TPWD 1971 F-3-R-18 #1383: Project Segment Completion Report: Region III-B Fisheries Studies, Job No. 15 Fishery Management Recommendations, Federal Aid Project No. F-3-R-18

--- Page 1 --- es N08: Ban 33.Y {0 PROJECT SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS ‘ Federal Aid Project No. F-3-R-18 Region III-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 15 Fishery Management Recommendations Project Leader: Joe E. Toole James U. Cross Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole J. M. Beall D~J Coordinator Director, Current Operations NCU gen eral as ial --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT A preliminary meeting of Department field biologists, game management officers, and supervisory personnel was held in Palestine on April 24, 1970, to discuss proposed reg- ulation changes for the Northeast Texas, Southeast Texas, and Trinity-Brazos Regulatory Areas. Public hearings were held in all regulatory counties within Region III-B during June made 1-5, 1970, for the presentation of proposed proclamations. A recommendation was to close Sam Rayburn Reservoir to commercial netting except by State contract for the protection of the flathead catfish. This proposal was passed into law and is now in effect. Quarterly field collections were again conducted on seven major reservoirs in regulatory areas of Region III-B. These reservoirs include Sam Rayburn, B. A. Steinhagen, Murvaul, Striker, Palestine, Caddo, and Toiedo Bend. Management recommendations derived from 1970 segment field data include: Continued contract netting on Sam Rayburn. No additional stocking of game fish in Sam Rayburn. A fall water drawdown on B. A. Steinhagen for vegetation control, No additional stocking in Steinhagen. Continuation of contract netting in Steinhagen. Continuation of channel catfish stocking in Murvaul. ‘ No commercial netting of any type in Murvaul. Additional stocking of threadfin shad in Lake Striker. No additional stocking of game fish in Striker. 10, Additional stocking of game fish in Palestine with third stage. li, No contract netting in Palestine until conservation pool level is reached. 12, Spot treatment of water hyacinths on Caddo Lake. 13, No additional stocking on Caddo Lake. 14. No additional stocking on Toledo Bend. 2 ° Pwo ON DUE WHF It is recommended that this study be continued to provide valid fish harvest regulations through current population sampling data, vegetation control needs and stocking needs where feasible. Field data compiled from this study are vital in continuing these important object- ives. --- Page 3 --- SEGMENT COMPLETION REPORT State Texas Name: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys Project No. F-3-R-18 of the waters of Region III-B. Job No. 15 Title: Fishery Management Recommendations Period Covered: _— February 1, 1970 to January 31, 1971 OBJECTIVES: PsSet To determine, in Region III-B waters, the need for: Le Changes in fish harvest regulations. 2s Fish population control, 36 Stocking of game fish species. 4. Noxious vegetation control. De Emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations. Segment: As above listed P.S. Objectives. PROCEDURES: 1. A. Field data from quarterly surveys in Sam Rayburn Reservoir, B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir, Lake Murvaul, Lake Striker, Lake Palestine, Caddo Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir were analyzed to formulate needs for advantageous fishery regulations. B. Proposed fishery regulations will be presented at public hearings in regulatory authority counties within Region III-B. 2. Quarterly surveys were made on each of the above listed reservoirs this segment. Experimental giil nets and bag seines were utilized for making fish collections. Experimental nets used in these collections are 150 feet in length and 8 feet in depth, with square mesh ranging from 1 inch to 3-1/2 inches. Mesh size increased in 1/2-inch increments with 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 in seining collections. 3. Each of the candidate waters in this study contain established game fish populations. Criteria for making stocking recommendations consist primarily of food availability and degree of reproduction. Where field sampling indicates little or no successful reproduction, the normal stocking recommendation rate will be 100 bass fry or 50 bass fingerlings and 25 channel catfish per acre. Of course in large reservoirs such as Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend, this rate cannot be feasibly maintained. --- Page 4 --- 4. A, Tn conjunction with fisheries sucveys, visual observations of aquatic vegetation were made and recorded to determine those areas infested with noxious plants detri- mental to fisherman access and useage, B Control recommendations for such areas of noxious vegetation were made if feas- ibie. 5, Whenever conditions or events that would threaten fish Life come to the attention of project personnel, circumstances wili be investigated and reported along with recom mendations tor remedial action. FINDINGS: A preliminary meeting was held in Palestine on Aprii 24, between Parks and Wildlife field biologists, game management officers, and supervisory personnel for the discussion of proposed regulation changes in regulatory authority areas. Inland Fisheries Region III~®8 includes counties in three reculatory aulvority areas: Northeast Texas Area, Southeast Texas Area and the Trinity~Brazos Area, A recormeniation was made at this meeting to close Sam Rayburn Reservoir to nettiny except through State contract for the protection of the flathead catfish Public hearings were attended by project personnel in each regulatory county on June 1 through 5, The following resumes and data tables are submitted for field activities on the seven major reservoirs included in this study. Table 1 is a checklist of fish species collected from all waters in 1970. NOTE: Abbreviations are as follows: SR Sam Rayburn Reservoir B Dam B M Lake Murvaul S Lake Striker P Palestine C Caddo T Toledce Bend TABLE i Scientific Name Common Name Location Lepisosteus spatula Alligator gar SR L, oculatus Spotted gar All L, osseus Longnose gar SR, B, C, P, and T Amia calva Bowfin SR, BB. M, Cy / P, and T (Table 1 continued on Page 3) --- Page 5 --- (Table 1 continued) scientific Name Alosa chrysochloris Dorosoma petenense D. cepedianum Esox americanus E. niger Ictiobus bubalus Carpiodes carpio Moxostoma poecilurum_ Minytrema melanops Erimyzon sucetta Cyprinus carpio Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis fumeus N. chalybaeus N. texanus {2 o venustus > lutrensis (z {2 stramineus Pimephales vigilax Ictalurus punctatus i. furcatus i. melas I, natalis — Pylodictis olivaris (Table 1 continued on Page 4) Commen Name _ Skipjack herring Threadfin shad Gizzard shad Grass pickerel Chain pickerel Smallmouth buffalo River carpsucker Gray redhorse Spotted sucker Lake chubsucker Carp Golden Shiner Ribbon shiner Ironcoicr shiner Weed shiner Blacktail shiner Red shiner Sand shiner Bullhead minnow Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead Yellow bullhead Flathead catfish Location C SR, B, and § All SR, B, C, P, and T SR and T All SR, B, M, C, and T SR, S, P, T SR, M, C, P, T SR, B SR, B, M, C SR, B SR, B, S, M Ail SR, B, M, C, and T SR, By M, C, P, and T B, 8, C, P, T --- Page 6 --- (Table 1 continued) Scientific Name Funduius chrysotus F, notatus Gambusia atftinis Labidesthes sicculus Aphredoderus sayanus Roceus chrysops R. mississippiensis Micropterus punctulatus M. saimoides Chaenobryttus gulosus Lepomis symmetricus L. punctatus L. microlophus L. macrochirus L. humilis L. auritus L. megalotis Pomoxis annularis P. nigromaculatus Centrarchus macropterus Etheostoma fonticola Percina caprodes (Table 1 continued on Page 5) Common Name Golden topminnow Blackstripe topminnow Mosquitofish Brook silversides Pirate perch White bass Yellow bass Spotted bass Largemouth bass Warmouth Bantam sunfish Spotted sunfish Redear suniish Bluegill sunfish: _ Orangespotted sunfish Redbreast sunfish Longear sunfish White crappie Black crappie Flier Fountain darter Logperch Loca SR, and All All SR, tion --- Page 7 --- -5- (Table i continued) Scientific Name Common Name Location _ Ammocrypta vivax Scaly sand darter B Apiodinotus grunniens Freshwater drum SR, B, C, T TABLE 2 NOTE: Tabie 2 contains netting collection totals for each water. These data are con- colidations of individual field collections conducted during this segment. CONSOLIDATED NETTING DATA RATIOS FOR 1970_ II-A Sam Rayburn Reservoir Number Per Cent Total Per Cent Collected By Number Weight (ibs) By Weight Rough Fish 390 57.53 680.60 74.04 Game Fish 288 42.47 238.63 25.96 Total 78 _ «100.00 | 919.25 ____————s—i100.00 II-B Dam "B" Reservoir Rough Fish 356 62.90 479.71 79.43 Game Fish 210 37.10 111.29 20.57 Total 566 100.00 541.00 100.00 II-C Lake Murvaul Rough Fish 442 55.39 301.49 52.65 Game Fish 356 44.61 271.16 47.35 Total 798 100.00 572.65 100.00 II-D Lake Striker Rough Fish 198 58.06 422.64 80.43 Game Fish 143 41.94 102.85 19.57 Total 341 100,99 525.49 100.00 (Table 2 continued on Page 6) --- Page 8 --- (Tabie 2 continued) II-E Lake Palestine Number Per Cent Total Per Cent Collected By Number Weight (ibs.) By Weight Rough Fish 192 65.31 192,70 62.26 Game Fish 102 34,69 116.82 37.74 Total __ 294 100.00 3009.52 «0000 II-F Caddo Lake Rough Fish 703 72.70 998.13 88.07 Game Fish 264 27.30 135.25 11.93 Total ; ___: 967 __ 200.00 1,133,336 _ 180.00 | II-G Toledo Bend Rough Fish 519 69.84 640.03 76.53 Game Fish 250 30.16 196.34 23 wh7 Total 82D ———isCi: 000 836.37 ___100.00 II-H Region Totals Rough Fish 2,860 63.94 3,665.30 75.76 Game Fish 1,613 36 .06 1,172.64 24.24 Total 4,473 100.00 4,837.94 100.00 NOTE: Individual percentages by weight and number for each species, K-factor data for game fish species and seining collection data were also compiled but are not listed in table form. Significant aspects of these data are included in the resumes for given waters. SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR: Game fish percentages increased slightly this segment in the netting data totals. Bass fishing pressure may have reduced siightly on Sam Rayburn Reservoir due to the rel- atively newly impounded Toledo Bend and Livingston Reservoirs in the area. However, the splendid public access and camping facilities on Sam Rayburn are utilized to the fullest during the summer months and numerous bass tournaments are scheduled on Sam Rayburn. Pursuant to the recommendation made in the previous segment report concerning the taking of flathead catfish in nets, Sam Rayburn is now closed to netting except by State contract, which excludes the taking of catfish. Current segment netting data did not include any flathead catfish. It is anticipated that future data will indicate an in- crease of this important predator species if adequate protection from nets is maintained. --- Page 9 --- Additional stocking of largemouth bass or channel catfish is not recommended for Sam Rayburn Reservoir at this time. Survey data indicate reproduction of these species is adequate, Aquatic vegetation is not a problem in most areas of Sam Rayburn. Scattered water hyacinths have been sighted in previous years but none were observed this segment. Scat- tered plants are removed by project personnel in conjunction with netting activities when found. B, A. STEINHAGEN RESERVOIR: (DAM 'B"’) Located in Jasper and Tyler counties below the confluence of the Angelina and Neches Rivers, Dam "B" continues to be a productive reservoir. This shallow lake provides a habitat resembling a natural lake such as Caddo and has continually produced channel and blue catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass, Alligator weed (Althernenthera philoxeroides), water hyacinths (Eichornia crassipes) and numerous submerged aquatics are a continuing problem in the reservoir. Due to good water fluctuations and resulting increased tur- bidity, submerged vegetation has been subdued during the last two segments. The rec- ommendation for a fall drawdown each year on this reservoir is continued. Good representations of the previously mentioned game fish species were collected this segment. Excellent seining collections were made which included Class 0 specimens of channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, and largemouth bass. Numerous thread- fin shad were aiso collected which indicates an abundance of this important forage species. Based on these data, the recommendation is made that no additional stocking be conducted at this time. It is aisco recommended that continued commercial netting on Dam "B" be allowed only under State contract as present regulations provide. LAKE MURVAUL: This relatively small reservoir in Panola County continues to produce excellent large- mouth bass populations in spite of ever-increasing fishing pressure. Numerous area bass clubs fish the lake each weekend and good catches of various age class bass are common. Current netting data from Lake Murvaul reflect this bass production. Twenty-six large- mouth bass weighing a total of 85 pounds were netted in February 1970. These data and those of previous segments have prompted a separate bass study on Lake Murvaul. The success of a private channel catfish stocking program on Murvaul has not been exceptional but i970 data indicate the channel catfish population in Murvaul is slowly increasing. It is recommended that this program be continued by the Panola Water District. A recommendation was made this year to the Water District concerning a commercial fisherman's request to net gar in Lake Murvaul. It was recommended that this request be denied as netting data did not indicate an excessive population of gar and a previous food study in Region III-B (Job B-20) substantiated the value of these fishes as predators, This recommendation was honored by the Water District. LAKE PALESTINE The third stage construction on Lake Palestine in nearing completion. When storage pool elevation is reached, the reservoir will contain 21,000 acres as compared to the 6,000 acres of the second stage. It is recommended that the newly enlarged reservoir be stocked with channel catfish and largemouth bass during the 1970 segment, Netting data collected --- Page 10 --- during the two segments of extended drawndown for construction indicate that game fish populations have remained relatively stable. The recommendation has been made to pro- hibit contract netting on the lake during this period due to the drastically reduced habitat area for the protection of game fish species, particularly the largemouth bass and flathead catfish. CADDO LAKE: Caddo game fish percentages continue to be the iowest of Region III-B lakes, primarily due to large numbers of adult gizzard shad netted. Adequate samples of all game fish species were collected from Caddo this year and fishing is generally good. Submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation continues to be an acute problem in Caddo. During late summer, many areas are completeiy inaccessable to fishermen. Spot treat- ment of water hyacinths was continued this segment and is recommended for the coming year. Treatment of this noxious plant was most difficult this year as major plant growth did not occur until late summer and submerged aquatics made access by boat difficuit. No additional stocking of game fish 15 recommended tor Caddo Lake as seining and netting collections reflect adequate reproduction. TOLEDO BEND: This 186,000 surface acre reservoir on the Sabine River has now achieved recognition as one of the nation's finest sport fisheries. Although access and recreational facilities have been relatively poor in comparison to the reservoir's size, they are steadily im- proving as millions of sportsmen continue to discover Toledo Bend. Fishing is now ex- cellent for all game fish species in the new lake. Numerous areas of water hyacinths have been observed in the reservoir and an estimated 10,000 acres of hyacinths existed in late summer of 1970. This estimate has been forwarded to the Director of the State- wide Noxious Vegetation Control program. Netting data collected this segment indicates good representation of largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish, and blue catfish. It is surprising that only four smallmouth buffalo, an important commercial species, were collected. Seining collections were often limited due to brush and debris along the banks but Class O largemouth bass and crappie were collected. Based on these data, no additional stocking is recommended for Toledo Bend Reservoir. LAKE STRIKER: Game fish percentages declined this segment in Lake Striker, primarily due to a decrease in channel catfish collected and an increase in large carp netted in March 1970. Due to low condition factors (K-factor) on largemouth bass examined in 1969, and an apparent slow growth of white bass in the reservoir, a recommendation was made to stock the lake with threadfin shad to provide additional forage. This was achieved this year with apparent success. A total of approximately 7,000 adult threadfin were transported from Lake O' the Pines by project personnel in early March. Suqsequent seining collect- ions this segment included numerous young threadfin shad. K-factor data from white bass --- Page 11 --- taken during the latter part of the 1970 segment show a slight increase for this species. It is anticipated that a more definite increase for this and other game fish species will be evident during the coming segment. Additional stocking of threadfin shad is recommend- ed this year. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. 10. ll, 12. 13 6 14. 15. 16, It is recommended that existing netting regulations in Sam Rayburn Reservoir be continued for the protection of the flathead catfish. No additional stocking of game fish is recommended for Sam Rayburn as collection data indicate adequate reproduction. A fall water drawdown is again recommended for Dam "'B" Reservoir for the control of submerged aquatics. Water hyacinths and alligator weed may require further chemical control on Dam "B". No additional stocking of game fish species is recommended for Dam "B" as reproduction is good. It is recommended that commercial netting be allowed only under State contract on Dam "B" during the coming year. The recommendation is made to continue the channel catfish stocking program in Lake Murvaul, initiated in 1967 by the Panola County Water District. It is also recommended that no commercial netting, contract or otherwise, be allowed in Lake Murvaul. Additional stocking of threadfin shad is recommended for Lake Striker in 1971. Additional stocking of game fish is not recommended for Lake Striker. Additional stocking of channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie is recommended for Lake Palestine with the completion of third stage construction scheduled for L971. It is recommended that no contracts be awarded commercial fishermen on Lake Palestine during present drawdown conditions. Spot treatment of water hyacinths is recommended for Caddo Lake in 1971. Segment netting and seining data from Caddo Lake indicate additional stocking of game fish is not feasible, Additional stocking of game fish species in Toledo Bend Reservoir is not recom- mended as segment data indicates good reproduction. Water hyacinths on Toledo Bend Reservoir may require large scale treatment in the near future. --- Page 12 --- -10= It is recommended that this job be continued to provide valid fish harvest reg- ulations through current population sampling data, vegetation control needs and stocking needs where feasible. Field data compiled from this study are vital in continuing these important objectives. \ Prepared by: Joe E. Toole _ Approved by: 7 Vode gx ed eet a Project Leader " Coordinator Date: May 27, 1971 ; Robert J. Kem Inland Fisheries Supervisor