TPWD 1971 F-5-R-18 #1381: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies: Fisheries Management Recommendations, Job No. 13, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-18

--- Page 1 --- c1Le JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F~5-R-18 REGION I=B FISHERIES STUDIES Job No. 13. Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Billy J. Follis James I. Cross Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole oth Beast D-J Coordina tor Director, Current Operations MUL ley, le ya --- Page 2 --- Summary Fishery surveys were conducted on 19 public waters in Region 1-B. These surveys included: (1) Fish population sampling with gill nets, seines, and trawl. (2) Collection of physical, hydrological and ecological data. (3) Aquatic vegetation observations, and (4) Water analysis Preliminary meetings and public hearings were attended for the Permian Basin and Edwards Plateau Regulatory Districts. The existing fisheries re- gulations were considered satisfactory and no changes were made. Many regional waters were greatly reduced by drought during the past year. Also, the Colorado and Concho Rivers were adversely affected by the dry weather. Four small lakes were chemically renovated when they became extremely low in late summer and early fall. Three other area reservoirs meet the criteria for renovation, and management efforts are being studied. Eighteen public lakes and portions of three rivers received supplemen- tary hatchery stocking. These waters received 680,970 fry and fingerling fish representing five species from local state hatcheries. --- Page 3 --- Job Pregress Report State of Texas Name: Region 1-8 Fisheries Studies Project No.: F-5-R-18 Title: Fisheries Management _ Recommendations Job No.: 13 Period Covered: March 1, 1970 to February 28, 1971 Objectives: To determine the need for, in Region 1-B waters: (1) Changes in fish harvest regulations (2) Population control (3) Stocking (4) Vegetation control (5) Emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations (6) Up-dating public access information Procedures: Existing fisheries regulations, along with data from current fisheries surveys of concerned waters, provided the basis for the proposal of fish harvest regulations, Preliminary meetings for the Edwards Plateau and Permian Basin Regulatory Districts were attended and the proposed regulations were discussed with concerned department personnel. These proposed regulations were presented to the public through public hearings in each of the counties under regulatory responsibility. Procedures for Objectives 2 through 5 will be merged for expediency and clarity. The findings and discussion will be reported separately for each con- cerned body of water for the same reasons. Fishery surveys were made on all major public waters during this segment (Table 1). The more important ones received two or more visits. The minor or small impoundments were checked once--and on one or two occasions, extremely low water inhibited a completed survey. Fish populations were sampled with standard gill nets, seines, and trawl when possible. The standard gill net used is 150 feet long and 8 feet deep with mesh sizes varying from 1 to 3% square inches. Additional large mesh gill nets were used to more adequately sample some fish populations and will be shown on each netting table concerned. --- Page 4 --- Table 1 Waters Surveyed During This Segment Name County Number of Visits Champion Creek Reservoir Mitchell 2 Colorado City Reservoir Mitchell 2 Colorado River Concho l Concho River Tom Green 1 Cosden Lake Howard 1 Elm Creek Reservoir Runnels 1 E. V. Spence Reservoir Coke 3 J. B. Thomas Reservoir Borden & Scurry 2 Moss Creek Reservoir Howard 2 Mountain Creek Reservoir Coke 1 Nasworthy Lake Tom Green 2 Oak Creek Lake Coke 2 San Angelo Reservoir Tom Green 1 San Saba River : Menard & Schleicher 2 Towle Park Lake Scurry 1 Twin Buttes Reservoir Tom Green 1 Valley Creek Lake Runnels 1 New Winters Lake Runnels 1 Old Winters Lake Runnels 1 The number of nets set was determined by the size of the impoundment and water conditions. The size of seines and trawl used is given with each survey results table. A trawling sample unit was a 10-minute drag at approximately 5 mph, All fish collected in gill nets were counted, weighed, and measured. A sample of fish (usually up to 15 of each game species) was examined to deter- mine sexual development and stomach content. Total numbers, total weights, 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 re- turned to the laboratory where identifications were confirmed. A comparison of the average coefficient of condition ("K" factors) for all game species collected with gill nets at all waters surveyed is given in Table 2. Vegetation checks were made during each survey and records were made as to the kind and abundance. 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Also, water analysis including dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total hard- ness, chlorides, and pH were conducted. This information will be discussed in the report when pertinent, Statistical data for each body of water were examined to determine which waters would be considered for chemical control measures. The criteria for considering chemical 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. Most of the public waters surveyed this segment were recommended for Supplementary hatchery stocking for one or more of the following reasons (1) the degree and survival of game fish reproduction, (2) water levels, (3) food availability, (4) fishing pressure, and (5) past production records, Table 3 presents the 1970 supplementary hatchery stocking for all public waters in Region 1-B., Instances of new access and facility development were not found this segment. However, some were reported to be in the planning stage at several locations. Therefore, no addition or up~ dating of the Statewide Public Access Bulletin was necessary in Fisheries Region 1-B, Findings and Discussion: Objective No. 1 Only one change in the fishing regulations in Region 1-B was recommended and it failed to meet Departmental approval, This proposal recommended that all trotlines provide the name and address of the fishermen on a legible permanent tag. The primary purpose of this recommendation was to assist in eliminating abandoned trotlines in most of the public waters in West Texas that are a detriment and nuisance to other sportsmen. Otherwise, the existing fisheries regulations were found to be satisfactory for the present fishery resources in this region. Table 4 presents the loca- tions, dates, and number of persons present at the public hearings that concern this project. Objectives 2 through 5 Champion Creek Reservoir Water withdrawal from this Texas Electric Service Company auxiliary lake has greatly reduced its size in the past year, [It has never reached its maximum size of 1,560 acres, and the water level has dropped some 30 feet in the past three years, The water is being transferred to the nearby Colorado City Lake to serve as a supplementary coolant for operating the electric generating plant, --- Page 8 --- Table 3 Public Water Stocking - 1970, Region 1-B Lakes | Largemouth Channel White Hybrid Redear Bass Catfish Crappie Sunfish Sunfish Champion Creek 39 ,000* .20, 600 Colorado City 15,000 - - - - Cosden - 2,000 = = = Elm Creek 3,000 3,000 - = - E. V. Spence 26,000 16,000 - - - J. B. Thomas 40,510 - - - - Kinarum 300 500 - 1,000 - Moss Creek 2,000 2,000 7 4,000 - Mountain Creek - 3,000 - - - Nasworthy 271 ,000* 20,000 - - 4,900 Oak Creek - :40 ,000 = - - Robert Lee (Old) = 800 - - 7 San Angelo 43,135 ae “ - 12,000 Towle Park - 800 - 1,000 = Twin Buttes 33,725 10,500 ~ - - Valley Creek 2,000 5,000 = = 7 New Winters Lake 5,000 1,500 - - = Old Winters Lake 1,000 1,000 = - - Colorado River Robert Lee 300 200 = = = Concho River Bell Street - 5,000 1,200 - - Ben Ficklin - 4,000 1,000 - 7 Christoval - 12,000 = - = Lone Wolf 10 ,000* 6,000 2,000 = - Spring Creek - 3,000 - - 7 San Saba River Menard - 5,000 - - - All fingerling stocking except noted, * fry or advanced fry. --- Page 9 --- Table 4 Regulatory Hearings Concerning Project F-5-R, 1970 Permian Basin Area ee eS ee eae te ten (Town) Number County Location Date Present Andrews* Andrews 6-3-70 0) Borden Gail 6-2-70 6) Cochran* Morton 6-1-70 0 Coke* Robert Lee 6-3-70 9 Crosby** Crosbyton 6-1-70 0 Dawson* Lamesa 6-3-70 7 Ector*® Odessa 6-4-70 1 Gains* Seminole 63-70 ) Garza** Post 6-1-70 6) Glasscock Garden City 6-4-70 0 Howard Big Spring 6=-3~70 3 Irion* Mertzon 6-4-70 0 Kent** Jayton 6=1-70 0) Martin Stanton 6-3-70 @) Midland Midland 6~3-70 @) Mitchell Colorado City 6<2-70 4 Reagan Big Lake 6-4=70 1 Runnels* Ballinger 6-4-70 0 Scurry Snyder 6-2-70 0 Sterling* Sterling City 6-3-70 0 Terry* Brownfield 6=2-70 0 Tom Green* San Angelo 6-4-70 3 Yoakum* Plains 62-70 @) Edwards Plateau Area Menard*® Menard 6-2-70 NR Schleicher* Eldorado 6-2-70 NR NR - Official Attendance Not Reported ** = Not in Region 1-B, but hearing attended by F-5-R personnel * - In Region 1-B, but not attended by F-5-R personnel --- Page 10 --- The most significant change in the fish population is the tremendous in- crease in gizzard shad. Only one specimen of this problematic species had been collected in this 12-year-old lake prior to 1969, whereas netting during this period of study produced 354 shad which comprised 45.50 per cent of the netting collection (Table 5). Bluegill, white bass, channel catfish, and largemouth bass comprise the majority of the game fish taken which accounted for only 28 per cent by number and 33 per cent by weight of the combined netting. This is a substantial decrease from the 1968 collection when desirable fish represented ® per cent by number and accounted for 47 per cent of the total weight, However, Clampion Creek continues to be the most productive sunfish lake in the area. Small bluegill, blacktail shiners, and gizzard shad were found to be the most prominent forage available. Moderate-to-heavy growths of bushy pondweed (Najas sp.) were common, but not a hindrance to fishermen. Channel catfish fingerlings were stocked fairly heavy, as shown in Table 3. Table 5 Champion Creek Reservoir Survey Results May 19, 20 and August 26, 1970 Results of eighteen standard gill nets and six large mesh nets. “Ave. Wt. Per Cent Average Pounds __ by Wt. Wnt | Per Cent Total Wt. Number by No. Pounds Species Gizzard shad 354 45.50 216.00 61 31.05 Carp 44 5.65 210.00 4.77 30.20 Golden shiner 156 20.05 31.41 .20 “ol River carpsucker 3 39 9.52 3 ollleid 1.37 Channel catfish* 48 6.17 79.61 1.65 11.45 2.04 Flathead catfish* 5 64 29.84 5.96 4.29 2.29 White bass* 39 5.0% 28.93 14 4,16 2.68 Warmouth* 1 obo 13 #l3 .OL 3.85 Green sunfish* 1 13 .18 .18 .03 4.62 Bluegill* 84 10.80 41.63 49 5,99 4.37 Largemouth bass* 12 1.54 35.55 2.96. 5 eld 2.34 White crappie* 31 3.99 12,71 41 1.83 2.76 Total 778 100.00 695.51 100.00 Game Fish* 221 28.41 228.58 32.87 Rough Fish 557 71.59 466.93 67.13 --- Page 11 --- Table 5 (Continued) Champion Creek Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6' x &=inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches a omen rite Gizzard shad 229 1-4 Golden shiner 154 2-4 Red shiner 73 1-3 Blacktail shiner 314 1-4 Mosquitofish 10 5-1 Green sunfish 23 14-3 Bluegill 2,007 L-2 Largemouth ; Bass 70 2-7 White crappie 6 3-5 Logperch 2 3/4-14 Total 2,888 Colorado City Reservoir This is one of the few area lakes that has not been seriously affected by the insufficient rainfall. The water level has been maintained within about 10 feet of normal with water pumped from Champion Creek Reservoir by the Texas Electric Service Company for steam generator cooling. The large restricted portion of this 1,655-acre lake located on Morgan Creek is now open to the public since being selected as a site for a new state park, Survey results (Table 6) show the continuing dominance of game fish in this old heavily fished reservoir. Ten desirable and only 3 undesirable species were collected by nets. Flathead catfish accounted for 48.66 per cent by weight of all fish netted and about 70 per cent by weight of all game species netted, This has been the usual trend of this lake for the past several years. Now that the large, previously protected, areais available to the public, it will be of great interest to ascertain if the game fish, especially the flathead catfish, can maintain the presently high populations. Forage species, including small gizzard shad, plains minnows, and black- tail shiners were taken in sufficient numbers by shoreline seining. Natural spawning of largemouth bass was not considered adequate and 15,000 fingerling bass were stocked. --- Page 12 --- -10< Table 6 Colorado City Reservoir Survey Results July 2, 3 and October 28, 1970 Results of Twenty Standard Gill Nets and Seven Large Mesh Nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Weight ad Gizzard shad 214 28.53 32.85 aillD 3.41 Carp 16 2.13 56.53 3453 5.89 River carpsucker 152 20.27 186.00 1.22 19.36 Channel catfish* 85 L1.33 79.62 .93 8.29 1.68 Flathead catfish* 58 7.74 467.58 8.06 48.66 2.00 White bass* 69 9,20 88.28 Lw2d 9.19 2.76 Warmouth* 1 wt 14 .14 02 3.29 Green sunfish* 3 40 234 oll 03 3,24 Bluegill* 12 1.60 La2o ,10 13 3.48 Longear sunfish* 1 13 03 .03 OL 3 wd2 Redear sunfish* 8 1.07 81 LO 08 3.47 Largemouth bass* ll 1.47 19.11 Led3 1,99 2.54 White crappie* 120 16.00 28.20 23 2.94 2.81 Total Game Fish* 368 49.07 685.37 71.34 Rough Fish 382 50.93 275.38 28.66 —_2- Colorado City Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26’ x 6' x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) a A RN SR A NE FO Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 135 1-6 Plains minnow 15 245-3 Red shiner 3 2 Blacktail shiner 20 2-3 River carpsucker Z 1% Channel catfish 2 4% Green sunfish 2 3 Orangespotted sunfish 2 3 Bluegill 19 1-3 Longear sunfish 18 3-4% Redear sunfish 4 2-3 2-6 Largemouth bass 6 --- Page 13 --- =l1< Colorado River One survey was conducted on the Colorado River in Concho County in late June 1970. As in most of the upper Colorado, there was little or no flow during the past year. The water was down to shallow turbid holes % to k mile long. The fish population was considered normal with low yields of desirable fish (Table 7). However, this is better than much of the river in Coke and Runnels Counties where it is dry or too shallow to sustain utilizable fish. Several miles of Colorado below E. V. Spence Reservoir is void of fish because of the hydrogen sulfide fish kill that occurred in August 1969 when water from the bottom of the new lake was released down stream, No substan- tial run-off has been received since that time. Heavy irrigation withdrawals also deplete the water in many areas. The Colorado River offers very little as a fishery in Region I-B at the present time. Table 7 Colorado River Survey Results June 24, 25, 1970 Results of three standard gill nets and one large mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No, Pounds Pounds by Wt. KM Longnose gar 4 3.84 5.00 1525 3.76 Gizzard shad 32. 30.78 31.00 a 97 23.36 Carp 4 3.84 15.00 3.75 Ld eS River carpsucker 38 36.54 53.00 1.39 39.94 Smallmouth buffalo 1 «96 5.00 5.00 3.77 Channel cat fish* 3 2.88 Ls27 42 95 1.64 Bluegill* 1 -96 222 .22 17 4.59 White crappie* 6 5.77 3.21 -o4 2.42 2.95 Freshwater drum LS 14.43 19.00 1.27 | 14.32 nner Total 104 100.00 132.70 100.00 Game Fish* 10 9.62 4.70 3.54 Rough Fish 94 90.38 128.00 96.46 Main Concho River The Main Concho River was checked once in Tom Green County this segment, Like the upper Colorado, the Main Concho River received very little run-off and the flow was almost terminated--leaving small, sometimes stagnated pools. Table 8 shows a typical catch for this water, with the exception that no channel catfish were taken. Gizzard shad, river carpsucker, and smallmouth buffalo comprised the majority of both number and weight of this netting sample. Considerable stocking of game fish was done in portions of the Concho above this location. Although none were collected or deliberately --- Page 14 --- -12< stocked by our department, several walleye have been taken by anglers along the Concho. The largest ones observed weighed about 1% pounds, These fish probably escaped through the discharge water as fry or fingerlings from the local hatcheries during the 1968 and 1969 walleye propagation efforts. Table 8 Main Concho River Survey Results December 2, 1970 Results of two standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Kn Longnose gar it 1.06 2.14 2.14 1.50 Gizzard shad 66 70.21 34.00 «Dk 23.98 River carpsucker 14 14.90 52.00 3.71 36.66 Smallmouth buffalo 6 6.38 46.00 7.67 32.43 Bluegill* 3 3.19 .23 .08 ol7 4.01 Largemouth bass* 2 2.13 Feld 3,58 5.04 2073 White crappie* 2 16 22 3.12 Total 94 100.00 141.83 100.00 * Game Fish* 7 7.45 7.69 5.43 Rough Fish 87 92.55 134.14 94.57 Cosden City Lake Formerly owned and controlled by the Cosden Country Club at Big Spring, this 35-acre lake will be transferred to the city and opened to the public in 1971, It is located in the southwest city limits of Big Spring and is used for recreation, Since this has been private water in the past, very little data concerning fish population, stockings, yields, etc., are available. Survey results (Table 9) reveals a favorable fish population. Several black bullhead catfish were taken and will probably be the most troublesome species found in this small, fairly clear impoundment. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie were quite prominent in the netting sample. However, the size of the bass and catfish~-along with the seining results-- indicate that successful natural reproduction of these two game fish is low. Because of these facts and the abundance of forage found, hatchery fish were stocked at rates shown on Table &. 3. --- Page 15 --- #13« Table 9 Cosden City Reservoir Survey Results September 23, 1970 Results of four standard gill nets and one large mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "KN Goldfish 1 . 68 2.91 2.91, 5.11 Golden shiner 3 2.04 Al 014 72 River carpsucker 2 1. 36 4.84 2.42 8.51 Black bullhead 17 Li. 56 2.58 2d 4.53 Channel catfish* 6 4.08 19.20 3.20 33.75 1.80 Bluegill* 19 12.93 1.62 209 2.85 3.48 Largemouth bass* 5 3.40 11.67 2.33 20.51 2.81 White crappie* 94 63.95 13.66 oh 5 24.02 2.68 Total 147 100,00 56.89 100.00 Game Fish* 124 84.36 46.15 81.13 Rough Fish 23 15.64 10.74 18.87 i A a ea Cosden City Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26’ x 6’ x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) i Species Number Size Range in Inches a . ann re Plains minnow 12 3 Golden shiner 352 2-7 Red shiner 51 2 Bullhead minnow . 83 1-3 Black bullhead 21 3-6 Mosquitofish 2 1 Green sunfish 16 2-3 Bluegill 52 1-2 Redear sunfish 6 3=5 Hybrid sunfish 1 6 White crappie 3 4-7 Logperch 4 3% Total 603 cn a ep a A ee nee --- Page 16 --- Phen Elm Creek Reservoir Until 1952, this 55-acre impoundment on Elm Creek in Ballinger served as a municipal water supply. Recreation and irrigation are the present primary uses. This long narrow impoundment usually remains near capacity with a little flow throughout most of the year. Elm Creek contributes very little as a fishery in this area. Gizzard shad, river carpsucker, and smallmouth buffalo dominate the fish population as they have for several years (Table 10). Utilizable game species remain low in number and weight even though annual stocking has been done. A feasible solution to this undesirable situation is not clear at this time. Table 10 Elm Creek Reservoir Survey Results August 5, 1970 Results of three standard gill nets and one large mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. RM Longnose gar 5 2.64 12.00 2.40 6.82 Gizzard shad 117 61.91 40.52 235 23.03 Carp 4 2.11 16.96 4.24 9.64 River carpsucker il 5.82 27.69 252 Ld: 72 Smallmouth buffalo 12 6.35 63.93 5.33 36.34 Channel catfish* 3 1.59 3.05 1,02 1.74 1.94 Bluegill* i «D3 07 .O7 03 4,52 White crappie* 31 16.40 4.75 oL5 2.1% 3.13 Freshwater drum 5 2.65 6.93 1.39 3.94 Total Game Fish* 35 18,52 7.87 4.48 Rough Fish 154 81.48 168.03 95.52 Elm Creek Reservoir Seining Results (20' x 6' x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine). Red shiner 406 bel Fathead minnow 1 1% Bullhead minnow 17 14 Orangespotted sunfish 1 24 --- Page 17 --- elL5e6 Table 10 (Continued) Species _ _ . Number ______ Size Range in Inches Bluegill 49 kod hk Longear sunfish 5 2h-4 Largemouth bass 2 3% Total 481 E. V. Spence Reservoir The dam and related facilities of this 15,000-acre lake was completed in March cf 1969 by the Colorado River Municipal Water District. The purpose of this new reservoir is to serve as a municipal water supply for Odessa, Midland, Big Spring, Snyder, and San Angelo as well as aquatic recreation for the West Texas area. Only 27.000 acre-feet of water, covering about 1,800 acres, was impounded the first year. Since that time, withdrawals and evapor=- ation have lowered it to about one-third of its fullest mark, The water now is contained in the river bed and excavation pits. Shortly after the initial impoundment, Spence Lake was heavily stocked with hatchery fish. At this time the lake was closed to fishing, mainly because of the many boating hazards and the lack of recreational facilities. Shortly afterwards, the lake was obviously overpopulatezd because of the original heavy stocking and lack of rainfall. As a result, the Colorado River Municipal Water Dis trict opened the new reservoir for fishing the third weekend in June 1970. From a limited creel census (interviews with 50 fishermen) and permit sales data, an estimated 38,000 pounds of game fish were caught by sport fishermen during the first 48 hours. Most of these were channel catfish--% to 2 pounds in size and largemouth bass of similar size. Since the opening weekend, the fishing success has steadily decreased and is now slightly above average for this area and season. A reduction in the number of channel catfish taken in gill nets was the only immediate effect indicated by a survey made shortly after the opening of the receding reservoir. A composite of the three collections made in 1970 are given as Table ll. Nine desirable fish species accounted for 39 per cent of both number and weight of all fish netted. Two of these desirable species~-striped bass and blue catfish--did not occur naturally in this area and had been introduced, A limited number (204) of blue catfish were stocked as advanced fingerlings in June 1969. By March 1970, these fish had grown to an average size of 1.5 pounds, Later in July, two 3-pound individuals were seen and one 3.75-pound blue catfish was taken by project personnel in January 1971. Striped bass were introduced under Job 18 of Project F-21-D, The survival of stripers is very encouraging, but the growth is only that which could be expected in such a crowded, diminishing lake. The latest recaptures of the 1969 stocked --- Page 18 --- “]6= striped bass were in January 1971, when two individuals were taken in gill nets and averaged 0.65 of a pound each. This new reservoir shows a great deal of potential as an additional fishery in this area--if and when sufficient water is impounded. Table 11 E. V. Spence Reservoir Survey Results March 25, June 11 and August 13, 1970 Results of twenty standard gill nets and four large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Hike Longnose gar 28 4.13 70.28 2.51 10.54 Gizzard shad 127 18.76 77.21 61 11.59 Carp 77 11.37 85.82 1.11 12.88 River carpsucker 132 19.50 145.83 1.10 21.89 Blue catfish* 6 89 9.00 1.50 1.35 1.73 Black bullhead 36 5.32 8.53 24 1.28 Channel catfish* 115 16.98 96.03 84 14.41 1.87 Flathead catfish* 9 1.33 82.70 9519 12.41 2.15 White bass* 39 5.76 31.21 . 80 4,69 3.16 Striped bass* 4 2G kee LZ 229 ol7 2.04 Green sunfish* 2 30 024 12 . 04 3.92 Bluegill* 33 4.87 5.56 17 «Bo 4.46 Largemouth bass* 23 3.40 29.29 1:27 4.40 2.89 White crappie* 34 5.02 8.06 24 1.21 3.16 Freshwater drum 12 1.78 15.38 1.28 2.31 Total 677. 100.00 666.31 100.00 Game Fish* 265 39.14 263.26 39.51 Rough Fish 412 60.86 403.05 60.49 E. V. Spence Reservoir Seining Results (200' x 6' x 4-Inch Mesh Seine, 100' x 10’ x %-Inch Mesh Seine, Bag 26' x 6° x k-Inch Mesh Seine and 20' x 6’ x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 672 1-13 Carp 12 3-8 Gokden shiner 2 2% Red shiner 1,810 1-3 Bullhead minnow 512 k=} River carpsucker 2 kel4 --- Page 19 --- =i f= Table 11 (Continued) Species Number Size Range in Inches Mosquito fish 2 gol White bass 1 6 Striped bass 9 15-3 Green sunfish 3 4-2 Orangespotted sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 6 1-4 Longear sunfish 6 3-4 Largemouth bass 8 2-10 Logperch 1 3% Total 3,047 J. B. Thomas Reservoir This 7,820-acre municipal water supply, owned and operated by the Colorado River Municipal Water District, has continued to decrease in size. No ap= preciable run-off has occurred on the Borden~Scurry County watershed and this turbid reservoir is down to about one=tenth its normal capacity. For the past 3 years, our netting collections have shown a definite in- crease in the game fish population. This segment’s data show desirable species accounting for 60 per cent number and 83 per cent weight of the net- ting sample (Table 12) in contrast to 20 to 30 per cent of either weight or number of collections prior to 1968. Channel catfish and white crappie were more prominent in number, while flathead catfish was highest in per cent weight, River carpsucker had the most significant reduction of the rough species, No walleye, which were introduced in 1969, were collected this year, However, there were reports of fishermen taking a few-of this new game fish in the spring. Adequate numbers of forage species--especially young gizzard shad--were indicated by seine samples, Largemouth bass were stocked as shown on Table 3» Table 12 J. B. Thomas Reservoir Survey Results April 8 and July 14, 15, 1970 Results of twenty standard gill nets and six large mesh nets. = FA A RR = RA pea es --- Page 20 --- -18- Table 12 (Continued) Per Cent Average Per Cent Total Wt. Ave. Wt. Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. MK Gizzard shad 35 11.18 4.63 13 1.46 Carp 13 4.15 13.97 1,07 4.41 River carpsucker 29 9.27 24.03 .83 ee) Channel catfish* 37 11.82 51.84 1,40 16.36 1,82 Flathead catfish* 21 6.71 147.24 7.01 46.50 2,27 White bass* 18 5.75 34.07 1.89 10,75 229d Bluegill* 2 . 64 14 ,O7 .05 4.06 Largemouth bass* 6 Lis GL 16.79 2.80 5.30 2.95 White crappie* 104 33.23 14.30 ,14 4.52 2.68 Freshwater drum 48 15.34 9.69 .20 3.06 Total 313 100.00 316.70 100.00 Game Fish* 188 60.06 264.38 83.48 Rough Fish 125 39.94 52.32 16.52 J. B. Thomas Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6' x &-Inch Mesh Seine, 20' x 6’ x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 213 1=5 Carp 3 7 Red shiner 55 -2 Blacktail shiner 27 poh Channel catfish 2 3% White bass 7 2-2% Orangespotted sunfish 2 1-2 Longear sunfish 2 2 Largemouth bass ll 3 3-6 White crappie 4l Total 363 Moss Creek Reservoir The Colorado River Municipal Water District regulates the water usage of this 145-acre lake, while the nearby city of Big Spring controls the recreation. It is used as a holding or mixing reservoir as water is continually being pumped in and out. This water level fluctuation is suspected tohave adverse effects on game --- Page 21 --- 219 fish reproduction. At the present time, the spillway and dam are undergoing modifications to enable more water to be impounded in Moss Creek Lake. Netting results this year (Table 13) found the gizzard shad population to be as dense as it was before the selective chemical treatment to control this troublesome species in 1967. At that time, they were reduced from about 40 per cent to 0.62 per cent of netting samples. The overpopulation of small or stunted white crappie has also returned to its previous level. Utilizable game fish remain at a significant level; however, the harvest is reported to be decreasing. Forage for small predator species was below normal and the larger game fish were feeding on the plentiful gizzard shad and small crappie. Supplemen- tary stocking was done as shown on Table 3. Table 13 Moss Creek Reservoir Survey Results April 16 and July 22, 1970 Results of ten standard gill nets and three large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. MIE Gizzard shad 164 47.95 20.25 12 4.02 Carp 35 10.23 228,32 6.52 45.34 River carpsucker 5 1.46 28.00 5.60 5.56 Black bullhead — 26 7.61 4.62 18 92 Channel catfish* 40 11.69 40.52 1.01 8.04 1.83 Flathead catfish* 10 2.93 155.95 15.60 30.98 2.33 White bass* L 229 2.91 2091 257 2add Green sunfish* 2 58 21 -10 ~O5 3.84 Bluegill* 28 8.19 2.22 08 44 3.90 Longear sunfish* 3 88 225 .08 .05 4.45 Redear sunfish* 2 Pls) 49 25 09 4.39 Largemouth bass* 10 2.93 19,28 1,93 3.83 2,66 White crappie* 16 4.68 292 03 oll 2.22 Total 342 100.00 503.54 100.00 Game Fish* 112 32.75 222.35 44.16 Rough Fish 230 67.25 281.19 55.84 —_ a PS es en --- Page 22 --- ~20- Table 13 (Continued) Moss Creek Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6' x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20' x 6’ x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) in Inches Species Number Size Range Plains minnow 2 1& Orangespotted sunfish 2 15-2 Bluegill 1 3 3 3 Longear sunfish Moss Creek Reservoir Trawling Results (8' x 15' x %-Inch Mesh Trawl) Species Inches. Number Size Range in Gizzard shad Black bullhead Channel catfish Warmouth Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Redear sunfish White crappie Logperch i) re No [ons rFPoOrnWoUrF OW Total 323 Mountain Creek Reservoir Located at the eastern limits of Robert Lee, this normally 95-acre lake serves primarily as a municipal water supply. At the time of the late summer survey, it contained only about one-fourth of its capacity. Netting and seining (Table 14) found very little difference in the fish population from that of the past few years. Prominent game species included channel catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie. Gizzard shad were the most abundant rough fish and accounted for 65 per cent by number of all fish netted. --- Page 23 --- 3] « By late October 1970, the drought--along with the municipal withdrawals-- reduced Mountain Creek Lake to about 12 surface acres and 48 acre-feet. Table 14 Mountain Creek Reservoir Survey Results August 13, 1970 Results of three standard gill nets, Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ad Gizzard shad 94 65.27 10.35 Ll 15.57 Carp 1 «/0 1.10 1.10 1.66 Channel catfish* 19 13.19 13.21 -70 19.88 1.73 Flathead catfish* 2 1.39 20.70 10.35 31.15 2.40 Bluegill* 2 1.39 17 09 «20 4,91 Redear sunfish* 4 2.78 39 10 »59 3.97 Largemouth bass* 4 2.78 15.96 3.99 24 .02 2.99 White crappie* 18 12.50 4.57 25 6.88 2.69 4 a IAC DESDE OLE OOO OOOO OE OE OE OLA AAA tt OR RE: ee Total 144 100.00 66.45 100.00 Game Fish* 49 34.03 55.00 82.77 Rough Fish 95 65.97 11.45 17.23 Mountain Creek Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6' x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20! x 6’ x 1/8=-Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 100 4-6 Golden shiner 77 2-6 Bullhead minnow 1 1% Mosquitofish 1 1 Warmouth 1 2 Green sunfish ll 3-4 Bluegill 27 1-4 Redear sunfish 62 2-/ Largemouth bass 4 6-8 White crappie 22 3-7 ; _ a Total 306 --- Page 24 --- a= At this time, the city of Robert Lee requested assistance to chemically remove the remaining fish population for health and water treatment reasons. This renovation was effected October 23, 1970, with the city supplying the 5 per cent powdered rotenone, labor, and clean-up operations. Apparently, a complete fish kill was achieved. Channel catfish fingerlings were stocked after the chemical detoxified. Nasworthy Lake This old 1,600-acre impoundment serves as a water supply, as well as a heavily-used recreation area, for the city of San Angelo. Since a chemical treatment in the early 1960's, followed by a drought and resulting dry lake, Nasworthy regained its normal level and has provided the San Angelo area with a significant fishery. Presently, this shallow lake is lake is down approximately 5 feet. However, water is pumped into the lake from the Twin Buttes Reservoir immediately above it when water is available. Surveys were conducted on Lake Nasworthy in April and July 1970. The total number of game fish netted was smaller than those taken during surveys in 1969, This could be partially attributed to a large number of unutilizable crappie taken in 1969. Other species remained fairly uniform in number and weight over the past few years. As in the past, the much-sought~-after large- mouth bass was not as well represented in this collection as desired (Table 15). Approximately 271,000 bass fry were stocked by the nearby state hatcheries. A few adult threadfin shad were released in this reservoir in August 1969 in an effort to provide better forage and possibly increase production. Eight young-of-the-year threadfin shad were collected with seines this seg-~ ment indicating possible success of this introduction. y, Table 15 Nasworthy Reservoir Survey Results April 29 and July 8, 1970 Results of twelve standard gill nets and four large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent | Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pound by Wt. id Su Longnose gar 7 84 21.08 3.01 4.78 Gizzard shad 513 61.88 122.00 .24 27.67 Carp 44 5534 95.00 2 Lb 21.54 River carpsucker 13 1.57 41.00 3.15 9,30 Black bullhead i wl2 o14 14 03 Channel catfish* 45 5.43 70.76 1.57 16.05 1.93 Flathead catfish* 4 48 22.62 5.66 5.13 1.98 White bass* 18 2.17 18.78 ° 1.04 4.26 2.64 Bluegill* 63 7.60 5,15 08 1.17 3.20 --- Page 25 --- ~23- Table 15 (Continued) Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average - Species Number by No. _ Pounds ___Pounds _ By Wt. _ _ KEE __ Redear sunfish* 3 36 27 “09 .06 3.19 Largemouth bass* 2 24 7.81 3.91 L.77 2.65 White crappie* 73 6.81 8.29 -Lll 1.88 2.39 Freshwater drum 43 5.19 28.00 .65 6.36 Total 829 100.00 440.90 100.00 Game Fish* 208 25.09 133.68 30.32 Rough Fish 621 74.91 307.22 69.68 Nasworthy Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26’ x 6’ x %-Inch Mesh Seine, 20' x 6' x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 285 1-12 Threadfin shad 8 1-14 Red shiner 44 1-3 Bullhead minnow 6 1-24 Orangespotted sunfish 6 ynh Bluegill 23 1-5 Longear sunfish 2 3 Redear sunfish 6 3-4 Largemouth bass = 13 2-2 Logperch 3 Naswerthy Reservoir Trawling Results (8' x 15' x &-=Inch Mesh Trawl) Species _ _ es ; _ _ _Size Rar d Gizzard shad 2 4-6 Carp 2 Golden shiner 1 Channel catfish 4 3 2 Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill 3 Longear sunfish 1 Redear sunfish 30 Fotab --- Page 26 --- ~24- Oak Creek Reservoir The city of Sweetwater owns and controls this 2,375-acre municipal water supply, which is located in northern Coke County. The water is also used for generator cooling by West Texas Utilities. Oak Creek Lake receives heavy recreational usage throughout the year. It is one of the few reservoirs in this area that has not been seriously affected by the dry weather. Surveys were conducted on this clear, deep reservoir in March and August 1970. According to netting data (Table 16), the river carpsucker population increased and accounted for more than 50 per cent of the weight of the combined col- lections, Largemouth bass remainto be the most important sport species in both survey results and spot creel checks. Oak Creek is widely know in West Texas for its lunker-size bass. Several thousand channel catfish fingerlings were stocked. Small sunfish and gizzard shad were the most abundant forage species collected. The clear water of Oak Creek Lake supports moderate-to-heavy growths of submerged plants, mainly water milfoil (Myriophyllum sp.), coontail (Ceratophyllum sp.) and bushy pondweed. These troublesome plants interfere with access and lake usage, but chemical treatment is not feasible because of the large size and domestic use of the water. Table 16 Oak Creek Reservoir Survey Results March 20, 1970 and August 18, 19, 1970 Results of eighteen standard gill nets and four large mesh nets. “Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent - Average -_ Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. i Si Gizzard shad 216 43.81 43.47 20 8.61 Carp 49 9.94 64.00 1.31 12.68 River carpsucker 102 20.69 281.00 2.75 55.68 Black bullhead 3 .61 66 =22 13 Channel catfish* ll 2.23 7.67 3) 1.52 Le/3 Flathead catfish* 3 .61 21.36 7.12 4.23 1.96 White bass* 20 4.05 32.97 1.65 6.53 2.91 Warmouth* ii . 20 .12 .12 .03 3.72 Green sunfish* 1 20 15 ,L5 #03 3woe Bluegill* 53 10.76 5.46 LO 1.08 3.71 Redear sunfish * 1. .20 ell oll 02 3.021 Largemouth bass* 17 3.45 41.90 2.46 8.30 2.58 White crappie* 16 3.25 5.82 .36 1,16 2.49 Total 493 100.00 504.69 100.00 Game Fish* 123 24.95 115.56 22 «90 Rough Fish 370 75.05 389.13 77.10 --- Page 27 --- =25= Table 16 (Continued) Oak Creek Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6’ x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8 -Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 55 2-10 Golden shiner 4 3-5% Bullhead minnow 30 1-2 Mosquitofish 1k 2 Warmouth 1 14 Redbreast sunfish 5 1-5 Green sunfish 4 2-4 Orangespotted sunfish 3 14-3 Bluegill 58 1-4 Longear sunfish 14 15-3 Redear sunfish 17 14-4 Largemouth bass 106 2-5 Logperch 7 25-4 San Angelo Reservoir The U. S. Corps of Engineers constructed this 119,000-acre foot impound - ment on the North Concho River at the northwest limits of San Angelo in the early 1950's, It filled once for a short period of time and has steadily de- creased in size since then. In August 1969, after it had desiccated to only 2,800 acre feet, it was chemically renovated and stocked with forage fish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Also several thousand wall- eye fry were released in the Spring of 1970. One small collection was made on San Angelo Reservoir in June 1970. The findings (Table 17) are irrelevant now; however, because the remaining water was completely drained in July 1970 for municipal use, and the lake isstill completely dry at the time of this writing. However, many of the young fish survived the release into the 5-mile stretch of the Concho River between the lake and the city water plant. San Saba River The San Saba River was checked twice this segment, once in Schleicher County and again in Menard County. This clear, flowing, spring-fed stream provides an important fishery to the local people, Netting results (Table 18) show the usual rough fish species dominating both number and weight of the collection. However, creel checks reveal that catfish, both channel and flathead, are readily taken on trotlines and set hooks. Many anglers prefer --- Page 28 --- -26= this stream for casting or fly fishing for largemouth and spotted bass and sun- fish. Other fishermen seek the abundant smallmouth buffalo and carp. Hatchery fish are stocked annually along the San Saba River. Table 17 San Angelo Reservoir Survey Results June 23, 1970 Results of three stardard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Kit Gizzard shad 7 3.50 . 68 09 -50 Carp 118 59.00 110.26 93 82.60 River carpsucker 2 1,00 3x4 30 1.65 2.47 Channel catfish* 66 33.00 16.68 325 12.50 Esf9 Bluegill* 5 2.50 - 90 -18 67 4.86 Largemouth bass* 1 -50 82 82 »62 2 od White crappie* 1 .50 85 85 64 3.06 Total 200 100.00 133.49 100.00 Game Fish* ri) 36.50 19.25 14.43 Rough Fish 127 63.50 114.24 85.57 Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 202 1-2% Blacktail shiner 15 1-2% Bullhead minnow 100 1-2 River carpsucker 1 4 Orangespotted sunfish 5 2-3 Bluegill 10 15-3 Longear sunfish 7 2-3 Largemouth bass 77 15-4 White crappie 26 2-3 Walleye 2 3%-4 --- Page 29 --- «27 Table 18 San Saba River Survey Results May 6 and December 8, 9, 1970 Results of six standard gill nets and three large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average No, Pounds Pounds iby Wt. “K" Spotted gar 2 1.02 2.42 1.21 36 Longnose gar 17 8.67 46.01 2.71 10.71 Gizzard shad 73 37.24 36.05 49 8.40 Carp 2 1202 16.73 8.37 3.90 River carpsucker 35 17.86 91.27 2.61 21.25 Smallmouth buffalo 17 8.67 146.50 8.62 34 ahd Gray redhorse sucker 5 2.56 9.51 1.90 2.22 Channel catfish* 10 5.10 11.83 1.18 2.75 1.94 Flathead catfish* 3 1.53 27,80 9.27 6.48 2.25 Warmouth* 1 wo l ded 312 202 3.71 Bluegill* 10 5.10 94 09 222 3.78 Redear sunfish* 1 -Ol .29 .29 07 3.54 Largemouth bass* 2 1.02 5.00 2.250 1.16 2.60 White crappie* 10 5.10 2« 61 26 .61 2.49 Freshwater drum 8 4.09 32.30 4.04 7.53 Total. 196 100.00 429,38 100,00 Game Fish* 37 18.87 48.59 11.31 Rough Fish 159 81.13 380.79 88.69 Towle Park Lake This small county park lake is located in the city limits of Snyder. Covering only 4 to 5 acres, it provides fishing mostly for children from the surrounding neighborhood. A few undesirable fish were found this segment but sunfish remain plentiful (Table 19). Channel catfish are quite common although none were captured this survey. Supplementary hatchery stock- ing is usually required. Twin Buttes Reservoir Ths Bureau of Reclamation built this 183,000 acre-foot reservoir on the Middle and South Concho Rivers in 1963 for flood control, irrigation and municipal water supply. It has yet to impound more than 15,000 acre-feet and usually is divided into two small lakes totaling about 4,000 to 6,000 acre~feet. --- Page 30 --- =28- The only significant change in the fish population from past surveys was a decrease in the white bass population. Normally, this species is caught in large numbers and this collection yielded only five white bass (Table 20). Gizzard shad and river carpsucker comprised the majority of undesirable fish caught. Several flathead catfish were taken and added considerably to the weight percentage of the game fish. The seining collection found a variety of available forage. Twin Buttes was stocked in hopes that it would impound additional water. Table 19 Towel Park Reservoir Survey Results November 4, 1970 Results of three standard gill nets. : Per Cent 7 Total Wt. Ave. Wt. Per Cent - Average ~ Wt. Vie by No. __— Pounds | ___ Pounds by Number Golden shiner 5 6.02 76 215 2.68 River carpsucker 3 3.61 7.26 2.42 25.60 Black bullhead 3 3.62 2.14 J/1 7.55 Flathead catfish* 1 1.20 7.43 7.43 26.21 1.89 Bluegill* 52 62.65 4.06 08 14,32 3.95 Redear sunfish* 9 10.85 81 09 2.86 3.70 Largemouth bass* i 1.20 2,86 2.86 10.09 2.74 9 »34 10.69 3.32 White crappie* Total 83 100,00 28.35 100.00 Game Fish* 72 86.75 18.19 64.17 Rough Fish ll 13.25 10.16 35.83 ee RO Towel Park Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26! x 6' x ¥-Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number _——CSCSCSiZe Range in Inches Green sunfish 2 1-4 Bluegill 7 1-4 Redear sunfish 5 3-4 Largemouth bass 2 2 Total 16 --- Page 31 --- =29- Table 20 Twin Buttes Reservoir Survey Results May 13, 1970 Results of six standard Gill Nets and two large mesh nets. “Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average — Species ___s—s——CNumber by No. Pounds _—s— Pounds by Wt. KM Longnose gar 4 1.24 20.00 5.00 8.56 Gizzard shad 153 47.51 18.90 .12 8.10 Carp 24 7.46 27679 1.16 11.90 River carpsucker 84 26.08 50,22 .60 21.52 Blue catfish* 1 -31 7.76 7.76 3.32 2,34 Channel catfish* 13 4.04 11.69 . 90 5.01 1.86 Flathead catfish* 11 3.42 80.56 7.32 34.51 2.11 White bass* 5 L395 6.13 1,23 2.63 2.74 Bluegill* 9 2219 86 10 37 4.50 Largemouth bass* 1 232 14 74 231 2.25 White crappie* 15 4.65 2.12 14 O91 2.55 Freshwater drum 2 63 6.66 3325 2.86 Total 322 100.00 233.43 100.00 Game Fish* 55 17.08 109.86 47.06 Rough Fish 267 82.92 123.57 52.94 Twin Buttes Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26' x 6' x % Inch Mesh Seine and 20’ x 6’ x 1/8=-Inch Mesh Seine) Species 2 3 6 3 8 5 2 3 1 1 Gizzard shad Golden shiner Red shiner Blacktail shiner Bullhead minnow 2 Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Largemouth bass White crappie Logperch --- Page 32 --- =30s Valley Creek Lake Valley Creek Lake is located in Runnels County and provides the city of Ballinger with municipal water and recreation. It has remained near its nor- mal level of 185 acres for the past several years. When checked in May 1970 the lake was full, but it was down about 2 feet by late fall. The fish population, as indicated by our netting, is considered poor. Rough fish accounted for 88 per cent by number and 79 per cent by weight of the sample (Table 21). Eight flathead catfish were taken this segment which increased the weight percentage of game fish to a more than normal level. Spot creel checks found the harvest of desirable fish to be low. A chemical treat- ment has been considered for the past 3 years, but unchangeable circumstances have prevented plans from materializing. Table 21 Valley Creek Reservoir Survey Results May 28, 1970 Results of six standard gill nets and two large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species ss Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. “Ke Longnose gar 12 32/9 57.00 4.75 19.52 Gizzard shad 136 43.04 19,00 14 6.51 Carp 5 1.58 35.00 7.00 12.00 River carpsucker 81 25.64 100.00 L223 34.26 Black bullhead 1 31 .33 33 st Channel catfish* 6 1.90 12.83 2.14 4.40 2.03 Flathead catfish* 8 2.53 39.53 4.94 13.54 2043 Bluegill* 8 2.53 1.14 14 «39 4,35 Longear sunfish* 1 «32 08 08 03 4.71 White crappie* 16 5.06 8.96 -56 3.07 3.03 Freshwater drum 42 13.30 18.00 -43 6,17 Total 316 100.00 291 .87 100.00 Game Fish* 39 12.34 62.54 21.43 Rough Fish 277 87.66 229.33 TS oot --- Page 33 --- =-3]1- Table 21 (Continued) Valley Creek Reservoir Seining Results (Bag 26’ x 6’ x &-Inch Mesh Seine and 20° x 6' x 1/8-Inch Mesh Seine) Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 42 2-5 Red shiner 233 1=3 Blacktail shiner 39 1-3 Bullhead minnow 9 1-2 Mosquiteofish 33 1=2 Orangespotted sunfish 7 2% Blue gill 3 15-2 Longear sunfish 3 2-3% Largemouth bass ll 1 White crappie 44 5 1 Logperch Total New Winters Lake The city of Winters constructed this 250-acre impoundment in 1950 for a water supply. The water level of this shallow turbid lake remains fairly constant. Survey results obtained during this segment (Table 22) show a slight improvement in the game - rough fish ratio, Channel catfish and white crappie were well represented. Catfish are reported to be taken regularly by drift fishing and trotlining. The large population of black bullhead catfish that existed a few years ago has now dwindled and only two were collected this year. Although there is no proof, it is believed that the 1967 release of approximately 50 adult flathead catfish has brought about this change. Seining produced a few minnows and several small shad indicating the availability of food. Largemouth bass were stocked in an effort to improve the fishing condition of the turbid lake. Table 22 New Winters Reservoir Survey Results July 24, 1970 Results of six standard gill nets and two large mesh nets. --- Page 34 --- 8 Table 22 (Continued) “Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. i Gizzard shad 66 26.08 16.62 625 10.19 Carp 8 3.16 25.00 32d3 1} 33) River carpsucker 14 5.54 17.50 1.25 10.74 Smallmouth buffalo 8 3.16 47.00 5.88 28.83 Black bullhead 2 79 88 44 34 Channel catfish* 32 12.65 27.57 86 16.91 1.74 Flathead catfish* 3 1.18 11.56 3.85 7.09 L597 Bluegill* 1 40 12 12 07 4,24 Largemouth bass* 1 40 1.48 1.48 a91 2a/1 White crappie* 78 30.82 8.31 oll 5.10 2.52 Freshwater drum 40 15.82 6.99 ol7 4.29 Total 253 100.00 163.03 100.00 Game Fish* 115 45.45 49.04 30.08 Rough Fish 138 54.55 113.99 69.92 New Winters …