TPWD 1967 F-3-R-14 #1145: Population and Reproduction Study of Channel Catfish in Lake O' the Pines, Job No. B-23, Project F-3-R-14

--- Page 1 --- JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-14 Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Job No. B-23 Population and Reproduction Study of Channel Catfish in Lake O' the Pines Project Leader: Joe H. Toole J. R. Singleton Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Hugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services March 9, 1967 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT A total of 34 channel catfish (Icotalurus punctatus) was collected from Lake O' the Pines this segment with experimental gill nets and trot lines. Hydrogen sulfide tests were conducted at monthly intervals on 8 permanent sampling stations on the reservoir to determine if toxic concentrations of the gas are periodically present. Criteria for hydrogen sulfide toxicity to channel catfish are taken from Project F-8-R-10, Job H-1 Completion Report. Extensive flooding of Lake O' the Pines during the spring and summer of 1966 provided a thorough mixing of the reservoir waters and made difficult the evaluation of hydrogen sulfide gas present. It is concluded that sufficient collections have been made to determine that only a limited population of adult channel catfish is present in Lake O' the Pines. Recommendations are made to continue this study for 1 addi- tional segment for the purpose of acquiring hydrogen sulfide data under normal water level conditions. With the completion of the coming segment recommendations for stocking advanced fingerling channel catfish in Lake O' the Pines will be made if hydrogen sulfide concentrations are found to be tolerable. --- Page 3 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Name: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Project No. F-3-R-14 Title: Population and Reproduction Study of Channel Catfish in Job No. B-23 Lake O' the Pines Period: Covered: February 1, 1966 - January 31, 1967 OBJECTIVES : To determine the need for stocking channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Lake O' the Pines. 1. To determine current population levels of channel catfish in Lake O' the Pines. &. To determine if toxic concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas are periodically present in Lake O' the Pines. TECHNIQUES USED: Standardized gill nets and trot lines were set this segment for the collection of channel catfish in Lake O' the Pines. Baited hoop nets were used during the 1965 segment but discontinued due to their lack of success. Hydrogen sulfide analyses were made at monthly intervals at 8 permanent sampling stations on the reservoir. Sodium thiosulfate-iodine titrations were used for these tests. Values for pH were recorded in conjunction with each hydrogen sulfide test as well as surface water tem- perature. Gill nets used in this study were 150 feet in length and 8 feet in depth with mesh size ranging from 1 to 34 inches. Trot lines used were constructed of nylon seine twine and equipped with 3/0 O'Shaugnessy hooks. These lines were baited with shiners, cut shad and catalpa worms. A total of 55 experimental nets were set (8,250 feet) and approximately 2,000 baited hooks were set this segment for sampling channel catfish in Lake O' the Pines. FINDINGS: Thirty-four channel catfish were collected this segment from Lake O' the Pines. Nets and trot lines were set at monthly intervals in the reservoir with the exception of June, when 3 collections were made. Table 1 contains collection dates, size data and individual condition factors for each channel catfish taken. In mid-April, 1966 the reservoir was filled by flood waters to approximately 10 vertical feet above conservation pool level. This flood- ed condition persisted through June, 1966. During this period the normally --- Page 4 --- -p- Table l Channel Catfish Collection Data _-_----------:: OvOhlhl Se '-- +--+ Date Number Length Weight "KN Sex (grams ) 2/11/66 = : “ - 3/30/66 - - - - - 4/25/66 ih - 4083 - - 5/24/66 2 255 304 1.83 male - 3 6/8/66 9 522 3176 2.23 female 500 1758 ke 41 male - 3 596 1021 1. 64 female - 3 295 1539 2.10 female - 5 295 404 80 female - 5 280 412 1.88 female - 3 172 82 1.61 male - 3 262 314 1.76 male - 3. 261 505 aaa immature 6/10/66 13 503 2495 1.96 male - 5 439 1474 1.74 male - 5 420 1503 2.03 male - 5 364 851 1.46 female - 5 288 464 1.94 male - 3 250 562 2.52 female - 3 261 360 2.05 female - 3 220 213 2.00 male - 3 225 141 1.24 female - 3 --- Page 5 --- -3- Table 1 Cont. Channel Catfish Collection Data Date Number Length Weight "KN" Sex (grams ) 6/10/66 193 107. 1.49 immature 179 106 1.85 female - 3 179 97 1.69 immature 183 102 1.66 male - 3 6/29/66 2 189 101 1.50 female - 3 400 1219 1.91 female - 2 7/66 2 = = - - 8/66 - - . - . ~ 9/30/66 2 275 392 1.88 female - 5 185 90 1.42 immature 10/2/66 2 “ = - 7 11/22/66 il 318 652 2.03 male - 3 12/66 ~ = 7 = - 1/67 “ - - - _ "K" Range 1.24 - 2.32 Average "K" - 1.79 clear waters of the reservoir were throughly mixed and a homogeneous condi- tion prevailed. This flushing action no doubt dissipated any stratified concentrations of toxic hydrogen suflide gas in the reservoir. As contained in Table <, Lake 0' the Pines Hydrogen Sulfide Study 1966, only occasional traces of hydrogen sulfide gas were found. --- Page 6 --- l= The results of laboratory tests under Project F-8-R-10, Job H-l, were used as criteria in this study for determining lethal concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas. According to these findings the median lethal dosage (LD 50) of un-ionized hydrogen sulfide is 0.8 p.p.m. at pH 6.8, 0.7 p.p.m. from pH.7.0 to pH 7.6 and 0.6 p.p.m. at pH of 7.8 for channel catfish fry. At pH of 7.0 the LD 50 was found to be 1.0 p.p.m. for fingerling catfish, 1.3 for advanced fingerlings and 1.4 for adult channel catfish. The highest concentration of hydrogen sulfide recorded this segment was a reading of .618 p.p.m. un-ionized at the Johnson Creek station on September 23. The pH reading at this date was 7.1. A concentration of .337 un-ionized HeS was recorded at this same station number 5, oa October 25, with a pH reading of 7.3. On November 21, the un-ionized Hgs had dropped to .187 p.p.m. with a pH reading of 6.8. ° On January 4, 1967 no hydrogen sulfide was found at station number 3. Factors used to compute the un-ionized hydrogen sulfide in p.p.m. from total hydrogen sulfide content was taken from Standard Methods for the Examination of Water, Sewage and Industrial Wastes. These data are contained in Table é@. A wide range of pH values was recorded at the various stations in the reservoir. The lowest pH of 6.5 was recorded at station number 1 on November 21, 1966. The highest reading was pH 8.6 recorded at station number 4 on April 14, 1966. The pH values for each analysis are listed in Table 3. All pH readings were made with a colorimetric method with a Hach direct reading colorimeter. Table 3 also contains surface water temperatures for each analysis. Of the 34 channel catfish collected this segment, 24 were taken during the flood period in the month of June. A total of 15 experimental gill nets were set and approximately 300 baited hooks were set in conjunction with netting activities. Individual fish taken during this period ranged from 82 grams in weight to 7 pounds. Fifteen immature channel catfish were collected. Condition factors ("K" factors) ranged from 1.24 to 2.52 with the average "K" being 1.79. Two adult females were approaching ripeness. All individuals were in good physical condition. Gonadal examinations revealed no abnor-~- malities. As the reservoir returned to normal pool level in early August, 1966, 5 nets were set but no channel catfish were taken. In September collections, 2 fish were netted, a spent female and an immature specimen. One additional catfish was collected in November, 1966. --- Page 7 --- Bus Table & Factors to Compute Un-ionized Hydrogen Sulfide From Total Hydrogen Sulfide Contents pH Factor pH Factor pH Factor 5.0 0.98 6.8 0.44 7.7 0.091 5.4 0.95 6.9 0.39 7.8 0.073 5.8 0.89 7.0 0.33 7.9 0.059 6.0 0.838 tal 0.29 8.0 0.048 6.2 0.76 Tae 0.24 Buk 0.031 6.4 0.67 7.3 0.23 8.4 0.020 6.5 0.61 7.4 0.17 8.8 0.0079 6.6 0.56 7.5 0.14 9.28 0.0032 6.7 0.50 7.6 Q.11 9.6 0.0013 These factors are applicable at a temperature of 25°C. For temperatures below 20°C. or above 30°C. or for sewages having a mineral solids content exceeding 2,000 mg/1, suitable corrections should be made. Industrial Wastes, page 274. It is probable that the channel catfish taken in the June collections entered Lake O' the Pines from Wilkes Reservoir, a private lake located on the upper reaches of Johnson Creek. This reservoir has a substantial channel catfish population and the fish could have readily entered Lake O' the Pines during the flood period. Figure 1, indicates size range of the channel catfish taken in the June 10, collection. Figure 2, is a photograph of the flood crest at highway 729 bridge on Johnson Creek on Lake O' the Pines. It should also be noted that the entire June collection of channel catfish was made near the dam, in an area below the mouth of Johnson Creek. It is logical that fish entering Lake O' the Pines through Johnson Creek would be in this area during flood stage. 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Channel catfish collected during flood conditions Figure 2. Peak of flood waters May, 1966 --- Page 11 --- mw ly WU sy |, om di! --- =. - Station 2 x --- Page 12 --- 21 O= CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS : The extensive flooding of Lake 0' the Pines this year provided, tem- porarily, a better habitat for channel catfish with the flushing action and thorough mixing of the waters. Inversely, it was detrimental to the estab- lishment of hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the reservoir. Also, as previously mentioned, the samples of channel catfish collected in Juné} in all probability, entered the reservoir during flood stage and cannot be con- sidered as a valid sample of the native channel catfish population. It is concluded that only a very limited population of adult channel catfish exists in Lake O' the Pines. Spawning activities are very limited at best. It is recommended that this job be continued for 1 additional segment to secure additional hydrogen sulfide evaluations in normal conservation poo]. con-~ ditions. Additional stocking of advanced fingerling channel catfish will be recommended with the termination of this study if hydrogen sulfide levels are found to be tolerable. Prepared by Joe B. Toole Approved 7 Project Leader Coordinator Date March 9, 1967 Charles E. Gray Fisheries Supervisor