TPWD 1969 F-3-R-16 #1261: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies: Fishery Management Recommendations, Segment Completion Report, Project F-3-16, Job No. 15

--- Page 1 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-3-16 Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 15 Fishery Management Recommendations Project Leader: Joe E. Toole J. R. Singleton Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole ' Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services March 25, 1969 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT A preliminary meeting of Department field biologists, game management officers, and supervisory personnel was held in Palestine on May 15, 1968, to discuss proposed regulation changes for the Northeast Texas, Southeast Texas and Trinity-Brazos Regu- latory Areas. Public hearings were held in all regulatory counties within Region 3-B in June 1968, for the presentation of proposed proclamations. Quarterly field collections were conducted on the six major reservoirs in Region 3-B in regulatory areas. These reservoirs include Sam Rayburn, Dam "B"', Murvaul, Striker, Palestine and Caddo. Netting, seining and rotenone data indicated adequate populations and reproduc- tion of most game fish species in these lakes. Channel catfish populations are in- creasing in Dam "B'", Caddo and Lake Striker, but declining in Sam Rayburn, Lake Palestine and Lake Murvaul. Additional stocking of advanced channel catfish finger- lings is recommended in Lake Palestine with the completion of the third stage now under construction. Submerged aquatic vegetation is a continuing problem in all of the reservoirs but chemical or mechanical controls are not possible due to water uses or require- ments in the reservoirs. Flea beetles may provide biological control of alligator weed in Dam "'B" and recommendations are made to continue spot treatment eradication of water hyacinths on Caddo Lake. Newly impounded Lake Livingston, an 82,000 surface acre reservoir on the lower Trinity River will be included in the coming segment of this study. It is recommended that this job be continued to provide current fish population data, vegetation control needs, and stocking needs in these major reservoirs. --- Page 3 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT State of Texas Project No. F-3-16 Name: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 15 Title: Fishery Management Recommendations Period Covered: February 1, 1968 - January 31, 1969 PS OBJECTIVES: To determine, in Region 3-B waters, the need for: 1. changes in fish harvest regulations 2. fish population control 3. stocking of game fish species 4, noxious vegetation control 5. emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely effecting fish populations. SEGMENT OBJECTIVES: Same PROCEDURES: 1. a. Field data from quarterly surveys in Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Dam "B" Reservoir, Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker, Lake Palestine, and Caddo Lake were analyzed to formulate advantageous fishery regulations. b. Proposed fishery regulations will be presented at public hearings in regulatory authority counties within Region 3-B. 2. a. Quarterly surveys were made on each of the above listed reservoirs this segment. Experimental gill nets and bag seines were utilized for making fish collections. Rotenone sampling supplemented seining activities in some collections to better determine spawning success of game fish spe- cies. Experimental gill nets used in these collections are 150 feet in length and 8 feet in depth, with square mesh ranging from 1 to 3-1/2 inches. Mesh size increases in 1/2 inch increments every 25 feet. One 16-foot nylon bag seine with 1/4-inch mesh and a 32-foot bag seine with 3/8-inch mesh was used for seining collections. 3. a. Each of the candidate waters in this study contain established game fish populations. Criteria for making stocking recommendations consist pri- marily of food availability and degree of reproduction. Where field sampling indicates little or no successful reproduction, the normal stock- ing recommendation rate will be 100 bass fry or 50 bass fingerlings and 25 channel catfish fingerlings per acre. Of course, in large reservoirs such as Sam Rayburn, this rate cannot feasibly be maintained. 4, a. In conjunction with fisheries surveys, visual observations of aquatic vegetation were made and recorded to determine those areas infested with noxious plants detrimental to fisherman access and useage. b. Control recommendations for such areas of noxious vegetation were made if feasible. --- Page 4 --- -~9- 5. a. Whenever conditions or events that would threaten fish life come to the attention of project personnel, circumstances will be investigated and reported along with recommendations for remedial action. FINDINGS: A preliminary meeting was held in Palestine on May 15, between Parks and Wildlife field biologists, game management officers, and supervisory personnel for the discus- sion of proposed regulation changes. Inland Fisheries Region 3-B includes counties in three regulatory areas; the Northeast Texas Area, the Southeast Texas Area, and the Trinity-Brazos Area. No fisheries changes were proposed for Region 3-B cqunties this year. Public hearings were attended in each regulatory county. The following schedule lists the respective regulatory counties with their meeting dates and time. 1968 PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE Northeast Texas Regulatory Area County Date Time Harrison June 11 10:00 am Panola June 11 2:00 pm Rusk June 11 8:00 pm Southeast Texas Regulatory Area Newton June 11 2:00 pm Jasper June 11 10:00 am Tyler June 11 8:00 pm Polk June 13 10:00 am Trinity June 13 2:00 pm Houston June 13 8:00 pm Sabine June 13 10:00 am Nacogdoches June 14 2:00 pm Angelina June 14 10:00 am San Augustine June 13 2:00 pm --- Page 5 --- County Anderson -3- Trinity-Brazos Regulatory Area Date June 11 The following resumes are submitted for the six major reservoirs in Region 3-B which lie within areas of regulatory responsibility. Table 1 is a checklist of all fish species collected during this study with no- tations of location and collection method. Table 1. 1968. Note: A checklist of fish species collected from all waters in Abbreviations are as follows: SR - Sam Rayburn Reservoir, B - Dam "B" Reservoir, M - Lake Mur- vaul, S - Lake Striker, P - Lake Palestine, C - Caddo Lake, n - netting, s - seining, r - rotenone. SCIENTIFIC NAME Lepisosteus spatula L. platostomus L. oculatus L. osseus Amia calva Dorosoma petenense D. cepedianum Esox americanus E. niger Ictiobus cyprinellus i. bubalus Carpiodes carpio Minytrema melanops Erimyzon succetta Cyprinus carpio Notemigonus crysoleucas COMMON NAME alligator gar shortnose gar spotted gar longnose gar bowfin threadfin shad gizzard shad grass pickerel chain pickerel bigmouth buffalo smallmouth buffalo river carpsucker spotted sucker lake chubsucker carp golden shiner LOCATION SR P ALL SR,B,P SR,B,M,P,C SR,B,M ALL SR,M,P,C S,C SR,B SR,B,P,C SR,B,C SR,B,P,C ALL SR,B,S,P SR,B,M,P,C COLLECTION METHOD n --- Page 6 --- Table 1. (continued) SCIENTIFIC NAME Opsopoeodus emiliae Notropis venustus N. lutrensis N. stramineus N. maculatus Hybognathus nuchalis Pimephales vigilax *Ictalurus punctatus *I. furcatus iI. natalis *Pylodictis olivaris Fundulus chrysotus F. notti F. notatus Gambusia affinis Labidesthes sicculus Aphredoderus sayanus *Roccus chrysops *R, interruptus *Micropterus punctulatus *M. salmoides *Chaenobryttus gulosus *Lepomis cyanellus *L. punctatus *L. microlophus wae COMMON NAME pugnose minnow blacktail shiner red shiner sand shiner taillight — silvery minnow bullhead minnow channel catfish blue catfish black bullhead yellow bullhead flathead catfish golden topminnow starhead topminnow blackstripe topminnow mosquitofish brook silversides pirate perch white bass yellow bass spotted bass largemouth bass warmouth green sunfish spotted sunfish redear sunfish LOCATION B,P SR,B SR,B SR,B,P SR,B,C SR,B ALL B,C SR,B,M,P,C SR,B,M,P,C M,S,P,C SR,M,C SR,B,M,S,P SR,B,M,S,P ALL SR,B,S,P,C SR COLLECTION METHOD --- Page 7 --- Table 1. (continued) SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME LOCATION COLLECTION METHOD *L. macrochirus bluegill sunfish ALL n,s,r *L. auritus redbreast sunfish SR,B,M,P n,s *L. megalotis longear sunfish ALL n,s,r *Pomoxis annularis white crappie ALL n,s,r *P. nigromaculatus black crappie ALL n,S,r *Centrarchus macropterus flier SR n Percina caprodes logperch SR s,r Etheostoma proeliare cypress darter C s Aplodinotus grunniens freshwater drum SR,B,C n * designates game fish species Table 2 contains netting collection totals for each water. These data are con- solidations of individual field collections conducted this segment. Table 2. Consolidated netting data ratios for 1968. 2a. Sam Rayburn Reservoir NUMBER PER CENT BY TOTAL PER CENT BY COLLECTED NUMBER WEIGHT (1bs) WEIGHT ROUGH FISH 772 64.45 1235.44 87.75 GAME FISH _426 35.55 172.60 12.25 TOTAL 1198 100.00 1408.04 100.00 2b. Dam "B'" Reservoir ROUGH FISH 523 61.96 982.38 83.75 GAME FISH 321 38.04 190.49 16.25 TOTAL 844 100.00 1172.87 100.00 --- Page 8 --- -~6- Table 2. (continued) Sn, tee Mercaul NUMBER PER CENT BY TOTAL PER CENT BY COLLECTED NUMBER WEIGHT (1bs) WEIGHT ROUGH FISH 534 51.50 | 522.53 65.50 GAME FISH _502 48.50 275.24 _ 34.50 TOTAL 1036 100.00 797.77 100.00 2d. Lake Striker ROUGH FISH 255 52.40 206.21 62.20 GAME FISH _232 47.60 125.32 _37.80 TOTAL 487 100.00 331.53 100.00 2e. Lake Palestine ROUGH FISH 220 42.15 204.53 56.40 GAME FISH _303 57.85 158.12 43.60 TOTAL 523 100.00 © 362.65 100.00 2£. Caddo Lake ROUGH FISH 500 80.51 634.76 87.55 GAME FISH _ La 19.49 90.27 12.45 TOTAL 621 100.00 725.03 100.00 2g. Region totals ROUGH FISH 2804 59.55 3538.56 73.75 GAME FISH 1905 40.45 1259.33 26.25 TOTAL 4709 100.00 4797.89 100.00 Individual percentages by weight and number for each species, K-factor data for game fish species, and seining-rotenone collection data were also compiled but are not listed in table form. Significant aspects of these field data are included in the resumes for given waters. --- Page 9 --- -7- Sam Rayburn Reservoir First impounded in 1966, this 114,000 surface acre reservoir filled to conserva- tion pool level in early 1968. A two-year basic survey was conducted in 1966-67. (Job B-22, F-3-R-13 and 14). Data from these surveys indicated adequate game fish re- production in the new reservoir with the exception of channel catfish (Ictalurus punc- tatus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris). Due to the large size of Sam Rayburn, six separate field collections were made this segment on the reservoir. Table 2a contains data totals from the combined collections. A very poor sample of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was netted. Sam Rayburn has a tremendous sport fishery for bass and is rated as one of the finest bass lakes in the Nation. Total game fish percentages by weight would no doubt have exceeded 20 per cent with an adequate representation of largemouth bass. Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) was the most numerous rough fish species netted. A total of 246 buffalo was collected with an average weight of 2.41 pounds. Only 14 channel catfish were netted in these collections and no blue or flathead catfish were taken. These data indicate a lack of successful reproduction of these catfish species. Due to the large size of the reservoir, additional stocking of cat- fish is not feasible. Present netting regulations allow catfish to be taken in nets with a minimum of 3-1/2 inch square mesh, set at least 4 feet below the surface. It is the writer's belief that such nets are not detrimental to channel catfish populations but may well be to flathead or blue catfish adults. Seining and rotenone collections contained good samples of forage fish and young- of-the-year largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromacu- latus), white crappie (P. annularis), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and war- mouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus). Dam B Reservoir Dam B, located in Jasper and Tyler counties below the confluence of the Angelina and Neches Rivers, continues to be a very productive reservoir. Primarily constructed for the purpose of storing water for coastal irrigation, Dam B remained highly turbid due to water fluxuation. Because of this high turbidity and exposure during draw- downs, submerged aquatics were no problem. With the completion of Sam Rayburn Reser- voir however, Dam B now remains relatively stable in water level and consequently lower in turbidity. A variety of submerged plants are increasing in the lake. Al1li- gator weed (Althernanthera philoxeroides) is an even greater nuisance to fishermen on Dam B. Releases of flea beetles (Agasicles sp.) were made in 1967 and it appears that these insects may provide a biological control on this noxious plant in Dam B. Table 2b contains consolidated data of the four field collections made on Dam B this segment. Total game fish percentages were good, being 38.04 per cent by number and 16.25 per cent by weight. Dam B continues to be a good producer of largemouth bass, both species of crappie, and channel and blue catfish. Smallmouth buffalo was the most numerous rough fish netted with a total of 146 and an average weight of 3.31 pounds. Seining collections contained excellent samples of threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), blacktail shiners (Notropis venustus), red shiners (N. lutrensis), and other forage fish species. --- Page 10 --- -8- Lake Murvaul Lake Murvaul, a 3,800 surface acre impoundment in Panola County, is controlled by the Panola County Freshwater District No. 1. Murvaul is famous for its continued pro- duction of lunker size largemouth bass. This lake has consistently maintained higher game fish populations than any reservoir in Region 3-B. Game fish comprised 48.50 per cent by number and 34.50 per cent by weight of this segment's collection. These unusu- ally high game fish percentages are in part due to very high populations of bluegill and redear sunfish. Since impoundment, Murvaul has produced only limited numbers of channel catfish. In 1967, a program of raising and stocking advanced fingerling catfish was initiated by the Panola County Freshwater District. To date, evidence of the success of this stocking program is not reflected in collection data as only two channel catfish were netted this year. Seining collections revealed good reproduction of largemouth bass in Murvaul. Table 2c contains netting data totals for the lake. Submerged aquatic plants are an increasing problem in Lake Murvaul. Bladderwort (Utricularia sp.) and water milfoil (Myriophyllum sp.) are the most common species. A winter drawdown would aid in controlling this vegetation in marginal areas. Chemical control is not possible due to domestic water use and regardless of this, only spot treatments would be economically feasible. Lake Striker Constructed in 1956 by the Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 in cooperation with Texas Power and Light Company, Lake Striker was impounded in 1957. This 2,300 surface acre lake has been a consistant producer of largemouth bass as well as channel and flathead catfish. White bass (Roccus chrysops) were introduced in the lake in 1962 and have established a fishable population. This species provides additional winter sport to Striker fishermen. Game fish comprised 47.50 and 37.80 per cent by number and weight respectively of this segments collection. These data indicate only limited populations of white and black crappie in Striker. The increase of white bass and corresponding decreases in crappie populations since 1962 suggest that these species may be competitive, per- haps due to food habit similarities. Gizzard shad is the dominant rough fish species in the lake, followed by carp. Buffalo are not present in Lake Striker. Table 2d contains netting data totals for Lake Striker. Submerged aquatic vegetation, primarily water milfoil, chokes the upper half and entire marginal area of the lake during the summer months. Dense timber and brush combined with low turbidity provide optimum habitat for the submerged plants. Again, chemical control of this noxious vegetation is not feasible and water fluxuation is not possible due to power plant operations. --- Page 11 --- -9- Lake Palestine Lake Palestine, constructed in 1961 by the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority, contains 6,000 surface acres. The lake is now drawn down to the Neches River channel for construction of the third stage. Upon completion the third stage level will cover 21,000 surface acres. Early reconnaissance data from newly impounded Lake Palestine in 1963-65 re- vealed good populations of channel and flathead catfish. Later surveys indicated a decline of catfish and it is suspected that hydrogen sulfide gas prohibited cat- fish reproduction in the lake. Two field collections were made this year prior to the drawdown and one in October when the lake contained only approximately 2,500 surface acres of water. Numerous large bass were netted in the May collection as well as 85 bluegill sunfish. A correlation of bass and bluegill populations with those of Lake Murvaul is noted. Gizzard shad was the only rough fish species netted in significant numbers in Lake Palestine this segment. Table 2e contains netting data totals for Lake Palestine. Inadequate marginal clearing during second stage construction in 1961 provided excellent habitat for submerged vegetation and prevented fishing access to many areas of the lake. Recommendations were made in basic survey reports that more proper clearing be conducted during third stage construction. (Job B-19, F-3-R-9). A recent survey of possible seining area sites revealed that adequate marginal clearing is now in progress on some areas of the lake. Seining collections included numerous largemouth bass fingerlings as well as bluegill and redear sunfish, Recommendations were made earlier this segment to close Lake Palestine to contract commercial fishing during the drawdown period. With the completion of the third stage, it is anticipated that Lake Palestine will again pro- vide optimum fishing for bass, crappie and sunfish. Caddo Lake Lying in Texas and Louisiana, Caddo Lake is unique in legend and appearance. Still a favorite to many fishermen despite the numerous new reservoirs in northeast Texas, Caddo contains more fish species than any other lake in the State. Game fish percentages comprised 19.50 per cent by number and only 12.45 per cent by weight of the total collection this year. This is considerably less than previous segment percentages for the lake. Bass and crappie fishing is periodically very good on Caddo and the chain pickerel is regarded as a game fish by many Caddo fishermen during the winter. The most common rough fish species are gizzard shad and spotted suckers (Minytrema melanops). Table 2f contains netting data totals for Caddo. With the upstream construction of Lake 0' the Pines on Cypress Bayou, Caddo does not receive the annual flood waters that, in previous years, served to increase tur- bidity and discourage the vegetation. Without this flooding action the shallow, clear waters of Caddo become filled with submerged plants each summer. Large areas are also covered with american lotus (Nelumbo lutea). However, the lotus leaves shade out the --- Page 12 --- -10- submerged aquatics and provide good fishing water in the fall and winter months. The extensive system of boatroad cutting and marking completed in 1967 has greatly im- proved fisherman access on Caddo. Water hyacinths are becoming an increasing problem on the lake. Spot treatments with 2,4-D amine prevented excessive growth of the hyacinths during the summer of 1968. Continued eradication of the scattered plants will be necessary during the coming year to control them. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Netting data from the six major reservoirs included good representations of most game fish species. Successful reproduction of largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish was indicated by seining and rotenone collection data. Channel catfish populations are increasing in Lake Striker, Dam "B" and Caddo Lake, but decreasing in Sam Rayburn, Lake Murvaul, and Lake Palestine. Additional stocking is not feasible in Sam Rayburn due to the large size of the reservoir. The private channel catfish stocking at Murvaul is continuing although its success is doubtful. With the completion of the third stage of Lake Palestine, additional stocking of advanced fingerling channel catfish is recommended. Submerged aquatic vegetation is a continuing problem in all of the reservoirs. Chemical control is not feasible, either economically or because of domestic water uses. Water drawdowns are also impractical due to power plant operation on Lake Striker and water conservation or use requirements on Dam "B", Lake Murvaul, and Sam Rayburn. Noxious emergent vegetation observed this segment included alligator weed in Dam "'B" and water hyacinths on Caddo. The flea beetle releases on Dam "B" may pro- vide biological control of the alligator weed which is preferable to a chemical control. It is recommended that continued spot treatments be conducted on the Caddo hyacinths with 2,4-D amine. It is concluded that present fish harvest regulations for these major reservoirs are adequate. It is recommended that this job be continued to provide valid fish harvest regu- lations through population sampling data, vegetation control needs, and stocking needs where feasible. Lake Livingston, a newly impounded 82,000 acre reservoir on the lower Trinity River, will be included in the coming segment of this study. a ‘ —_ Prepared by _Joe E, Toole and Stephen F. Smith Approved by Mlareore Lptte Project Leader Asst. Project Ldr. Coordinator Date March 25, 1969 Charles E. Gra Fisheries Supervisor