TPWD 1968 F-4-R-15 #1193: Region 2-A Fisheries Study: Job No. B-37 Fishery Management Recommendations

--- Page 1 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. Fe4-Re15 REGION 2-A FISHERIES STUDY Job No. Be37: Fishery Management Recommendations Project Leader: Charles T. Menn J. R. Singleton Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas, Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services July 22, 1969 --- Page 2 --- Summary During this segment 15 major public lakes in North Central Texas were checked on a quarterly basis. From 5 to 15 netting collections were made on each lake. Data were recorded for the specimens taken in the netting and seining collec- tions, and notes were made on aquatic vegetation. Game fish species comprised 50 per cent or more of the total number of fish taken in 5 lakes. But rough fish species, by weight, were dominant in 14 of the 15 lakes checked. In 7 lakes the rough fish species comprised more than 80 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken. Some consideration should be given to controlling the rough fish species in those lakes. Aquatic vegetation control work should be done at Lakes Graham and Wichita immediately. Lotus and cattails are likely to blanket many prime fishing areas if they are allowed to go unchecked. This job should be continued so that we may be able to keep abreast of changes in the fish populations. This information will be valuable in managing the fisheries of this aréa. --- Page 3 --- Job Progress Report State of Texas Project No. Fe4=R-15_ Name: Region 2-A Fisheries Studies Job No. B-37 Title: Fishery Management Recommendations Period Covered: __ January 1, 1968 to December 31, 1968 Objectives: To determine the need for, in Region 2-A waters: 1. Changes in fish harvest regulations. 2. Population control. 3. Stocking. 4. Evaluation of commercial netting. 5. Vegetation control. Procedures: Proposed fishing regulations for the Possum Kingdom Regulatory Authority area were discussed at a Game Management Officer-Biologist meeting prior to being present- ed at public hearings. Then they were presented to the Commissioners of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The regulations were based upon results and findings of surveys and work done in this region, and they set seasons, bag and possession limits, and means and methods of harvest. Fifteen major public lakes in the region were divided into 3 groups: less than 5,000 acres, more than 5,000 acres, and more than 10,000 acres. From 5 to 15 nets, based on the size of the lake, were set overnight in each lake during each quarter. Experimental gill nets, 150 feet long with varying mesh sizes from 1 to 3% inches, and a 20-foot seine were used to make the fish collections. The game fish species were weighed and measured individually. A representative sample of rough fish species were weighed and measured and the remainder of rough fish were counted and bulk weighed. Seining collections were checked for game fish species primarily. Notes were made on the game fish and the forage fish species taken. Stocking recommendations were based on seining collection data. Gill netting data were used in considering whether or not a contract fisherman might be beneficial to a lake. Notes were made on the types of aquatic vegetation present and whether or not it interfered with access or fishability. Table l is a hecklist of all fish taken in the netting and seining collections during this segment. g t. Only common names are used in the report. --- Page 4 --- Common Name Spotted gar Longnose gar Threadfin shad Gizzard shad Smallmouth buffalo River carpsucker Gray redherse Spotted sucker Carp Golden shiner Blacktail shiner Red shiner Fathead minnow Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead Yellow bullhead Flathead catfish Blackstripe topminnow Mosquitofish Brook silverside White bass Spotted bass Largemouth bass Warmouth Green sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill Yellowbelly Longear sunfish White crappie Black crappie Logperch Freshwater drum Findings: «Je Table 1 Lake Pat Cleburne Checklist of Fish Species Scientific Name Se ae isosteus oculatus episosteus osseus ae , petenense 2 cepedianum Ictiobus bubaius Carpiodes carpio Moxostoma congestum Minytrema mélanops Cyprinus carpio Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis venustus Notropis lutrensis Pimephales 3 promelas icta tu , Be unctatus cus furcatus rus melas ictaiuras ne Lees. 18 punctulatus salmoides Nat “hus gu wLosus Termes & eee miexolophus nigromaculatus EAREASES us niens Gill Netting: A total of 286 specimens of 14 species was taken in 20 netting collections made on this lake near Cleburne in Johnson Counts. The combined results of the 4 netting trips are shown in Table 2. It is interesting to rote that game fish species comprised more than 51 per cent of the number and weight = a.. fish taken. This is probably due to the fact that Lake Pat Cleburne is a actively new reservoir; it was built in 1963. ra --- Page 5 --- ae Table 2 Lake Pat Cleburne Netting Results = 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number __(Pounds) of Weight Gizzard shad L/ 53 18.53 10.50 4.33 Smallmouth buffaio 4/ 32 11.19 40.28 16.60 River carpsucker 1/ 21 7.34 19.68 8.11 Carp L/ 28 9.79 39.41 16.24 Channel catfish 43 15.04 70.17 28.92 Blue catfish Ll 0.35 2.81 1.16 Yellow bullhead 8 2.80 2,90 1.20 White bass 15 5.24 8.60 3.54 Largemouth bass 14 4.90 19.20 7.91 Warmouth 1 0.35 0.12 0.04 Green sunfish 1 0.35 0.13 0.05 Bluegill 25 8.74 2.43 1.00 White crappie 40 13.99 19.25 7.93 Freshwater drum L/ 4 1.39 7.20 2.97 Total 286 100.00 242.68 100.00 Rough Fish 138 48.24 117.07 48.25 game Fish 148 51.76 125.61 Sle /5 1/ Indicates rough fish species Gizzard shad, the most frequently encountered rough fish Species, comprised 18.53 per cent of the total number and 4.33 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken in the netting collections. Smallmouth buffalo, carp, and river carpsucker, in that order, were the most abundant rough fish species taken. Channel catfish were the most abundant game fish Species taken in the nets at Lake Pat Cleburne. White crappie were the next most abundant. In addition, there appears te be good populations of white bass and largemouth bass in the lake. Seining Collections: Two seining collections were made in conjunction with the netting trips. Small gizzard shad, from 4 to 9 inches were the most abundant fish taken. The only other fish taken were 2 red shiners and 1 fathead minnow. No catfish, bass, or crappie were taken. Even though no game fish were taken, evidence of sufficient forage was found. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in this lake at this time. Lake Nocona Gili Netting: in the 20 netting collections made on Lake Nocona, Montague County, during 1968, 573 fish of 13 species were taken (Table 3). Overall, game fish species comprised 55.49 per cent of the total number of all fish taken, but only 20.15 per cent of the total weight. --- Page 6 --- oie Table 3 Lake Nocona Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number __{(Founds) of Weight @iozard shad ~! 31 5.44 5.73 0.66 Smallmouth buffalo 2/ 2 0.35 31.23 3.62 River carpsucker Lo 146 25.48 589.17 68.18 Carp £ 73 12.74 57.59 6.67 Channel catfish 25 4.36 30.59 3.54 Flathead catfish 7 1.22 12.05 1.39 White bass 54 9.42 71.00 8.22 Largemouth bass 21 3.67 36.15 4.18 Green sunfish 1 0.17 0.09 0.01 Bivegill 55 9.60 3.98 0.46 Yellowbelly sunfish 1 0.17 0.905 0.01 White crappie 154 26.88 20.23 2.34 Freshwater drum L 3 0.53 6.24 0.72 Total 573 100.00 864.10 100.00 Rough Fish 255 4A. 51 689.96 79.85 Game Fish 318 55.49 174.14 20.15 eens amen t 1/ Indicates rough fish species White crappie, bluegill, white bass, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, in that order, were the most frequently taken game fish species. The white crappie population appears to be stunted; the average weight was slight- iy more than 2 ounces. Other than this, the game fish population seems to be in relatively good shape. River carpsucker ranked first in total number and total weight among the rough fish species. They comprised more than 60 per cent of the total weight of ail fish taken in the nets. No other rough fish species seems to be a problem at this time. Seining Collections: Several seining collections were made on this lake. Brook silversides were the most abundant; however, 2 largemouth bass (1 to % inches) and Ll white crappie (1% inch) were also taken. The game fish indicate successful repro- duction. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in this lake et this time. The turbidity, caused by wind action and rough fish, is sufficient to prevent the develop-~- ment of large beds of submerged vegetation. --- Page 7 --- =5- Possum Kingdom Lake Gill Netting: Sixty netting collections were made during 1968 on Possum Kingdom Lake, Palo Pinto County. The results are shown in Table 4. Rough fish species comprised 52.49 per cent of the total number and 69.10 per cent of the total weight. Gizzard shad, the most frequently taken fish, comprised 28.78 per cent of the total number of the fish taken in the nets. Smallmouth buffalo comprised 8.59 per cent of the total number but more than 28 per cent of the total weight. Table 4 Lake Possum Kingdom Netting Results ~ 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight Longnose gar Ai 48 4.97 119.72 10.22 Threadfin shad 1/ 26 2.69 2.89 0.25 Gizzard shad L/ 278 28.78 157.61 13.45 Smallmouth buffalo 4/ 83 8.59 330.70 28.22 River_carpsucker 4 37 3.83 92.84 7.92 Carp + 24 2.49 77.15 6.58 Channel catfish 76 7.87 114.55 9.78 Flathead catfish 12 1.24 47.94 4,09 White bass 115 11.90 83.44 Tedd Spotted bass 6 0.62 5.01 0.43 Largemouth bass 44 4.56 61.53 5.25 Warmouth 6 0.62 1.85 0.16 Green sunfish 14 1.45 2.25 0.19 Redear sunfish 24 2.48 6.00 0.51 Bluegill 139 14.39 31.16 2.66 Yellowbelly sunfish 2 0.21 0.61 0.05 Longear sunfish 3 0.31 0.22 0.02 White crappie - 18 1.86 7.54 0. 64 Freshwater drum 4/ 11 1.14 28.82 2.46 Total 966 100.00 1,171.83 100.00 Rough Fish 507 52.49 812.73 69.10 Game Fish 459 47.51 ak 359.10 30.90 1/ Indicates rough fish species Bluegill, white bass, and channel catfish, in that order, were the most frequent= ly taken game fish species. Despite the relatively low percentage of crappie, the ones taken seem to be in good shape. Generally, the game fish population is good despite the age of the lake. Seining Collections: Breok Silversides, blacktail shiners, largemouth bass, and bluegills were taken in the seining collections. The brook silversides were the mest abundant and widely distributed species. --- Page 8 --- abe The small bags (2 to 4 inch) indicated that there had been a good spawn in Lake Possum Kingdom. Vegetation: Generally, aquatic vegetation is not 4 problem in this lake. How- ever, some persons with lake front property have complained about the pondweeds, Potamogeton. Recommendations were made to individual, upon request, for its control. Lake_ Graham Gill Netting: Netting results, based on 20 netting collections, indicate that rough fish species are dominant in Lake Graham, Young County. Rough fish species comprised 61.51 per cent of the total number and 80.19 per cent of the totel weight. Gizzard shad alone represented 43.65 per cent of the total catch (Table 5). Since few gar were taken in the nets, it seems that the bass and crappie are the shad's primary natural predators, however, they do net seem to be very effective in controll- ing the shad. At this time, no other rough fish species seems to be a problem. Table 5 Lake Graham Netting Results © 1568 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number __ (Pounds) of Weight spotted gar 2/ 2 0.40 2.18 0.45 Gizzard shad L/ ; 220 42.65 44.77 9.23 Smallmouth buffalo ~ 15 2.98 116.23 23.96 River carpsucker = 44 8.73 145.90 30.08 Carp £ 13 2.58 40.56 8.36 Golden shiner 4/ 3 0.60 0.48 0.10 Channel catfish 29 ef 33,70 6.95 Flathead catfish 8 1.59 42.13 8.69 Largemouth bass 20 3.97 23.45 4.77 Warmouth 4 0.79 0.69 0.14 Green sunfish 6 L.1y 0.59 0.19 Redear sunfish 7 1.39 1.18 0.24 Bluegill 63 12.50 8.63 1.78 Yellowbelly suntish 3 0.60 O.79 0.14 White crappie , 54 10.71 18.7) 3.86 Freshwater dram 2/ i3 2.57 5 1.06 Total 504 100.00 435.04 100.00 Rough Fish 310 61.51 355027 80.19 Game Fish 194 38.49 29.97 19.81 nna neen ne {/ Indicates rough fish species Bluegill, white crappie, and channel catfish were the most abundant game fish species taken in the netting collections. Largemexth bass comprised 3.97 per cent of the total number of fish taken in the collections. The reowgh fish population, parti~ cularly the shad, should be reduced if possible. --- Page 9 --- <7- Seining Collections: Brook silversides, blacktail shiners, gizzard shad, large- mouth bass, bluegill, and blackstripe topminnow were taken in the seining collections. The shad and the silversides were the most frequently taken fish. The small bass, from 2 to 4 inches, indicated that they had spawned. Vegetation: Lotus (Nelumbo sp.) and cattails (Typha latifolia) are becoming a problem in the upper reaches of the lake. In August we estimated that there were approximately 6 acres of lotus in the north end of the lake. The local Game Management Officer estimated approximately 200 acres of cattails scattered around the lake's shore- line. Both of these plants are likely to cover prime fishing areas if they are not controlled. Lake Bridgeport Gill Netting: Sixty netting collections were made during 1968 on Lake Bridge- port, Wise County. The results are shown in Table 6. Game fish species comprised 57.72 per cent of the total number and 31.43 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken in the nets. Table 6 Lake Bridgeport Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds ) of Weight Spotted gar L/ 2 0.17 5.86 0.36 Longnese gar L/ 9 0.73 67.17 4.17 Gizzard shad L/ 37 3.04 16.20 1.01 Smallmouth buffalo 4/ 219 17.98 515.09 31.97 River Carpsucker 2/ 216 17.73 364,38 22.62 Carp L 14 1.15 64.55 4.01 Channel catfish 43 3.53 75.03 4.67 Flathead catfish 10 0.82 54.72 3.40 White bass 197 16.17 155.52 9.65 Largemouth bass 52 4.27 44.68 2.77 Green sunfish 4 0.33 0.42 0.03 Bluegill 55 4.52 7.48 0.46 White crappie ; 342 28.08 168.58 10.46 Freshwater drum 4/ 18 1.48 71.33 4.43 Total 1,218 100.00 1,611.01 100.00 Rough Fish 515 42.28 1,104.58 68.57 Game Fish 703 57.72 506.43 31.43 1/7 Indicates rough fish species White crappie, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, and white bass, in that order, were the most frequently taken fish. Of all the lakes checked during this year, Bridgeport has one of the best crappie populations. Not only are they abundant but there is also a good size range, and they are in good condition as shown by the average "K'" factor, 2.67. --- Page 10 --- =8> The smallmouth buffalo and the river carpsucker combined comprised more than 35 per cent of all fish taken in the nets. Thus these 2 species might be considered a problem in Lake Bridgeport. Since gizzard shad comprised only 3.04 per cent of all fish taken in the nets, they could hardly be considered a problem fish at this time. Seining Collections: Few seining collections were made on this lake due to the windy weather. When collections were made, gizzard shad, brook silversides, mosquito-~ fish, and bluegiils were usually found. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in Lake Bridgeport at this time. Several patches of pondweed were found in the shallow water areas of the lake, but it is not considered to be a problem. Lake Benbrook Gill Netting: Twenty netting collections were made on Lake Benbrook, Tarrant County, during this segment. A total of 639 fish of 15 species was taken in the nets (Table 7). Rough fish species were dominant both in number and weight. Spotted sucker, found only in this lake during this survey, were the most fregquentiy taken fish; they comprised 22.69 per cent of the total number. River carpsucker and gizzard shad, in that order, were the second and third most abundant fish taken in the nets at Benbrook. Table 7 Lake Benbrook Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) _ of Weight Giveard shad L! 104 16.28 40.82 4.82 River carpsucker 2/ 121 18.94 418.23 49.37 Spotted sucker L/ 145 22.69 106.64 12.59 Carp = 40 6.26 132.05 15.47 Golden shiner 4/ 14 2.19 2.80 0.33 Channel catfish 6 0.94 17.58 2.08 Flathead catfish 2 0.31 11.36 1.34 White bass 51 7.98 51.38 6.97 Largemouth bass 13 2.04 13.92 1.65 Warmouth 1 0.16 0.09 0.0L Green sunfish 2 O.oL % 0.26 0.03 Bluegill 60 9.39 7.49 0.87 White crappie 36 5.63 15.08 1.78 Black crappie . 1 0.16 0.36 0.04 Freshwater drum 4/ 43 6.72 30.15 3.55 Total 639 100.00 847.12 100.90 Rough Fish 467 73.08 729.69 86.13 Game Fish 172 26.92 117.43 13.87 1/ Indicates rough fish species --- Page 11 --- Qu Among the game fish species, bluegill ranked first (9.39 per cent), white bass canked second (7.98 per cent), and white crappie ranked third (5.63 per cent). Channel catfish comprised only 0.94 per cent of the fish taken in the nets. Generally, cat- fish are not too difficult to net and this low percentage indicates that there is not a large population of catfish in Benbrook. The reason for this situation is not fully understood, especially since fishermen report good catches of catfish. Seining Collections: Several small largemouth bass (1 to 3 inches} were taken in the September seining collections. These small bass indicate that a natural spawn had occurred. Brook silverside, mosquitofish, and gizzard shad were found in good numbers. Vegetation: Pondweed and lotus were found in 2 creeks on the south side of the lake, but neither plant is a problem at this time. Lake Cisco Gill Netting: Gizzard shad were the most frequently taken fish in the netting collections made on Lake Cisco, Eastland County, during 1968 (Table 8). Shad comprised 23.20 per cent of the total number. Bluegill, carp, and crappie, in that order, were the next most abundant species taken in the nets. Overail, game fish species comprised 51.63 per cent of the total number and 31.35 per cent of the total weight. Despite the fact that this is a fairly old lake, the fish population is in comparatively good shape. Table 8 Lake Cisco Netting Results = 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight _ Gizzard shad 4/ 71 23.20 28.66 6.60 River carpsucker i/ 23 7.52 67.67 L5.5/ Carp L/ 47 15.36 200.44 46.13 Golden shiner 4/ 7 2.29 1.52 0.35 Channel catfish 17 5.56 19.40 4.47 Flathead catfish 9 2.94 69.18 15.92 Largemouth bass 20 6.54 23.75 5.47 Green sunfish 2 0.65 0,19 0.04 Redear sunfish 6 1.96 1.23 0.28 Bluegill 69 22.55 9.35 2.15 White crappie 35 11.43 13.11 3.02 Total 306 100.00 434.50 100.00 Rough Fish 148 48.37 298.29 68.65 Game Fish 158 51.63 136.21 31.35 1/ Indicates rough fish species --- Page 12 --- “10« Seining Collections: Few seining collections were made since only one good site was found. No specimens were taken in any of the seining collections. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a probiem in this relatively clear water lake. Apparently the water level fluctuates enough to prevent a serious problem from developing. Lake Leon Gill Netting: In the netting collections made on Lake Leon, Eastland County, game fish species comprised 55.89 per cent of the total fish and 19.94 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken (Table 9). White crappie comprised nearly 37 per cent of the fish taken in the nets. Even though largemouth bass were infrequently taken, the ones taken were in gocd shape. The average weight of the bass was more than 2 pounds. Lake Leon has been considered a "hot" bass lake by many anglers for a number of years. Also, some of the largest crappie were taken from this lake. Table 9 Lake Leon Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) _ of Weight spotted gar +/ 1 0.31 1.68 0.26 Gizzard shad 4/ | 13 4.04 1.48 0.22 Smallmouth buffalo L 105 32.61 442.66 67.01 River carpsucker L/ 13 4.04 37.02 5.60 Carp L/ 9 2.80 43.89 6.64 Channel catfish 39 12.11 58.21 8.81 Flathead catfish 1 0.31 12.92 1.96 Yellow bullhead 1 0.31 0.16 0.02 Largemouth bass 9 2.80 19.16 2.91 Warmouth 1 0.31 0.05 0.01 Bluegill 10 3.10 0.71 0.11 White crappie 119 36.95 39.79 6.02 Freshwater drum L/ 1 0.31 2.87 0.43 Total 322 100.90 660.60 100.00 Rough Fish 142 44.11 529.60 80.16 Game Fish 180 . 55.89 131.00 19.94 cpa sonic eme 1/ Indicates rough fish species Smallmouth buffalo comprised 32.61 per cent of all fish taken in the nets. Despite the large numbers of shad seen "schooling" near the surface of the water, they comprised only 4.04 per cent of the total number of fish taken. Seining Collections: Mosquitofish and blacktail shiners were taken in the seining collections. Mosquitofish, the most frequently taken fish, are not considered to be too important as a forage species. --- Page 13 --- aT Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation was not a problem in Lake Leon during this study period. Lake Grapevine Gill Netting: Rough fish species (spotted and longnose gars, threadfin and gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, carp, and freshwater drum) comprised 57.84 per cent of the total number and 87.77 per cent of the total weight of the fish taken in the 40 netting collections made on this Tarrant County lake. River carpsucker, smallmouth buffalo, gizzard shad, and carp were the most frequently taken rough fish species (Table 10). Table 10 Lake Grapevine Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight Spotted gar L/ 8 1.14 12.19 0.93 Longnose gar Lf Li 1.57 46.01 3.50 Threadfin shad L/ 1 0.14 0.03 0.00 Gizzard shad 1/ 85 12.14 95.94 7.31 Smallmouth buffalo L/ 90 12.86 458.05 34.88 River carpsucker |/ 127 18.14 385.33 29,35 Carp L 73 10.43 148.53 11.31 Channel catfish 13 10.43 18.76 1.43 Flathead catfish 2 1.86 8.28 0.63 White bass 83 11.86 53.48 4.07 Largemouth bass 29 4.14 15.12 1015 Redear sunfish 1 0.14 0.35 0.02 Bluegill 48 6.86 4.82 0.37 White crappie 119 17.00 59.91 4.56 Freshwater drum L/ 10 1.42 6.38 0.49 Total 700 100.00 1,313.18 100.00 Rough Fish 405 57.84 1,152.46 87.77 Game Fish 295 42.16 160.72 12.23 ee ene eS i/ Indicates rough fish species White crappie and white bass were the most common game fish species taken in the nets. Some of the best crappie taken during the year came from this lake. The average "K'" factor was 2.68 and the "kK"! range was 0.65 to 4.55 Seining Collections: Several seining collections were made on Grapevine during the year. Blacktail, red shiners, and brook silversides were taken in good numbers. No game fish species were taken in the seining collections. Vegetation: No aquatic vegetation was found to be a problem in this lake. In several backwater areas, some small patches of pondweeds were found; however they are not a problem. --- Page 14 --- «12- Lake Wichita Gill Netting: Rough fish species (spotted and iongnose gars, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, carp, and freshwater drum) dominated the netting collections both in number and weight. The rough fish species comprised 85.85 per cent of the total number and 87.02 per cent of the total weight (Table 11). Gizzard shad, river carpsucker, and smallmouth buffalo, in that order, comprised more than 80 per cent of the total number of fish taken in the netting collections. Table 1l Lake Wichita Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds ) of Weight spotted gar L/ 19 2.54 32.47 2.94 Longnose gar i/ 5 0.67 10.23 0.93 Gizzard shad L/ 302 40.38 68.88 6.24 Smallmouth buffalo 2/ 148 19.79 388.71 35.24 River carpsucker L 151 20.19 382.26 34.64 Carp L 15 2.01 74.16 6.73 Channel catfish 12 1.61 34.45 3.12 White bass 57 7.62 67.39 6.11 Largemouth bass 11 1.47 30.66 2.78 Bluegill L 0.13 0.22 0.02 White crappie 25 3.34 10.53 0.95 Freshwater drum 1 2 0.27 3.28 0.30 Total 748 100.00 1,103.24 100.00 Rough Fish 642 85.85 959.99 87.02 Game Fish 106 14.15 143.25 12.98 i 1/ Indicates rough fish species. White bass and white crappie were the most frequently taken game fish; a total of 82 was taken in the netting collections. Even though relatively few largemouth bass were taken, most of them ranged in weight from 1 to aimest 7 pounds. Seining Collections: Seining collections were made in june and September in Lake Wichita, Wichita County. The following fish were taken: gizzard shad, 50; blacktail shiner, 2; red shiner, 2: brook silverside, 700; and freshwater drum, 4. The shiners are probably more desirable forage than the silversides, which were abundant in Lake Wichita. Vegetation: In August we estimated that approximately 100 acres of the lake were covered by lotus and approximately 25 acres covered with cattails. Most of the lotus were located in the relatively shallow west end, and the cattails were scattered around most of the shoreline. The vegetation should be controlled before it gets too bad and covers prime fishing waters. --- Page 15 --- Gill Netting: a Gs Lake Kemp (channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, gill, and white crappie) comprised 45.11 per cent of the total number but only 24.81 Even though biuegiil comprised 21.91 per cent of all fish taken in the nets, they are not considered to per cent of the total weight of all fish taken (Table 12). be a significant part of the sport fishery at Lake Kemp. Species Spotted gar L/ Threadfin shad if Gizzard shad + Smallmouth buffalo L/ River_carpsucker i Carp = Channel catfish Flathead catfish White bass Largemouth bass Green sunfish Bluegill White crappie Freshwater drum L/ Total Rough Fish Game Fish Table 12 Lake Kemp Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Number Total Number 5 0.34 16 1.09 145 9.84 121 8.21 401 27.20 111 1033 49 3.32 Ld 0.75 123 8.34 109 7.39 6 0.41 323 21.91 44 2.99 10 0.68 1,474 100.00 809 54.89 665 45.11 1/ Indicates rough fish species. Total Weight (Pounds) | 12.63 1.72 37.38 Sixty netting collections were made on Lake Kemp, Baylor County, during 1968. A total of 1,474 fish of 14 species was taken. Game fish species largemouth bass, green sunfish, blue- Per Cent of Weight 0.75 0.10 2.23 20.86 37.35 13.42 2.97 4.37 4.53 9.64 0.06 2.52 0.74 0.46 100.00 75.18 24.81 River carpsucker, gizzard shad, and smalimouth buffalo, collectively, comprised more than 45 per cent of ail fish taken and more than 60 per cent of the total weight. Overall, the rough fish species comprised nearly 55 per cent of the totai number and more than 75 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken in the netting collection. Seining Collections: 1 collection was made in September. Due to the difficulty in making seining collections, only In two 20-foot drags, only 1 bluegill was taken. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in this lake at this time. --- Page 16 --- wall die Lake Diversion Gill Netting: Rough fish species (spotted gar, longnose gar, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, and carp) comprised 66.08 per cent of the total number and 85.65 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken in the nets (Table 13). Smallmouth buffalo comprised 35.70 per cent of the number and 62.85 per cent of the total weight of the fish taken in the collections. White bass and white crappie were the most frequently taken game fish species. Together they comprised 20.76 per cent of the total number of fish taken. Table 13 Lake Diversion Netting Results ~ 1968 Total Per Gent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds ) of Weight Spotted gar 2/ 1 0.25 1.93 0.30 Longnose gar L/ 1 0.25 12.74 1.99 Gizzard shad L/ Ld 11.14 16.54 2.58 Smallmouth buffalo L/ 141 35.70 403.04 62.85 River garpsucker L 66 16.71 89.16 13.90 Carp 4 8 2.03 25.82 4.03 Channel catfish 14 3.54 16.09 2.51 Flathead catfish 4 1.01 11.60 1.81 White bass 51 12.91 32.03 4.99 Largemouth bass 12 3.04 21.41 3.34 Bluegill 22 5.57 3.64 0.56 White crappie 31 7.85 Toa h 1.14 Total 395 100.00 641.31 100.00 Rough Fish 261 66.08 549.23 85.65 Game Fish 134 33.92 92.08 14.35 ee i1/ Indicates rough fish species Seining Collections: Three blacktail shiners were taken in the only seining collection made. Vegetation: In general, aquatic vegetation isnot a problem in this lake. However, approximately 4 acres of cattails were noted along with some scattered patches of pondweeds and some musk grass (Chara sp.). Most of the vegetation is located in the still, backwater areas of the lake. Proctor Lake Gill Netting: Rough fish species (spotted gar, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, carp, and freshwater drum) were dominant both in number and weight in this Comanche County lake (Table 14). They comprised 69.78 per cent of the number and 74.22 per cent of the weight. Gizzard shad, freshwater drum, river carpsucker, and carp, in that order, were the most frequently taken rough fish. --- Page 17 --- = 1 5% Table 14 Lake Proctor Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight Spotted gar L/ 1 0.09 0.94 0.10 Gizzard shad L/ 214 18.52 25.07 2.65 Smallmouth buffalo L/ 42 3.64 102.08 10.79 River carpsucker 4 202 17.49 302.96 32.03 Carp L/ 134 11.60 108.45 11.47 Channel catfish 4&7 4,07 55.90 5.91 Black bullhead 8 0.69 1.89 0.20 Yellow bullhead 10 0.87 2.98 0.31 Flathead catfish 5 0.43 29.64 3.13 Largemouth bass 19 1.65 41.55 4.39 Warmouth 2 0.17 0.19 0.02 Green sunfish 1 “0.09 0.07 0.01 Redear sunfish 1 0.09 0.08 0.01 Bluegill 34 2.94 3.42 0.36 White crappie 222 19.22 108.25 11.44 Freshwater drum 1/ 213 18.44 162.49 17.18 Total 1,155 100.06 945.96 100.00 Rough Fish 806 69.78 701.99 74.22 Game Fish 349 30.22 243.97 25.78 Sg eee 1/ Indicates rough fish species. White crappie were the most frequently taken fish; a total of 222 crappie was taken during the year. They accounted for nearly 20 per cent of all fish. Channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, in that order, comprised more than 8 per cent of all fish taken in the collections. Seining Collections: Gizzard shad and small largemouth bass (2 to 3 inches) were the most frequently taken fish in the seining collections. Also, logperch, biue- gills, and redear sunfish were taken. The small bass indicated natural reproduction. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a probkem in this lake. Apparently the water level fluctuates enough to control the vegetation. Lake Waco Gill Netting; A total of 744 fish of 19 species was taken in the netting collections in Lake Waco, McLennan County. Game fish species comprised 44.48 per cent of the total number and 25.01 per cent of the total weight (Table 15). White crappie were the most frequently taken fish. A total of 159 crappie was taken during the year. In addition, largemouth and channel catfish were taken in good numbers. --- Page 18 --- -16- Table 15 Lake Waco Netting Results - 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight spotted gar 2/ Ok 0.54 11.85 1.46 Longnose gar L/ 4 0.54 6.03 0.74 Gizzard shad 4/ | 157 21.10 53.74 6.60 Smallmouth buffalo i 77 10.35 221.66 27.21 River carpsucker L/ 72 9.68 137.93 16.93 Gray redhorse — 9 1.21 14.10 1.73 Carp 4 43 5.78 145.78 17.90 Golden shiner 4/ 15 2.02 2.71 0.33 Channel catfish 55 7.39 60.32 7.41 Black bullhead 1 0.14 0.14 0.01 Flathead catfish 6 0.80 17.10 2.09 White bass 1 0.14 0.64 0.07 Largemouth bass 68 9.13 41.69 5.12 Warmouth 1 0.14 O.d7 0.02 Redear sunfish 13 1.74 1.07 0.13 Bluegill 26 3.49 3.87 0.48 Longear sunfish 1 0.14 0.08 0.01 White crappie 159 21.37 78.74 9.67 Freshwater drum L/ 32 4.30 17.01 2.09 Total 744 100.00 814.63 100.00 Rough Fish 413 55.52 610.81 74.99 Game Fish 331 44.48 203.82 25.01 ee 17 Indicates rough fish species. Seining Collections: Threadfin shad, red shiners, blackstripe topminnows, and white crappie were taken in the seining collections. Vegetation: Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in this lake. Lake Brownwood Gill Netting: A total of 928 fish of 15 species was taken in the netting collections made on Lake Brownwood, Brown County. Rough fish (longnose gar, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo, river carpsucker, carp, and freshwater drum) comprised 67.67 per cent of the total number and 80.62 per cent of the total weight (Table 16). Gizzard shad comprised more than 30 per cent of all fish taken. Smailmouth buffalo and river carpsucker are also well established in Lake Brownwood. White crappie comprised 19.40 per cent of all fish taken. ‘Thus they appear to be the most abundant game fish species taken in the nets. Channel catfish, white bass, and flathead catfish were taken in good numbers. --- Page 19 --- “17 Table 16 Lake Brownwood Netting Results = 1968 Total Per Cent of Total Weight Per Cent Species Number Total Number (Pounds) of Weight Longnose gar L/ 44 4.74 67.43 5.51 Gizzard ‘shad L/ 286 30.82 170.30 13.92 Smallmouth buffalo 2/ 128 13.79 Gh. 71 36.35 River carpsucker = 92 9.91 180.50 14.75 Carp L 19 2.05 92.33 7.55 Channel catfish 39 4,20 42.50 3.47 Flathead catfish 26 2.80 112.39 9.19 White bass 31 3.34 16.94 1.38 Largemouth bass 9 0.97 4.86 0.40 Warmouth 1 0.11 0.10 0.01 Green Sunfish 1 0.11 0.04 0.00 Redear sunfish 1 0.11 Qs 31 0.03 Bluegill 12 1.29 0.35 0.03 White crappie 180 19.40 59.50 4.87 Freshwater drum L/ 59 6.36 31.11 2.54 Total 928 100.00 1,223.37 100.00 Rough Fish 628 67.67 986.38 80.62 Game Fish 300 32.33 236.99 19.38 iinet 1/ Indicates rough fish species. Seining Collections: A total of 836 fish of 6 species was taken in the seining collections. The various species and their total number are as follows: gizzard shad, 5; blacktail shiner, 85; brook silverside, 700: largemouth bass, 38: green sun- fish, 1; bluegill, 7. The bass, which ranged from 1 to 2 inches, indicated successful reproduction. The silversides probably provide a good deal of forage. Vegetation: There are no problems with aquatic vegetation in this lake. Stocking Records On the basis of our findings, the following lakes were stocked with largemouth bass. The total number of fish is also given: Lake Number, Cleburne 225,000 Grapevine 59,000 Benbrook 115,000 Whitney 250,000 Hubbard Creek 200,000 Garza-Little Elm 617,000 There were also 5,700 channel catfish stocked in Lake Benbrook during June 1968. --- Page 20 --- “18 Most of the bass were supplied by the Eagle Mountain, Lewisville, and Possum Kingdom Fish Hatcheries. The catfish and some of the bass were provided by the Fort Worth National Fish Hatchery. = Fish Harvest Regulations A meeting of all concerned Game Management Officers and Biologists in the Possum Kingdom Regulatory Authority area was held in Mineral Wells in May to discuss the proposed regulations. No changes in the fishing regulations were proposed. Public hearings were held in 32 counties in the Possum Kingdom Regulatory Authority Area in June 1968. The proposed regulations were adopted by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Discussion and Recommendations: Of the 15 public lakes checked during this segment, game fish species in 5 lakes comprised 50 per cent or more of the total number of fish taken. However, rough fish species, by weight, were dominant in 14 of the 15 lakes checked during 1968. In Lakes Graham, Leon, Benbrook, Grapevine, Wichita, Diversion, and Brownwood the rough fish species comprised more than 80 per cent of the total weight of all fish taken. Some consideration should be given to population control in these lakes. Aquatic vegetation control work should be done at Lakes Graham and Wichita to prevent lotus and cattails from covering prime fishing waters. If these plants go unchecked they will surely cause many areas to be inaccessible to the sport fisherman. This job should be continued, checking the other major lakes in the region, so that the current status of the fish populations will be known. These data will be valuable in managing the fishery resources of this area. Acknowledgements: Grateful appreciation is expressed to the Game Management Officers of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department who assisted us in making the quarterly netting checks. Special thanks are due to Officers Lowell Rozell, David Hancock, Ronnie Brooks, Jim McCash, and Kenneth Payne. Without their help, this job would have been much more difficult. Prepared by: Charles T. Menn Approved by:_ #4 (47 CAC Project Leader Coordinator FRED G. LOWMAN _ Inland Fisheries Supervisor Dates: July 22, 1969