longnose gar 5 0.37-0.49 0.42 Gizzard shad 225 1.00-1.96 1.58 Carp 39 1.15-4.49 2 29 River carpsucker 410 1.55-3.01 2 «29 Smallmouth buffalo 2 3.07-3.34 3.20 Gray redhorse 1 0.95 0.95 Channel catfish 46 Le3d/-2 «35 1.75 Flathead catfish 8 1.61-2. 82 2,18 White bass 54 1.78-3.33 2.61 Warmouth 1 3.95 3.95 Bluegill 20 2,.80-4.14 3.61 Largemouth bass 6 1.70-3.66 3,01 White crappie 58 1.91-3.77 2.58 Freshwater drum ee 1639-2 031. 1,94 Total 886 At least 50 stomachs, when that many were available, were examined to determine each game species' feeding habit. Only one flathead catfish, dead when the nets were run, was cut open. The others were returned, alive, to the lake (Table 13). Gonads from all species were examined. Results of these investigations are recorded individually on field forms, They are not tabulated and included in this report because of its voluminosity and relative unimportance. Two carp and one largemouth bass were examined which contained hardened, partially atrophied egg sacs, All other fish appeared to be following normal spawning patterns. Recommendations: Since San Angelo Reservoir is very low and only 15 per cent of the netting sample is desirable fish, a partial rotenone renovation is recommended. A selective and contour treatment should drastically reduce the gizzard shad population and eliminate smaller numbers of river carpsuckers and other un- desirable species. This would provide room and food for hatchery fish and the natural reproduction from existing game species. Although this type of renovation is shortlived, the cost is also comparatively low. Since San Angelo Reservoir is presently the only local lake with a large enough volume to support extensive recreational activities, the small cost would probably be well justified. --- Page 15 --- -13- € v4 7 @ 1t Ss §¢ € 9 +9 FY T € Zi STeIOL T T z T saTeway T Zz tT T seTeh 79-C-IT c (4 T soTewag T T T T S®TeN 79-0T-6 T T saleway T tT T T @ € T T @ T Sete = 9-7-1 G T T I Z T soTewog ee IT € 2 2 ee _ seTen 79-ZI-€ sseq o1TUM see T sot Z Tt st T I syeqOL T oT T TT OT /T %9-S-TT I /T %9-OT-6 I /T == -99-@-L a /T 9-ZI-€ ysty eo peoyqeld a IT @ tt 2@ € 6 ¥% € OT 9 G sTeq0L T T T T € Z soTeway € Zz T Z SOTeH 79-C-IT I TZ € € Z soTewod f ¢ Tt tT seTeW 49-0T-6 ze T T soTeuwag I T ot SoTeK = 79-7-L T T T T sozTeuwoy seTen 79-Z1-€ ysty.eo Touuey) LEQe Seve ee TE TE OC SCE CLC HCE CHC ET CCT COC OTS ILI OTST Tt du X98 o7ed “S961 ‘8¢ Azenageg 09 ‘7961 ST YoseW WorZ ATOAAAaSeYy oTeBuy ueg wWoAZ pejzqEeN sotoedg owey TedtoutTAg AOJF voTtAnqTIAISTG 107084 My, “TT eTqdeL --- Page 16 --- «EAs u sem xag /T aouTS *papzio0der JO . a1eM suowitoeds sou T ayeT oy. 02 SaaTtTe ‘pauanjer sqTeqo], ~ goTewog SeTPN = =79-S-TT soTeway SOTPN 79-0T-6 saTeuwo7 SoTeW YO-7=L soTeuay SeTPN 79-7I-€ oetddez> a3TUM I sTeq0L 7 : ; seTewey = 79-S-TT — ' saTewey 79-O1-6 . ' sotemaq — 49-7-/ ‘ sateweg 49-ZI-€ I I — — — a = — o7eqd fete oe : 3 5 “T G°T 7°T wa mes : et Sa : “7 CCLCOC OLS LLIO TEQESE TE SCE TETEOCECSCLlLeoOCS CVC eC L°€ OE GE WE E°E CE TE O'E ° pont: y-1T ®EGRL --- Page 17 --- -15- Table 13. Food Items in Game Fish Netted from San Angelo Reservoir from March l, 1964, to February 28, 1965. Channel Flathead White Largemouth White Species catfish catfish bass Sunfish __bass _Crappie Number examined 46 1 51 21. 6 55 Number with food 20 1 16 10 4 23 Food items ___ Frequency __ Shad 3 L 7 1 6 Fish remains 11 8 3 11 Insects 3 1 10 7 Algae 2 Bird remains 1 no If an improvement in the fish population is effectuated, it is recommended that the subsequent improvement in harvest be measured. Previous creel census data are old but should yield some basis for comparison, Harvest data collected the year following renovation could be compared with data from later years to help determine when further management techniques are needed. A warden creel census program is included in the plans, specifications and estimates for Project F-5-R-13. This job should help implement the above recommendation. New Winters Lake Findings: New Winters Lake is located on Elm Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, in Runnels County. At maximum capacity the reservoir impounds 11,000 acre feet and covers 250 acres. It is the primary source of municipal water for the city of Winters, Texas. There are no charges or local regulations on fishing. The lake was netted and seined during June and July of 1964. The deplorable condition of the lake's fishery during that period are summarized in Tables 14, 15 and 16. Table 14. Results of Ten Seining Collections Obtained from New Winters Lake Prior to Renovation. (1 Collection with a 200-Foot Straight Seine, 10 Feet Deep with l-Inch Mesh) (9 Collections with a 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 549 4-8 Carp 2 7 Red shiner 11 1-3 Fathead minnow 23 2-4 River carpsucker 7 6-7 Channel catfish 1 8 Mosquitofish 8 1-3 Bluegill 70 1-4 Longear sunfish 79 2-4 Redear sunfish 1 5 Largemouth bass Ld 4-24 White crappie 95 AD Total 863 --- Page 18 --- -16- Table 15. Results of 12 Standard Nets Set in New Winters Lake Prior to Renovation, June 5, 1964 Water temperature yo" F Precipitation None General turbidity 6 inches Relative humidity 36%-90% Air temperature 87° F. Barometric pressure 27,.91-28.02 inches Wind speed and direction 5.4 mph, SE. Moon phase Last %+2 days Cloud cover 40% July 28, 1964 Water temperature 74° F, Precipitation None General turbidity 6 inches Relative humidity 27%-63% Air temperature 100° F. Barometric pressure 27.94-28.03 inches Wind speed and direction 7.1 mph, SE. Moon phase Full + 4 days Cloud cover 30% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Gizzard shad 133 22.50 14.58 oll 3,86 Carp 19 3 wt. 62.64 3.30 16.62 River carpsucker 113 19.12 55.45 249 14.70 Smallmouth buffalo 32 5.42 121.62 3.00 32 «26 Black bullhead 2 234 wll ~14 07 Channel catfish 37 6.26 46,52 1.26 12.34 Flathead catfish 4 67 29.65 7.41 7.86 Bluegill 13 2.20 67 205 sL8 Largemouth bass 4 68 13,37 3,34 3.55 White crappie L180 30.46 25.28 14 6.70 Freshwater drum _ a 9.14 6.98 213 1, 86 100. QO. Table 16. Rough Fish - Game Fish Ratio as Indicated by Netting Results from New Winters Lake Prior to Renovation. Undesirable Fish (shad, buffalo, suckers, carp, black bullheads, sunfish and crappie less than 4 ounces, and drum) 533 90.18 Desirable Fish (catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie larger than 4 ounces) 58 9.82 Total 591 100.00 On July 28, 1964, the Winters City Commission met and voted unanimously to solicit the technical assistance of Parks and Wildlife Department personnel in an effort to clear the lake of rough fish. Local fishermen were complaining of poor fishing and the lake was at a record low (1,249 acre feet covering 180 acres). --- Page 19 --- -1l7- An analysis of all previous netting data indicated that the lake had probably reached a plateau in its trend towards rough fish domination and that the fishery would continue to be inadequate until management techniques were effectuated (Table 17). Table 17, A Comparative Summary of Netting Results from New Winters Lake Prior to its Chemical Treatment on August 1, 1964. Year 1961 1962 1964 Number of Nets ; Avg Avg. Avg. Avg Avg. epecies No, Cent Wt. -"K" No. Cent Wt. "K" No. Cent __Wt. Gizzard shad 33 36.66 4.13 1.40 70 41466. .11 1.13 133 22.50 eLl Carp 0 0 0 0 9 5.36 1,84 2,22 19 3.21 3.30 River carpsucker 26 28.89 1.26 2.37 18 =10.71 .60 2,12 113 19.12 249 Smallmouth buffalo 0 0 0 0 1 -60 1.50 2.75 32 5.42 3.80 Black bullhead 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 34 14 Channel catfish 19 21.11 ool 1.43 10 5.95 46 1.30 37 6.26 1.26 Flathead catfish 1 1.11 2.31 1.58 1 -60 4.88 1.58 4 -67 7.41 Bluegill 2 2.23 .06 3.17 3 1.78 -08 2,57 13 2.20 05 Redear sunfish 1 Leil -06 3.38 0 0 0 0 0 ©) 0 Largemouth bass 0 0 0 0 2 1.19 84 1,84 4 .67 3,34 White crappie 8 8.89 »l16 2,00 38 22,62 -18 2.35 180 30.46 214 Freshwater drum ) 0 0 OQ. 16 9 53 219 (21,94 54 9.14 al} : Total 90 100.00 168 100.00 591 100.00 Since the Winters City Commission was willing to purchase the required rotenone and would sponsor complete responsibility for the treatment, a fish eradication program was recommended, The first 4 miles of the watershed, which was owned either by the city or by approving landowners, was treated with 200 pounds of powdered rotenone on July 31, 1964. The upper drainage was not treated, The lake proper was treated with 4,050 pounds of 6.7 per cent powdered rotenone on August 1, 1964. At 4.34 pounds per acre-foot this produced a concentration of 1.61 ppm, All time and expense incurred by F-5-R fishery crews in offering technical assistance for this treatment was charged to the State. Approximately 20,000 red shiners were released in Winters Lake during August following the treatment. On October 1, 1964, 18,200 largemouth bass and 12,000 channel catfish were stocked from the State hatcheries. Between the time of treatment and restocking several showers on the watershed resulted in significant run-off. These rises were probably beneficial in terms of fish food and growing room. However, several species of rough fish from the un- treated watershed were probably reintroduced as a result of these rises. Three seining collections with a 30-foot straight seine, obtained on August 17, 1964, produced only 26 mosquitofish. Netting yielded six adult rough fish, all sexually ripe (Table 18). --- Page 20 --- -18- Table 18. Results of Six Standard Nets Set in New Winters Lake after Renovation and Before Restocking. August 17, 1964 Water temperature 74° F. Precipitation None General turbidity 54 inches Relative humidity 36%-90% Air temperature 94° F, Barometric pressure 27.94-28.06 Wind speed and direction 5.6 mph, N. Moon phase First % + 1 day Cloud cover 60% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Carp 4 66,66 8.62 2.15 82.17 River carpsucker 1 16.67 62 «62 5.91 Smallmouth buffalo 1 16.67 1.25 1.25 11.92 Total 6 ___—=:100.00 10.49 100.00 _ Recommendations: Netting and seining samples should be taken during the spring or summer of 1965 to determine if additional largemouth bass and channel catfish are required. Flathead catfish should be reintroduced as soon as a stock is available. A record of the fishery harvest needs to be started. This should aid in evaluating the current renovation and indicate when inventory-type investigations need to be resumed. Lake Talpa Findings: Lake Talpa is located on the Colorado River Watershed in Coleman County. It is the water supply for the town of Talpa. On July 9, 1964, when 6 netting and 8 seining collections were obtained, the lake covered about 28 surface acres and was estimated to contain 140 acre feet of water. Talpa city officials reported that fishing was poor. They requested that recommendations for improvement be made. Seining results indicated large populations of gizzard shad, sunfish and small crappie. They also revealed that largemouth bass successfully spawned during the spring of 1964 (Table 19). Netting results indicate that shad and small crappie are very abundant. Channel catfish appear to be the most prevalent game species. No river carp- suckers were captured (Table 20). The physical condition of each species, as indicated by their "kK" factors, is included for future reference, should management techniques ever be employed (Table 21). --- Page 21 --- -19- Table 19. Results of Eight Seining Collections Obtained from Lake Talpa on July 10, 1964. (5 Collections with a 30-Foot Straight Seine, 6 Feet Deep with %-Inch Mesh) (3 Collections with a 100-Foot Straight Seine, 8 Feet Deep with 4s-Inch Mesh) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 409 1-10 Carp 3 18 Golden shiner 59 3-4 Blacktail shiner 110 4-4 Channel catfish 3 6-11 Orangespotted sunfish 3 2-3 Bluegill 180 5-5 Longear sunfish 117 2-4 Largemouth bass 26 15-6 White crappie 43 15-6 Logperch = ee 27 2-5 Total 980 Table 20. Results of Six Standard Nets Set in Lake Talpa on July 10, 1964. Water temperature 80° F. Precipitation None General turbidity 10 inches Relative humidity 15%-64% Air temperature 750-105° F. Barometric pressure 27,90-28.00 inches Wind speed and direction 10.6 mph, S. Moon phase New + 1 day Cloud cover 10% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Gizzard shad 82 39.23 15.02 1.83 29.88 Carp 9 4.31 18.68 2.07 37.17 Channel catfish 7 3.34 3.80 254 7.56 Warmouth 1 48 09 09 18 Bluegill 24 11.49 1.63 06 3.24 Largemouth bass 1 48 58 228 1.15 White crappie 85 40.67 10.46 12 20. 82 Total 209 100.00 50.26 100.00 Table 21. "K'*Range and Average "K" for all Species Netted from Lake Talpa on July 10, 1964. Species Number "kK" -Range Average "kK" Gizzard shad 82 1.23-2.00 1.69 Carp 9 2.43-2.99 2.66 Channel catfish 7 1.35-2.21 1.62 Warmouth 1 3.54 3.54 Bluegill 24 3.16-4.24 3.59 Largemouth bass 1 2.39 2.39 White crappie 85 2.,00-2.95 2.59 Total 209 --- Page 22 --- -20- Recommendations: A program of selective control of gizzard shad and stocking of game species would probably improve Lake Talpa's fishery. However, the Talpa City Council decided to wait until their water supply was less critical before considering treatment, This lake is almost on the county line between Runnels and Coleman Counties, but is actually in Coleman County. It should not have been included in the F-5-R project documents, After discovering this error, special authorization was ob- tained from the Region II fishery supervisor to proceed with the scheduled investigations. Future surveys should be conducted by fishery crews from Region II. Valley Creek Reservoir Findings: Valley Creek Reservoir is on the Colorado River Watershed in Runnels County. It is the primary source of water for the city of Ballinger. On August. 20, 1964, when six netting collections were obtained, the lake was running over the spillway. It was estimated to cover 150 acres and contain 1,350 acre feet. Since shoreline vegetation was inundated, seining was impossible. Netting samples indicated that gizzard shad, river carpsuckers and small stunted crappie were very abundant. Channel catfish appeared to be the principal fisheries asset. Although no largemouth bass were captured, the lake has had the reputation for good bass fishing (Table 22). Table 22. Results of Six Standard Nets Set in Valley Creek Reservoir on August 20, 1964, Water temperature 79° F, Precipitation None General turbidity 8 inches Relative humidity 26%-58% Air temperature 77°-102° F. Barometric pressure 27,.69-27.79 inches Wind speed and direction 13.2 mps, S. Moon phase First % + 6 days Cloud cover 40% Total Weight Average Weight Per Cent Species Number Per Cent Pounds Pounds by Weight Gizzard shad 207 47.58 26.79 13 11.66 Carp 9 2.07 48.70 5.41 21.21 River carpsucker 56 12.87 70.63 1.26 30.75 Black bullhead 1 23 223 323 ,10 Channel catfish 18 4.14 33.32 1.85 14,51 Flathead catfish 2 46 18.79 9 «39 8.18 Bluegill 17 3.91 1,26 .O7 7 Longear sunfish 1 23 eld »23 -10 White crappie 79 18.16 9.75 abe 4,24 Freshwater drum 45 10.35 19.96 44 8.70 np Total 435 100.00 229.66 100.00 --- Page 23 --- =21= Data on the physical condition of individual species, as indicated by their "K" factors, is included for comparative purposes in case renovation is under- taken at a later date (Table 23). Table 23. '"K'' Range and Average "K"' for all Species Netted from Valley Creek Reservoir on August 20, 1964. Species Number "kK" -Range Average ''K" Gizzard shad 207 1,30-1.85 1.59 Carp 9 1.92-2.,69 2,26 River carpsucker 56 2.07-2,88 2.40 Black bullhead 1 2001 2,01 Channel catfish 18 1.39-2.31 1.68 Flathead catfish 2 1.98-2.35 2.16 Bluegill 17 3.00-4. 09 3,55 Longear sunfish 1 3.39 Sta 39 White crappie 79 1.38-3.41 2.17 Freshwater drum 45 1.86-2.58 2.19 Total 435 Recommendations: It was suggested to the mayor of Ballinger that a management program should be considered and that the Parks and Wildlife Department could plan more intensive investigations should the city be interested. No formal request has been received. It is recommended that Valley Creek Reservoir's fishery problems be examined and analyzed more thoroughly under Project F-5-R-13 if city officials request the Department's services. Data obtained under this segment are inadequate to recommend any specific management procedures. c — Prepared by James F, Wilcox Approved by VA ; CAPTCHA aA Project Co-Leader ‘ Coordinator Leo D. Lewis Regional Supervisor Date June 30, 1965