TPWD 1969 F-5-R-16 #1259: JOB PROGRESS REPORT: Region I-B Fisheries Studies, Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-16

--- Page 1 --- 7S ae aes =) WA ya , Voll, eS a d JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-16 REGION I-B FISHERIES STUDIES Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Billy J.Follis J. R. Singleton Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A, Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services April? 2 yeh 969 --- Page 2 --- SUMMARY During this segment, fisheries surveys were conducted on 16 public bodies of water in Region I-B. Fish populations were sampled with gill nets, seines and trawl. Physical and ecological data were also collected. Two changes in fish harvest regulations were recommended but failed to meet approval of the department. Several of the lakes surveyed met the statistical criteria for chemical control measures. However, due to other interfering factors, only Valley Creek and San Angelo Reservoir could be seriously considered for renovation. Substantial hatchery production provided ample numbers of fish for stocking the public waters in Region I-B. Thirteen public lakes received supplementary stocking this year. Also, the Concho River in Tom Green County received considerable numbers of fry and fingerling fish. Stocking of the new Robert Lee Reservoir was initiated. Aquatic vegetation was found to be approaching the problematic stage in 2 public lakes. Restrictions on the use of chemicals and limitations of spot treatments prvented any control efforts during this period of study. --- Page 3 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT State Texas Project No.;_ F~5-R-16 Name: Region I~B Fisheries Studies _ Job No. : 13 __ Title: Fisheries Management. Recommendations Period Covered: March 1, 1968 to February 28, 1969 Objectives: To determine the need for, in Region I-B waters; Le Changes in fish harvest regulations Des Population control 3. Stocking 4. Vegetation control D » Emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations. Procedures: Current fisheries regulations for Region I-E regulatory counties, along with those in other regulatory districts, were reviewed. Past and present fisheries surveys from regional waters provided the basis for either the continuance of existing regulations or the recommended change. Preliminary meetings with concerned departmental personnel were attended at Kerrville, May 13, 1968, for the Edwards Plateau Regulatory District and at Sweetwater for the Permian Basin Regulatory District. Existing laws and proposed changes were discussed. Public hearings were then held in each of the counties under regulatory authority to discuss the proposed regulations with the sportsmen and landowners. Locations, dates, and number of persons present are given in Table 1 for public hearings concerning this project, For expediency and clarity, procedures for objectives 2 through 5 will be merged. For the same reasons, the findings and discussion will be reported separately for each concerned body of water. All public impoundments were surveyed during this segment with the more important ones receiving 2 visits. A list of waters worked this segment are given in Table 2. Fish populations were sampled with standard 150-foot experi- mental gill nets with mesh sizes varying from 1 to 34 inches. The number of gill nets set was determined by the size of the impoundment. The size of seines used is given with each seining table. A 10~foot sportsman shrimp trawl was also used as a collection method when possible. The exact dimensions are shown with the trawling results. A trawling sample unit or drag was a 10 minute haul at approxmiately 5 mph. --- Page 4 --- Table 1 Regulatory Hearings Concerning Project F-5-R, 1968 Permian Basin Area NN en ae a a Location Number County (Town) Date Present Andrews * Andrews 6-12-68 NR Borden Gail 6~10-68 0 Cochran * Morton 6-10-68 NR Coke * Robert Lee 6-12-68 NR Crosby ** Crosbyton 6-10-68 0 Dawson * Lamesa 6-12-68 NR Gaines * Seminole 6-12-68 NR Garza ** Post 6-10-68 0 Glasscock Garden City 6-12-68 0 Howard Big Spring 6-11-68 0 Irion Mertzon 6-13-68 0 Martin Stanton 6-11-68 0 Midland Midland 6-12-68 4 Mitchell Colorado City 6-11-68 i Reagan Big Lake 6-12-68 1 Sterling Sterling City 6-17-68 0 Terry * Brownfield 6-11-68 NR Tom Green San Angelo 6-13-68 4 Yoakum * Plains 6-11-68 NR Edwards Plateau Area Menard * Menard 6-11-68 NR Schleicher Eldorado 6-11-68 NR NR - Official attendance not reported * - Not in Region I-B, but hearing attended by F-5-R personnel * += In Region I-B but not attended by F-5-R personnel --- Page 5 --- Table 2 Waters Surveyed During This Segment Name County Number of Visits Moss Creek Lake Howard 3 Nasworthy Lake Tom Green 2 San Angelo Reservoir Tom Green 3 Oak Creek Reservoir Coke 2 J. B. Thomas Lake Borden and Scurry 2 Champion Creek Lake Mitchell 2 Iwin Buttes Reservoir Tom Green 2 Colorado City Lake Mitchell 2 Kinarum Lake Coke 1 Valley Creek Lake Runnels 1 New Winters Lake Runnels 1 Elm Creek Lake Runnels 1 Towle Park Lake Scurry 1 Old Winters Runnels 1 Mountain Creek Lake Coke 1 Andrews City Lake Andrews 1 All fish collected in gill nets were counted, weighed, and measured. A sample of fish (usually to a maximum of 15 of each game species) was examined to determine sexual development and to record stomach content. Total numbers, total weight, percentages, average weights, and condition ("K" factor) were tabulated, Fish taken in seines and trawl were counted and a length range was recorded. Several specimens of each species were preserved in formalin solution and identifications were confirmed in the laboratory. Vegetation checks were made during each survey and records were taken as to the kind and abundance. This information will be presented only when aquatic vegetation approaches the problematic stage. Physical data including air and water temperatures, turbidity, hydrological records and weather conditions were recorded. This information will be discussed in the report when necessary. Statistical data for each lake were examined to determine which waters would be considered for chemical control measures. The criteria for considering management efforts were populations of undesirable species in excess of 80 per cent by either weight and/or number, lake capacities, and the "cost-benefit ratio" of a treatment. Stocking recommendations were made for many of these public waters based on the following: (1) the degree and survival of game fish reproduction, (2) water levels, (3) food availability, and (4) fishing pressure and past records, --- Page 6 --- sly wa On several occasions, the recommended stocking rates were exceeded and many hatchery reared fish were released in the Concho Rivers in and near Tom Green County due to an abundant hatchery production. Fish stocking records for all public lakes in Region I-B during 1968 are presented in Table 3. (All fish were fingerling size except where noted.) Table 3 Public Water Stocking - 1968, Region I-B No. Released Lakes Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish | Redear Sunfish Champion Creek 35,000 Colorado City 25 ,000 Elm Creek 4,000 6,000 4,000 J. B. Thomas 88 ,000 Mountain Creek 2,000 Nasworthy 26,000 New Winters 8,000 8,000 8,000 Oak Creek 56,000 Old Winters 1,500 4,500 1,000 San Angelo 124 ,000 Towle Park 500 850 1,000 Twin Buttes 416,000 * 10,000 Valley Creek 12,000 9,200 5,000 Concho River Bell Street. Dam 88,000 * 17,750 14,000 Ben Ficklin Dam 24 ,000 4,000 Lone Wolf Dam 65 ,000 8,000 Metcalf Dam 62 ,000 8,000 crappie Main Concho (General) 78,000 * 16,250 Colorado River (In new lake basin) 13,700 ** 138 ,000 * - Fry or advanced fry #*- Advanced fingerlings Findings: Objective No. l. For the most part, the existing fisheries regulations were found to be satisfactory for the present fishery resources in this region. Two changes were recommended but apparently failed to meet the approval of the Department and were not adopted. --- Page 7 --- The first proposed change in the fishing regulations was that all trotlines bear the name and address of the fisherman on a legible permanent tag. The reason being thatmost public waters are becoming heavily infested with abandonded trotlines which are a hindrance to fishermen and can be detrimental to fish, especially catfish. The second recommended change was a 7%=month closed fishing season on the portion of the Colorado River to be inundated by the New Robert Lee Reservoir. This change was needed to protect the brood game fish being placed in the existing water of the lake basin to insure adequate stocking when impoundment begins. Findings and Discussion: Objectives 2 through 5 Moss Creek Lake The Colorado River Municipal Water District controls the water of this 145-acre impoundment and uses it as a storage reservoir. Although the city of Big Spring is the actual owner, they control only the recreation, Moss Creek Lake was chemically treated in November 1967 in an effort to reduce the large number of gizzard shad and thereby increase the harvest of the abundant game fish population, This control effort reduced the gizzard shad from a previous 40 per cent of fish netted to 0.62 per cent of a netting sample made shortly after treatment, Since that time, the number of gizzard shad have steadily increased and accounted for 17.58 per cent of the number of fish netted in a 3-sample netting composite (Table 4), [ft should be noted that these were adult shad averaging 0.62 pounds, and only 5 small shad were taken in seines and trawl during the same sampling. Channel catfish, flathead catfish, and largemouth bass continued to be the most significant game species by weight. and comprised 9.55, 4.02, and 5.53 per cent respectively by number in netting collections, Flathead catfish accounted for 15.45 per cent of the weight of this year's necting collections, and 7 of the 8 individuals taken were tagged fish released for management purposes earlier in the year, The large number of age class 0 largemouth bass taken in seining collections clearly indicates that stocking with hatchery-reared fish was not necessary (Table 4). Although the turbidity of the reservoir is usually low, it supports only nominal amounts of muskgrass (Chara sp.) and cattail (Typha latifolia). The fluctuating water level probably controls this vegetation, --- Page 8 --- -6- Table 4 Survey Results Moss Creek Reservoir, April 4, July 10, and December 18, 1968. Results of 16 gill nets. _. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wgt. KN Gizzard shad 35 17.58 21.85 . 62 6.16 Carp 36 18.09 174.66 4.85 49.27 Golden shiner 9 4.53 1.65 .18 247 River carpsucker 4 2,01 19.16 4.79 5.40 Black bullhead 38 19.09 8.03 .21 2,27 Channel catfish * 19 9.55 43.45 2.28 12.26 2.14 Flathead catfish * 8 4.02 54.78 6.84 15.45 2.12 White bass * 4 2.01 9,30 2.32 2.62 2.98 Warmouth * 1 50 . 24 024 -O7 3.91 Bluegill * 8 4.02 - 63 ,07 -18 4.27 Redear sunfish * 3 2.51 229 ell 15 4.20 Largemouth bass * 11 5.93 17.19 1.56 4.85 2.83 White crappie * 27 10.56 2.98 14 .85 Zell Total 199 100.00 354.47 100.00 Game Fish * 77 38.70 129.12 36.43 Rough Fish 122 61.30 225.35 63.57 Seining Results Moss Creek Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 5 3-6 Golden shiner 149 1-7 Red shiner 93 143 Bullhead minnow 2 24 Black bullhead 28 2°3 Mosquitofish 3 1-2 Warmouth 6 25~3% Green sunfish 15 2-3% Orangespotted sunfish 65 2-4 Bluegill 72 1-44 Longear sunfish 7 2-3 Largemouth bass 232 2~8 White crappie a) 325) Total 706 Trawling Results Moss Creek Reservoir, April 4 and July 10, 1968. (16 by 10 by inch mesh trawl). Species Number Size Range in Inches Black bullhead 76 35 Channel catfish 2 4 Warmouth 48 2-3% Orangespotted sunfish 4 3 Bluegill 51 2=5 Redear sunfish 3 3 Largemouth bass 1 4 White crappie 177 _ _3-/ Total 362 --- Page 9 --- Nasworthy Lake Lake Nasworthy, located just south of San Angelo, serves the city as a water supply, as well as a recreational area. During both collection trips, this 1,600-acre impoundment was 2 to 4 feet low because water was not available for release from Twin Buttes Reservoir immediately upstream, The combined survey results ‘Table 5) indicate an improved game fish population, The number of catfish, both channel and flathead, have increased considerably over previous surveys, accounting for almost 35 per cent of the total weight of fish netted. Largemouth bass and white crappie continue to be well represented in the netting sample, as well as in reported creels. Gizzard shad, carp, and river carpsucker dominate the rough fish catch, accounting for more than 90 per cent by number and 80 per cent by weight of the total undesirable species. Seining and trawling collections found adequate mmbers of young game fish present; however, channel catfish were stccked this year because of heavy fishing pressure on the lake and an abundant supply of hatchery~produced fingerlings. These samples also indicated an ample supply of forage available to support the supplemental stocking of catfish. The shoreline supports a moderate to heavy growth of bulrush (Scirpus validus) and cattail. However, these plants were not found in amounts that would interfere with access or fishing at public points. San Angelo Reservoir The U. S. Corps of Engineers constructed this impoundment on the North Concho River near the northwest limits of San Angelo in the early 1950's. Shortly thereafter it filled to its normal capacity of 119.000 acre-feet but has steadily decreased since and contained less than 10.000 acre-feet of water during the last survey, This reservoir lost another 1.000 acre-feet by mid- January 1969, when an extra collection was made. This water loss is attributed to city use, evaporation, and little runoff for the past several years. This year's survey results (Table 6} found that game fish had increased slightly in both number and weight over the past several checks. Channel catfish, white bass, and white crappie accounted for most of the 35.90 per cent by number and 29.89 per cent by weight of game fish collected, White crappie were the most improved game fish, comprising 22.65 per cent of the number of fish netted. These prized pan fish averaged more than 1/3-pound each, and in the extra survey (Table 7) exhibited the highest "K" factor (3.52) for this species found in the region. An increase in the number of smallmouth buffalo is the only significant change found in the rough fish population. Seining and trawling revealed a valuable new forage fish, threadfin shad. Young-of-the~year fish were taken with seines in October, while trawling yielded both fingerlings and adults during the same survey. This was the first time this species was collected in this region. They were not introduced by our department and can hardly be assumed to be a bait fish introduction. --- Page 10 --- Table 5 Survey Results Nasworthy Lake, May 1 and October 10, 1968. Results of 15 gill _ nets. Per Cent Total Wet. Ave. “Wet. Per Cent t Average Species Number by No. Pounds _ Pounds oh Wet. mK" Longnose gar 5 229 28.02 5.60 4.39 Gizzard shad 456 50.67 66.34 14 10.39 Carp 82 9,10 70403 2.08 26.73 Golden shiner 3 «33 45 sh5 .07 River carpsucker 18 2.00 51.04 2,83 8.00 Black bullhead 20 2.22 7.26 3.63 1.13 Channel catfish * 77 8.56 141.85 1.84 22.23 2.12 Flathead catfish * 16 1.78 80.22 5.01 12.57 2.21 White bass * 13 1.45 17.24 1.32 2.71 3.04 Warmouth * 1 eli 09 09 - Ol 3.00 Bluegill * 36 4.00 2.94 08 46 4.27 Longear sunfish * 3 233 o27 .09 04 4.09 Redear sunfish * 6 . 66 .63 10 LO 3.29 Largemouth bass * 5 SoD 9.65 1.93 1.51 2.89 White crappie * 133 14.79 29%93 «22 4.69 2.90 Freshwater drum 26 2.89 31.66 1.22 4.97 Total 900 100.00 638.12 100.00 Game fish * 290 32.23 282.82 44,32 Rough fish 610 67.77 355.30 55.68 Seining Results Nasworthy Lake (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine), Species Number ___Size Range in ‘Inches Gizzard shad 48 3-8 Golden shiner 17 4-8 Red shiner 15 pnd Blacktail shiner 2 2-3 Bullhead minnow 36 1-24 Orangespotted sunfish ie 25-3 Bluegill 19 2-3% Longear sunfish 12 15-4 Redear sunfish 4 3 Largemouth bass 5 3 Logperch 8 _. 254 Total ; 173 Trawling Results Nasworthy Lake, April 23 and October 10, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2~inch mesh trawl) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad Al 2-7 Carp 2 15 Bullhead minnow 8 2 Channel catfish 72 2-7 Warmouth 4 143 Orangespotted sunfish 7 1 33. Bluegill 145 1-6 Longear sunfish 6 2-4 Redear sunfish ) 2-5 Largemouth bass 1 7 White crappie 18 4-6 Drum 1 8 Total 314 --- Page 11 --- Table 6 Survey Results San Angelo Reservoir, June 7 and October 23, 1968. Results of 12 gill nets Species No. Per Cent Total Wet. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Avg. by No. Pounds _ _Pounds by No. "K' Longnose gar 18 3.84 56.39 3.13 14.03 Gizzard shad 86 18.38 9.63 oll 2.39 Threadfin shad 1 -21 .02 -02 sO1 Carp 32 6. 84 45.03 1,41 11.20 River carpsucker 88 18.80 116.35 132 28.96 Smallmouth buffalo 28 5.98 26.15 293 6.50 Channel catfish * 12 2a07 16.87 1.40 4.20 1.87 Flathead catfish * 3 64 15.80 5326 3.93 2.28 White bass * 42 89 42.69 1.01 10.63 3.06 Bluegill * 4 - 86 38 09 09 4.70 Largemouth bass * 1 221 7.10 7 0 1.77 3.45 White crappie * 106 22.65 37x27 035 9.27 3.13 Freshwater drum 47 10,05 28.18 . 60 7.02 Total 468 100.00 401.86 100.00 Game fish * 168 35.90 120.11 29.89 Rough fish 300 64.10 281.75 70.11 Seining Results San Angelo Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine), Species Number _.._ Size Range in Inches Longnose gar 2 2) Gizzard shad 96 45~8 Threadfin shad 407 1-3 Carp 17 14-10 Golden shiner 2 24-3 Red shiner 247 1-24 Bullhead minnow 63 1-3 Mosquitofish 14 1-2 Green sunfish 4 2-3 Orangespotted sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 2 2 Longear sunfish 6 1-3 Largemouth bass 63 1-6 Logperch __ 4 __ ee 223 Total __ 928 ee __ Trawling Results San Angelo Reservoir, June 6 and October 22, 1968. (16 by 10 _ by_1/2-inch mesh trawl), Species Number ; - “Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 71 3-10 Threadfin shad 188 14-5% Carp 125 5-14 Channel catfish 14 5-12 White crappie 36 25-10 Total --- Page 12 --- -10- Table 7 Survey Results San Angelo Reservoir, January 17, 1969. Results of 6 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Species Number __ by No. Pounds Pounds by Wet. mK" Longnose gar 19 8.52 32,22 1.69 17.08 Gizzard shad 7 3.13 81 Lt 243 Carp 5 2.24 2.01 40 1,07 River carpsucker 27 12,10 27.47 1.02 14.57 Smallmouth buffalo 32 14.35 28.14 88 14.92 Channel catfish * 15 6.73 8.65 58 4.59 1.84 White bass * 57 25.56 41.84 73 22.19 3 eh3 Bluegill * 3 1.35 as) .08 .13 4.20 Largemouth bass * B LBD 6.82 Bic Zl 3,62 3.09 White crappie * 43 19,28 20.20 47 10.71 3.52 Walleye * 11 4.94 6.33 pf 3,36 Mf D Freshwater drum 1 45 13.82 13.82 7.33 Total 223 100.00 188.56 100.00 Game fish * 132 59.21 84.09 44.60 Rough fish 91 40,79 104.47 55.40 _Seining Results San Angelo Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 b _1/4-inch mesh_seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 9 25-5 Threadfin shad 18 14-3 Red shiner 8 1-1% Bullhead minnow 6 2-2 Logperch 5 __ 35-4 Total 46 rawling Results San Ange © Reservoir, January | 969. mesh trawl) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 32 4-8 Threadfin shad 12 14-4 Carp 80 8-12 Smallmouth buffalo 1 12 Channel catfish 36 3-12 White bass 3 8-10 Bluegill 1 4 White crappie 6 6-10 Logperch 7 3-5 Freshwater drum l 8 ea Total 179 a An extra survey was conducted on this reservoir in mid-January 1969 to check the winter survival of the threadfin shad. They were readily collected with both seines and trawl but not in the numbers as found earlier, During this additional survey, walleye were collected for the first time in this area. --- Page 13 --- -11- Eleven individuals, averaging 0.57 pound, were taken in gill nets. However, this catch confirmed only their survival, since they were introduced by our Department as fry and fingerlings earlier in the year. This stocking was part of Project F-2l~ and conducted by the state biologist in this area. A large number of largemouth bass fingerlings were stocked in San Angelo Reservoir due to low representation of this species in this year’s sample and previous surveys. Oak Creek Reservoir The city of Sweetwater owns and operates this 2,375~-acre municipal water supply located in northern Coke County. The water also is used by a West Texas Utilities generating plant for cooling purposes. This impoundment was surveyed in June and September 1968. and the combined results are given in Table 8. The ratio of game to rough fish netted (approx- imately 20 to 80 per cent by number and 40 to 60 per cent by weight respectively) was very similar to that of last year. Channel catfish and white bass dominated the number of desirable fish netted while flathead catfish accounted for the largest weight percentage. An increase in the number of river carpsucker was noted along with a decrease in the number of gizzard shad. The seining collection (Table 8) included a fair supply of forage, pre- dominately blacktail and red shiners. A large number of age class 0 largemouth bass was also taken. Stocking of this public reservoir consisted of 56,000 channel catfish fingerlings. Submerged plants, mainly water milfoil ‘(Myriophyllum sp.) coontail (Ceratophyllum sp.) and bushy pondweed (Najas sp.) are abundant in this clear water lake. Water milfoil was found to be the most problematic species. Chemical control of this plant in a reservoir of this size would not be feasible, however, spot treatments in strategic access areas may be recommended. Table 8 Survey Results Oak Creek Reservoir, June 19, 20 and September 26, 1968. Results of 20 pill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species ; No. by No. Pounds = Pounds ___siby Wet. RK" Gizzard shad 218 46.78 29.89 14 5.73 Carp 62 13.30 82.70 1.33 15.88 River carpsucker 84 18.03 197.41 2.35 37.89 Black bullhead 14 3.00 3.43 224 .65 Channel catfish * 23 4.94 19.21 . 83 3.69 1.79 Flathead catfish * 10 2,15 123.89 12.39 23.78 2.16 White bass * 32 6.87 47.96 1.50 9,21 2.95 Bluegill * 10 2.15 92 09 oL7 4.42 Largemouth bass * 6 1.28 11.88 1.98 2.28 2.74 White crappie * 7503730 Total 466 100.00 521.00 10C.00 Game fish * 88 18.89 207.57 39.85 Rough fish 378 81.1 313.43 60.15 --- Page 14 --- aiQe Seining Results Oak Creek Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4~inch mesh seine, 20 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad hh 4-7 Carp Ll 4 Red shiner 143 1-24 Blacktail shiner 50 2-2% Mosquitofish 35 1l-2 Redbreast sunfish 14 2-3 Green sunfish 14 2-4 Bluegill 37 2~3 Longear sunfish 14 3-4 Largemouth bass 391 3-6 Logperch 4 3% Total 714 J. B. Thomas Lake This Colorado River Municipal Water District Lake is located on the Colorado River in Borden and Scurry Counties. At normal level, it covers 7,820 acres and furnishes water for the cities of Big Spring, Odessa, and Snyder. This turbid reservoir has failed to receive any large amounts of runoff for the past few years and was less than one-half in size when checked this year. For the first time in many years, the netting results ‘Table 9) shows the game fish to be greater in both per cent number and weight than the rough fish. Of the game fish, white bass and white crappie exhibited the highest increase in number, with flathead catfish and white bass showing the largest increase in weight of the sample. The rough fish netted (gizzard shad, carp, river carpsucker, and drum) shared about an equal decrease in number and weight. Available forage revealed by seining was mainly small gizzard shad and blacktail shiners. The trawl collection yielded several small white crappie. Only 13 largemouth bass were taken by all 3 collection methods, therefore 88,000 largemouth bass fingerlings were introduced. Champion Creek Reservoir Champion Creek Lake was constructed by the Texas Electric Service Company to serve as an auxiliary water supply for the generating plant located on the nearby Colorado City Lake, Since completion in 1958, it has never filled to its conservation size of 1,560 acres and was some 24 feet from that elevation mark when surveyed. --- Page 15 --- -13- Table 9 Survey Results J. B. Thomas Reservoir, July 16, 17, and November 15, 1968. Results of 18 gill nets, Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wet. mn i 11 3.72 1.58 14 296 Gizzard shad Carp 17 5.77 18. 38 1.08 6.62 River carpsucker 45 15.25 44.10 98 15.87 Channel catfish * 39 13.21 41.98 1.08 15.11 1,86 Flathead catfish * 14 4.76 72.44 5.17 26.08 2.19 White bass * 54 18.30 66.82 1.24 24.05 3.00 Bluegill * 1 «34 .12 12 .05 4.24 Largemouth bass * 5 1.70 Lda 41 2.28 4,10 2.89 White crappie * 62 21,601, 15.47 .25 5297 2.96 Freshwater drum 47 15.94 5S 12.199 Total 295 100.00 277.81 100.00 Game fish * 175 59.32 208.24 74.96 Rough fish 120 40.68 69.57 25.04 Seining Results J. B. Thomas Reservoir (100 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh seine, 50 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh — bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by_1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches i 4,006 1-4 Gizzard shad Carp 11 4-6 Golden shiner 7 2-6 Red shiner 75 1-24 Blacktail shiner 228 1-24 River carpsucker 5 Bio Channel catfish 16 2-3 White bass 33 2-7 Green sunfish 7 2-6 Orangespotted sunfish 16 2-3 Bluegill 27 14-4 Longear sunfish 29 2-4 Largemouth bass 8 2-18 White crappie 13 3-4 Logperch 3 4-5 Freshwater drum 2 __ 4 Total 4,486 _ Trawling Results J. B, Thomas Reservoir, July 17, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch _mesh trawl), Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 3-6 Carp - 4-5 Bluegill iy 3 White crappie 65 5 --- Page 16 --- Bluegill continue to keep the game fish numbers high as revealed ia Table 10. This year’s gill netting produced 183 of this sunfish species with a utilizable average size of 0.32 pownds. Largemouth and white bass were also important in this collection. This is the only major reservoir in Region I-B where gizzard shad are rarely ccllected. The only specimen of this species collected in the last 3 years was taken with gill nets in 1967. An adequate number of red shiners and other forage fish were collected with seines (Table 10). Largemouth bass fingerlings were also prominant. Supplementary stocking consisted cf 35,000 channel catfish. Submerged vegetation, primarily bushy pondweed, was abundant over much of this clear reservoir and may become a hindrance to fishermer in the future. Chemical control in the form of spot treatments may be recommended. Table 10 Survey Results Champion Creek Reservoir, July 24, 25 and November 7, 1968. Results of 18 gill nets. — Per Cent Total Wet. Avg. Wet. Per Cent “Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds___by Wat. MK Carp 71 16.82 243.55 3.43 47.172 Golden shiner Lik 2.61 2,85 26 226 River carpsucker 7 1.66 17.45 2,49 3.41 Black bullhead 5 1.18 4.73 295 93 Channel catfish * 20 4.74 37.45 1.87 7.34 2,03 Flathead catfish * 5 1.18 24,77 4.95 4.85 1.98 White bass * 88 20.86 92.59 1.05 18.15 3.24 Warmouth * 1 23 24 24 204 4.08 Green sunfish * 8 1.90 1.62 220 ab2 3.73 Bluegill * 183 43,36 59.92 .33 11274 4.59 Largemouth bass * 12 2.85 19.46 1 62 3.81 2:47 White crappie * 12 OE 300 Total 422 100.00 510.35 160,06 Game fish * 328 77.73 241.77 47.38 Rough fish 9422.27 268.58 8 Seining Results Champion Creek Reservoir ‘Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4=inch mesh seine _and 20 by 6 by i/4-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Plains minnow 11 2-3 Red shiner 110 1-23 Blacktail shiner 81 1-4 River carpsucker 1 4 Green sunfish 8 1-3 Bluegill 46 4-3 Largemouth bass 83 ly=4 Logperch Total 347 --- Page 17 --- Twin Buttes Reservoir In 1963, the Bureau of Reclamation constructed a large dam on South and Middle Concho Rivers and Spring Creek southwest of San Angele. Flood control, irrigation, and municipal water supply are the intended usages for the potential 183,000 acre-feet lake. This impoundment has not received any major runoff and contained approximately 5,000 acre-feet of water when surveys were conducted this year. Game fish accounted for 31.58 per cent by number and 30.75 per cent by weight of this year's netting sample (Table 11). The majority of rough fish weight was comprised of river carpsucker, with gizzard shad dominating the total number of fish taken. A variety of minnows and a large number of small gizzard shad were collected with seines. Table 11 also reveals 304 largemouth bass were taken by shoreline seining. This was probably due to the large number of advanced bass fry released earlier in the year as shown in Table 3. Table 11 Survey Results Twin Buttes Reservoir, July 30 and October 25, 1968. Results Of 18 gill nets, Per Cent Total Wgt.Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species Number by no. Pounds Pounds by Wet. WKN Longnose gar 8 1.14 20.42 2499 3.79 Gizzard shad 246 35.14 38.07 215 7.07 Goldfish 2 029 sf2 236 14 Carp 35 5.00 53.61 1.53 9.96 River carpsucker 151 21.57 255.48 1.69 47.46 Channel catfish * 34 4.86 53.38 1.57 9.92 1.74 Flathead catfish * 6 85 39.88 6.65 7.41 1.93 White bass * 43 6al5 39.02 Dd, 7025 2.84 Bluegill * 46 6.57 4.32 .09 . 80 3.97 Longear sunfish * 1 14 08 .08 .02 4.56 Largemouth bass * 9 1.29 13.85 1,54 2,57 2.85 White crappie * 82 LLa7l 14.94 18 2.78 2.72 Freshwater drum 37 9.29 4.45 oe .83 Total 700 100.00 538.22 100.00 Game fish * 221 3L.98 165.47 30.75 Rough fish 479 68.42 372.75 69.25 --- Page 18 --- ~16- Seining Results Twin Buttes Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine). _ Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 811 2~8 Carp 5 3~6 Plains minnow 5 243% Golden shiner 27 2-4 Red shiner 161 1=2% Blacktail shiner 16 1-24 Fathead minnow 19 1-2 Bullhead minnow 208 1-24 River carpsucker 2 35-5 Mosquitofish 44 tg~2 White bass 1 5 Green sunfish 19 1-4 Orangespotted sunfish 15 ae Bluegill 34 1-4 Longear sunfish 28 1%=5 Largemouth bass 304 1-14 White crappie 30 1-3 Logperch 29 2-4 Total 1,758 Colorado City Lake The Texas Electric Service Company built this 1,655~acre lake on Morgan Creek, 6 miles southwest of Colorado City. The waters from this 20-year old reservoir is used for cooling operations by the plant and as a water supply for Colorado City. When last surveyed, the water level was down 14 feet despite the pumping of water from an auxiliary impoundment. Surveys this segment were conducted in May and September. The combined results are given in Table 12. The composition of the fish population has been fairly steady for the past 3 years according to our data. Desirable species comprised 42.25 per cent by number and 65.28 per cent by weight of the netting sample. Flathead catfish was the main contributor to the large weight percentage. Small gizzard shad and red shiners comprised the most abundant forage species in seine samples. Largemouth bass were stocked because of the apparent poor reproduction of this species as reflected in the shoreline seining. --- Page 19 --- ~17- Table 12 Survey Results Colorado City Lake, May 22, 23, and September 12, 1968. Results of 18 gill nets. ee Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Gizzard shad 178 42.48 31.54 18 7.09 Carp 16 34 82 41.31 2.58 9.30 River carpsucker 48 11.45 81.43 1.70 18.33 Channel catfish * 47 11.22 44.09 94 9..93 1.77 Flathead catfish * 38 9.07 202.32 D «2 45.54 Ls 99 White bass * LL 2.62 11.35 1.03 Qe 99 2.74 Bluegill * 21 5.02 1.96 09 44 4.46 Redear sunfish * 2 247 16 08 04 4.61 Largemouth bass * 8 1.91 11.16 1.39 2.51 2.57 White crappie * 50 11.94 18.95 38 4.27 3.14 Total 419 100.00 444.27 100.00 Game fish * 177 42.25 289.99 6528 Rough fish 242 57.75 154.28 34.72 Seining Results Colorado City Lake (50 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh seine, Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 480 1-8 Carp 1 5 Golden shiner 1 3% Red shiner 83 14-3 Blacktail shiner 667 1-34 Bullhead minnow 30 1-3 River carpsucker 5 4-8 Channel catfish 42 3-6 Mosquitofish 2 2 White bass 1 10 Warmouth 1 3% Green sunfish 1 1% Bluegill 202 1-5 Longear sunfish 1 24 Redear sunfish 13 3-5 Largemouth bass 2 2 White crappie 5 3-5 Logperch 3 3-4 Total 1,540 --- Page 20 --- ~18- Kinarum Lake A survey of this small lake, located near Bronte, was requested by Coke County officials early this segment, After it was checked and found to have an excessive number of gizzard shad and stunted sunfish (Table 13), plans were made for a complete renovation and restocking program. Some of the local fish- ermen objected to such plans and the treatment did not materialize. No stocking or further work was conducted. Table 13 Survey Results Kinarum Lake, March 6, 1968. Results of 3 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wet. Sia Gizzard shad 13 24.52 2.86 .22 6.72 Bluegill * 27 50.95 2.31 .08 5.44 3.63 Largemouth bass * 11 20.75 36.41 3.31 85.67 3.23 White crappie * 2 3.78 92 -46 2.17 3.35 Total 53 100.00 42.50 100.00 Game fish * 40 75.48 39.64 93,28 Rough fish 13 24.52 2.86 6.72 Seining Results Kinarum Lake (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 2,500 2-8 Golden shiner 21 14-2 Red shiner 14 1-1% Total 2,535 Trawling Results Kinarum Lake, March 6, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh trawl Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 4 5 Golden shiner 2 7 Largemouth bass 1 8 Orangespotted sunfish 1 3% Bluegill 242 2-3% White crappie 2 8 Total 252 Valley Creek Lake This 185-acre water supply reservoir is located 6 miles west of Ballinger. The results of the past survey, conducted in May 1968, continues to reflect low game fish production. Gizzard shad alone accounted for more than half of the total fish netted (Table 14). Desirable species totaled only 13.46 per cent by number and 20.47 per cent by weight of this netting sample. However, this is slightly better than found in 1967. --- Page 21 --- -19- Trawling yielded only 2 species but revealed a substantial number of small white crappie. Forage was found to be satisfactory with blacktail and red shiners being the most prominent species in the seining collection. Should the game fish population remain at the present low standings, the possibility of a chemical treatment will be investigated. Valley Creek Lake was stocked with 12,000 largemouth bass, 9,200 channel catfish and 5,000 redear sunfish during this segment. Table 14 Survey Results Valley Creek Reservoir, May 15, 1968. Results of 6 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wet. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Species Number by_No. Pounds _Pounds by Wet. a Longnose gar 22 5.80 98.01 4.45 29.41 Gizzard shad 205 54,09 32.43 16 9.74 Carp 7 1.85 36.12 5.16 10.84 Golden shiner 1 .2/7 224 24 .07 River carpsucker 57 15.04 79.24 1239 23.78 Channel catfish * 8 2.11 20.69 2.59 6.21 2.38 Flathead catfish * 7 1.85 41.20 5.88 12 37 2.39 Bluegill * 10 2.64 Lell a Ll 33 4.82 Longear sunfish * 4 1.05 33 08 . 10 4.65 Redear sunfish * 1 27 14 14 .04 4.13 White crappie * 21 5.54 4.72 eld 1,42 2.97 Freshwater drum 36 9.49 18.94 93 i569 _ Total 379 100.00 333.17 100.00 Game fish * 51 13.46 68.19 20.47 Rough fish 328 86.54 264.98 79.53 Seining Results Valley creek Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine). _ Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 90 3-8 Golden shiner 3 y= 2 Red shiner 370 1-3 Blacktail shiner 310 14-3% Bullhead minnow 75 14-2% River carpsucker 4 3 Orangespotted sunfish 2 2-23 Bluegill 11 3-5 Longear sunfish 7 3-4 Largemouth bass 6 24-3 White crappie - 15 __. _ 4-8 _ Total 893 --- Page 22 --- =20 Trawling Results Valley Creek Reservoir, May 15, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh trawl pecies Number ——ss—=S—~S~S™S~S™SC*C*Ssizie@: ~Ramge’ in Inches Gizzard shad 8 4-6 White crappie 76 25-7 ee A RS Total 84 New Winters Lake New Winters Lake is a 250-acre water supply for the city of Winters. It is very turbid and has a fairly constant water level. According to survey results (Table 15), the fish population of this impoundment is steadily returning to the very poor condition it was in before its 1965 renovation. Without the many stunted white crappie, the game fish would account for only 10 per cent by number and 12 per cent by weight of this year's netting collection. Seining or trawling failed to produce age class 0 or 1 largemouth bass, therefore 8,000 fingerling bass along with 8,000 channel catfish and 8,000 redear sunfish were added, Table 15 Result w Winters Lake, June 12, 1968. Results of 5 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average. s_Ne Species _—s———Number_— by No, Pounds __—-Pounds_ _—siby Wat. "Kk" Gizzard shad 28 13.46 4.07 ak4 2.77 Carp 21 10.09 40.42 1.92 27.59 River carpsucker 19 9.14 21.03 1.11 14.36 Smallmouth buffalo 9 4.32 36.56 4.06 24.95 Black bullhead 12 5.77 2.64 a 2d 1.81 Channel catfish * 15 7.22 6.30 42 4.30 1.78 Flathead catfish * 1 49 10.35 10,35 7.06 2.67 Bluegill * 5 2.40 40 .08 27 4.35 White crappie * 70 33.65 12.84 18 8.77 2.85 Freshwater drum 2813.46 10.89 28 Total 208 100.00 146.50 100.00 Game fish * 91 43.76 29.89 20.40 Rough fish 117 56.24 116.61 79.60 un RN --- Page 23 --- -21- Seining Results New Winters Lake (100 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh seine, Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh seine) . Species Gizzard shad Golden shiner Red shiner Bullhead minnow River carpsucker Channel catfish Mosquitofish Green sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie Drum Total Number 193 21 200 14 1 3 166 2 29 23 1 1 33 3 690 ____ Size Range in Inches Trawling Results New Winters Lake, June 12. 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh trawl) Species umber __ Black bullhead Channel catfish Orangespotted sunfish White crappie Drum Total Size Range in Inches 4 7-9 7 6-11 4 24-4 14 4-7 26 _ 5-1 5D Elm Creek Lake This old 55-acre reservoir was formed by a small dam on Elm Creek in the city limits of Ballinger. It served as a city water supply until 1952 and since that time it has been used for limited irrigation and fishing. The survey conducted this year was similar to those of the past. Netting results indicate the game fish population to be very low, comprising 7.84 per cent by number and 5.29 per cent by weight (Table 16). Gizzard shad and river carpsucker dominated both weight and numbers of fish netted. Both methods of collecting produced no channel catfish and only 2 large- mouth bass, Supplementary stocking employed this year included 4,000 large- mouth bass. 6,000 channel catfish, and 4,000 redear sunfish. Renovation procedures are not justifiable at this time because several miles of permanent water stream connected to the lake is privately controlled and could not be treated, --- Page 24 --- Table 16 Survey Results Elm Creek Lake, June 14, 1968. Results of 4 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species Number by_No. _Pounds Pounds __by Wet. "K" Longnose gar 5 2,45 10.57 2.11 6.75 Gizzard shad 142 69. 60 54.51 238 34,83 Carp 3 1.47 10.90 3.63 6.97 River carpsucker 19 9.32 44,27 2.33 28.29 Smallmouth buffalo 5 2.45 22,24 4.45 14.21 Black bullhead ll 5.40 2.86 26 1.83 Flathead catfish * 1 49 5.06 5.06 3.24 1.82 Bluegill * 5 2.45 245 «09 228 4.80 White crappie * 10 4.90 2.76 28 1.77 2.98 Freshwater drum 3 1.47 2,86 DO BS Total 204 100.00 156.48 100.00 Game fish * 16 7.84 8.27 5.29 Rough fish 188 92.16 148.21 94.71 pa en NES Seining Results Elm Creek Lake, (20 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by __1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 60 —_ iy-2 Bullhead minnow 11 14-2 River carpsucker 3 4-3 Mosquitofish 170 ol Bluegill 26 2-3% Longear sunfish 33 2-4 Largemouth bass a ae ee 272% Total 305 Towle Park Lake This small impoundment, located at a county park in Snyder, provides a heavily used fishery for children. A high game fish ratio was shown in the survey results during this segment. Of the 40 fish captured in gill nets, 30 were game fish (Table 17). The rough fish included 1 carp, 3 golden shiners and 6 black bullheads. Seining and trawling produced similar results. Towle Park Lake was stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and redear sunfish this year. Also, a few sub-adult flathead catfish were placed in this 5<acre lake in an effort to control the bullhead catfish population. --- Page 25 --- oJ 3m Table 17 Survey Results Towle Park Lake, August 14, 1968. Results of 3 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wet. KM Carp 1 2.50 83 -83 4.41 Golden shiner 3 7.50 48 16 2.55 Black bullhead 6 15.00 1.70 .28 9.03 Channel catfish * 5 12.50 12.08 2.42 64.19 2032 Green sunfish * 1 2.50 .09 09 247 3.38 Largemouth bass * 2 5.00 1.33 . 66 7.07 2.66 White crappie * 22 55000 2031 10 12,28 2.80 Total 40 100.00 18.82 100.00 Game fish * 30 75.00 L5 81 84.01 Rough fish 10 25.00 3,01 15.99 Seining Results Towle Park Lake (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4~-inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/8-inch mesh_ seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Mexican tetra d, 2 Carp 1 10 Red shiner 2 el] Black bullhead 351 2-4 Green sunfish 758 1-5 Bluegill 606 1-7 Largemouth bass 515 4g~7 White crappie > ee 6-9 Total 2,239 Trawling Results Towle Park Lake, August 13, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh trawl) Species ; Number Size Range in_Inches Bluegill 1 4 Largemouth bass 2 3 Total 3 Old Winters Lake This former water supply reservoir is located 2 miles north of Winters. It covers about 50 acres when full but is normally less than 20 acres in size with a maximum depth of 7 feet. --- Page 26 --- =9d; = Only 6 species of fish were collected in gill nets this year (Table 18). Gizzard shad accounted for 65.18 per cent of the 247 fish netted. Three flathead catfish comprised the majority of total weight. Seining and trawling failed to improve the game fish statistics. Hatchery fish were released in this small lake (Table 3) but little benefit is expected because of the shallow, fluctuating, turbid water. Table 18 _Survey Results Old Winters Lake, August 16, 1968. Results of 4 gill nets. | Per Cent Total Wet. Avg. Wet. Per Cent Average Species Number ___by No. Pounds Pounds by Wet. "'K""" Gizzard shad 161 65.18 19.10 212 24.94 Carp 30 12.14 20,04 67 26.18 Channel catfish * 15 6.08 3.61 224 4.71 1.62 Flathead catfish * 3 LiZl 27.31 9.10 35.67 1.93 Bluegill * 3 1.21 27 09 -36 4.33 White crappie * 35) 14.18 6238 Total 247 100.00 76.56 106.00 Game fish * 56 22.68 37.42 48.88 Rough fish 191 77,32 39.14 51.12 Seining Results Old Winters Lake (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine and 20 by y_1/8-inch mes e). Species Number Sie Range in Inches Gizzard shad 33 1-3 Carp 2 3%-4 Golden shiner 9 2-4 Red shiner 105 1-24 Bullhead minnow 8 14-2 Mosquitofish 3 1-14 Bluegill 16 1-2% Largemouth bass 8 15-4 White crappie _ ae 15-5 Total Trawling Results Old Winters Lake, August 15, 1968. (16 by 10 by 1/2-inch mesh ee ee ee Ee ee =!) Species _ ; _ Number _ _Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 8) i 2~4 Channel catfish 9 2-3% White crappie p) Total 40 --- Page 27 --- Mountain Creek Reservoir Municipal water for Robert Lee is supplied by this 95-acre lake located in the northern limits of the city. The survey for this segment was conducted in late November 1968. Channel catfish and largemouth bass dominated the weight of game fish netted with 26.11 and 34,86 per cent respectively (Table 19). The gizzard shad population was significant in the netting results for the first time since the chemical treatment effectuated in the early 1960's. Seining results (Table 19) reflect a change in the sunfish population from a previous dominance of bluegill to redear. Stocking consisted of 2,000 fingerling channel catfish. Table 19 Survey Results Mountain Creek Reservoir, November 21, 1968. Results of 3 gill nets. Per Cent Total Wgt. Avg. Wgt. Per Cent Average Species __——s—S——CNumber by No. Pounds” ~——s Pounds __siby Wet. "KM Gizzard shad 41 62.11 0 36 .23 26.88 Golden shiner 3 4.55 228 eld 1.66 Black bullhead 2 3, 03 -21 . 10 . 60 Channel catfish * 3 4.55 9,09 3.03 26.11 1.90 Bluegill * 3 4.55 #30 LO 86 4.26 Redear sunfish * 3 4.55 90 30 2299 3.95 Largemouth bass * 4 6.06 12.14 3.03 34.86 3.11 White crappie * 7 10,60 2.24 32 6.44 2.67 Total 66 100.00 34.82 100,00 Game fish * 20 30.31 24.67 70.86 Rough fish 46 69.69 10,15 29.14 Seining Results Mountain Creek Reservoir (Bag 26 by 6 by 1/4~inch mesh seine and 20 by 6 by 1/4-inch mesh seine). Species Number _ _ Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad , 1 8 Golden shiner 1 4 Orangespotted sunfish 3 2-2% Redear sunfish 57 15-2 Largemouth bass 6 1%~2% Total 68 Andrews City Lake This small city park lake was surveyed by project personnel for the first time this year. Covering only 4 surface acres, it provides fishing for children and other limited recreation. --- Page 28 --- “2G A chemical renovation, followed by stocking with hatchery-reared channel catfish and largemouth bass, was attempted by the county early in 1967. This year, 3-standard gill nets set overnight yielded only 7 channel catfish which averaged 0.20 of a pound each. Shoreline seining produced a single individual of 3 species - goldfish, blacktail shiner, and largemouth bass. The trawling sample consisted of 202 goldfish, The desire of the controlling authority must be known before any attempt can be made to improve the condition of this fishery. Conclusions and Recommendations: As recommended last segment, fisheries technicians that serve as public hearing witnesses should be chosen from projects that serve the particular counties concerned. This would be of more benefit to the public and to the Department because the witness would be more familiar with the public waters concerned. Chemical control measures for Valley Creek Lake will be discussed with controlling authorities. If permissable, an attempt should be made to improve the fishing in this impoundment. Chemical renovation of San Angelo Reservoir will probably be recommended if the volume continues to decline. Several factors that must be considered are (1) the cost-benefit ratio; (2) availability of hatchery-reared fish for restocking; and (3) the desire of the controlling authority. The benefits of supplementary stocking of hatchery-produced fry into waters with established fish populations are questionable. However, this practice will be continued until sufficient knowledge is acquired to justify a change. The control of problematic aquatic vegetation is needed at strategic access points on 2 of the public waters surveyed this segment. Because of the restrictions on the use of chemicals in public water supplies, remedial recommendations for such waters are quite limited. Emergency measures to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations were found to be unnecessary during this segment's work. It is recommended that this job be continued in an effort to provide the best fishery possible at each public water in Region I-B. Des, Corb. Prepared by _ Billy J. Follis Approved by Pl icp A Oot Project Leader ‘Coordinator Date April 22, 1969 Leo D. Lewis Inland Fisheries Supervisor --- Page 29 --- -27« A checklist of scientific names is presented so that common names may be used in this report. 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 Number 2, 1960. COMMON NAMES Longnose gar Gizzard shad Threadfin shad Mexican tetra Goldfish Carp Plains minnow Golden shiner Red shiner Blacktail shiner Fathead minnow Bullhead minnow River carpsucker Smallmouth buffalo Black bullhead Channel catfish Flathead catfish Mosquitofish White bass Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Redear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie Logperch Walleye Freshwater drum SCLENTIFIC NAMES Lepisosteus osseus Dorosoma cepedianum Dorosoma petenense Astyanax mexicanus Carassius auratus Cyprinus carpio Hybognathus placita Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis lutrensis Notropis venustus Pimephales promelas Pimephales vigilax Carpiodes carpio Ictiobus bubalus Ictalurus “melas _ Ictalurus punctatus Pylodictis olivaris Gambusia affinis Roccus chrysops Chaenobryttus gulosus Lepomis auritus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis humilis Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis megalotis Lepomis microlophus Micropterus salmoides Pomoxis annularis Percina caprodes _ Stizostedion vitreum vitreum Aplodinotus grunniens