TPWD 1972 F-5-R-19 #1446: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies: Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations, Project F-5-R-19

--- Page 1 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-19 Region 1-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Fred G. Lowman Branch Head, Inland Fisheries As required by TEXAS James U. Cross Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas May 18, 1972 Billy J.follis Roy T. Huffman Director, Current Operations /Ladu « --- Page 2 --- Abstract One or more fisheries surveys were conducted on 17 public waters in Region 1-B to determine and recommend management practices. Surveys included fish sampling with gill nets, seines and trawl; collection of physical, hydrological and ecological data; aquatic vegetation checks, and water analysis. Preliminary meetings and public hearings were attended for the Permian Basin and Edwards Plateau Regulatory Districts. Two major fishing regulation changes were made: (1) identification tags on trotlines and (2) an 11- inch size limit on catfish. Several Region 1-B lakes met the criteria for renovation from the fish population standpoint but other circumstances prevented such measures at this time. One small park pond was renovated and restocked with desirable fish. Seventeen public lakes and portions of 3 streams received supplementary hatchery stocking. These waters received 840,000 fry, 496,894 fingerlings, and 22,849 yearling fish of 7 species from state and federal hatcheries. --- Page 3 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT State of Texas Name: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies Project No.: F-5-R-19 Title: Fisheries Management Recommendations Job No.: 13 Period Covered: March 1, 1971 to February 29, 1972 PS Objectives: To determine the need for, in Region 1-B waters: Changes in fish harvest regulations Population control Stocking Vegetation control Emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations 6. Updating public access bulletin OPWN Fe Segment Objectives: One through six above. Procedures: Proposed fishing regulations were concluded from current fishery survey data, existing fisheries regulations, and applicable developments in fisheries management from other projects. Preliminary meetings were attended in the Edwards Plateau and Permian Basin Regulatory Districts where the proposed regulations were discussed with concerned Department personnel. The resulting proposals 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 discussions will be reported separately for each concerned body of water for the same reasons. 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 size varying from 1 to 3% square inches. Additional large mesh gill nets were used to adequately sample some fish populations and will be shown on each netting table concerned. --- Page 4 --- 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 miles per hour. 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 determine sexual development and stomach content. Total numbers, total weights, percentage composition, 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 returned to the laboratory where identifications were confirmed. Vegetation checks were made during each survey and records were made as to the kind and abundance. This information will be discussed only when significant. Air and water temperatures, hydrological records, turbidity, weather conditions and other physical data were recorded in each survey. Also, water analysis~--including dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides and pH~-were conducted. This information will be discussed in this report only 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. Many of the public waters surveyed during this segment were recommended for supplementary hatchery stocking of fingerling game fish for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the degree and survival of game fish repro- duction, (2) reservoir capacities, (3) food abundance, (4) fishing pressure and, (5) past production records. No significant improvements or new developments of access and/or facilities on Region 1-B waters were discovered this segment. Therefore, no additions or updating of the Statewide Public Access Bulletin (now in distribution to the public) were necessary. Findings and Discussion: All major public waters were surveyed during this segment (Table 1). The more important ones received 2 or more visits and the minor or small impoundments were checked once. On some occasions where drought had greatly reduced the water level, complete surveys could not be made. A comparison of the average coefficient of condition ("K" factor) for all game species collected with gill nets at all waters surveyed is given in Table 2. --- Page 5 --- Table lL 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 2 Cosden Lake Howard 1 Elm Creek Reservoir Runnels 1 E. V. Spence Reservoir Coke 2 J. B. Thomas Reservoir Borden & Scurry 2 Moss Creek Reservoir Howard 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 2 Valley Creek Lake Runnels 1 Winters Lake, New Runnels 1 Table 3 presents the 1971 supplementary stocking for Region 1-B public waters. Objective No. l The only recommended change in the fishing regulations from this project was approved by the Department and became a statewide regulation in September 1971. This long sought-after regulation requires all trot- lines to be permanently tagged with the name and address of the fisherman and the date set. This was primarily proposed to assist in elimination of abandoned trotlines in public waters. An ll-inch size limit was placed on catfish throughout most of the state and included all Region 1-B counties. The last non-regulatory county of Fisheries Region 1-B, Concho County, came under the Department's regulatory responsibility in September 1971. The existing Permian Basin Regulations will apply. Table 4 presents the locations, dates and number of persons present at regulatory public hearings that concerned this project. Objectives 2 through 5 Champion Creek Reservoir The Texas Electric Service Company continued water withdrawals from this auxiliary water supply and by late summer reduced it to about 800 acre-feet. Since its completion in the late 1950's it has never reached its conservation size of 1,560 acres. Fall rains relieved this critically low water situation somewhat as it impounded about 10,000 acre-feet of runoff. --- Page 6 --- Table 2 Comparison of Average "K" Factors of Game Species Species < <a ra a a n vd n “< n dl wy a a on 3 o wi rm) a n wi i ral d ae) o n od a U4 Q w © n ws Ww 3 c Ric a, is) n faa] ¢ n 3 ra) o ae) « Fe 3 4 a 3 uM a w Fa) ne} yp n = u fo) oO a) oO oO oO S d a u = fal ra a wo a, is) c a0 wo w oO a) o SG v Ww al & co) o) rot) co) oo y qo © © a u u ca) 3 a ae) u di a ics oH a ‘s) Gy u oH (o) o) wo pir} o Waters o Fy = n = io) Q 4 ia 4 = t= —_—. SSeS Champion Creek Lake 1.94 2.14 2.73 3.63 4.34 2.84 3.05 Colorado City Lake 1.76 2.18 3.09 3.53 4.29 3.60 2.76 2.92 Colorado River 1.59 1.93 3.17 Concho River 1.87 2.15 2.56 4.27 4.04 4.14 4.83 3.05 2.87 1.99 Cosden Lake 1.61 5.17 4.74 3.29 Elm Creek Lake 1.85 1.92 4.50 4.78 3.10 3.60 E. V. Spence Lake 1.79 1.84 3.53 2.71 4.75 4ew 12 live Sak 4.80 3.78 3.15 3.45 J. B. Thomas Lake 1.96 2.30 3.24 3.21 2.93 1.76 Moss Creek Lake 1.98 Bae] 4.12 2.86 Nasworthy Lake 1.89 1.92 2.89 3«70 4.20 3.39 2.91 2.66 Oak Creek Lake 1.81 2.17 2.92 3.86 4.93 311 2.70 San Angelo Lake 1.94% 4.30 1.86 San Saba River 1.96 1.95 3.90 4.23 3.89 2.64 3.19 Towle Park Lake 3.99 4.22 3.012 Twin Buttes Lake 2.01 2.13 2.90 4.61 4.96 3436 3.05 1.79 Valley Creek Lake 2.03 2.14 3.68 4.22 3.08 2.99 Winters Lake, New 1.82 2.39 3.49 4.41 3.60 2.78 Average 1.86 2.09 2.98 2.71 4.12 3.84 4.26 4.67 3.89 3.02 3.08 1.85 * Some specimens deformed. --- Page 7 --- Lakes Andrews Champion Creek Colorado City Cosden Elm Creek E. V. Spence J. B. Thomas Kinarum Moss Creek Mountain Creek Nasworthy Oak Creek Robert Lee (old) San Angelo Twin Buttes Valley Creek Winters (new) Colorado River Concho & Coke Cc. Concho River Tom Green Co. San Saba River Menard Co. Public Water Largemouth Bass 157* 5,194 300 1,000 3,000 2,000 10,000 1,100 2,500 Table Stocking Channel Catfish 3,000 3 ~ 1971, Region 1~B Blue Flathead Catfish Catfish 34,200 30,325 1,200 10,000 3 ,000* 29,150 10,000 5, 500% 91,105 11, 896% 3,000 2,000 27,000 10,400 17,000 1,500 11,000 900 1,825 4,200 Redear Striped Sunfish _Bass_ Walleye 70,000 44,700 2, 246% 5,000 17,040 740, 000%* 100, 000% 13,500 All fingerling stocking except where noted, * yearlings, ** fry. --- Page 8 --- ab Table 4 Regulatory Hearings Concerning Project F-5-R, 1971 (Town) Number County Location Date Present Permian Basin Area Andrews* Andrews 5-5-71 6) Borden Gail 5-4-71 0 Cochran* Morton 5-3-71 11 Coke* Robert Lee 5-5-71 0 Concho Paint Rock 9-14-71 5 Crosby** Crosbyton 5-3-71 0 Dawson* Lamesa 5-5-71 0 Ector* Odessa 5-6-71 1 Gaines* Seminole 5-5-71 0) Garza** Post 5-3-71 0 Glasscock Garden City 5-6-71 0 Howard Big Spring 5-5-71 0 Irion* Mertzon 5-6-71 4 Kent** Jayton 5-3-71 1 Martin Stanton 5-5-71 0 Midland Midland 5-5-71 0 Mitchell Colorado City 5-4-71 0 Reagan Big Lake 5-6-71 0 Runnels* Ballinger 5-6-71 0 Scurry Snyder 5-4-71 0 Sterling* Sterling City 5-5-71 0 Terry* Brownfield 5-4-71 0 Tom Green* San Angelo 5-6-71 0 Yoakum* Plains 5-4-71 0 Edwards Plateau Area Menard* Menard 5-4-71 NR Schleicher* Eldorado 5-4-71 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 9 --- As found in last year's surveys, the gizzard shad population is continuing to expand. This segment’s netting (Table 5) shows this problematic species accounting for almost 66 per cent by number and 44 per cent by weight of all fish netted, Other changes in the fish population as reflected in the netting data is an increase in white bass and a reduction in all centrachids. Fishing pressure and harvest also declined as the water level dropped during the summer months. Small gizzard shad were very abundant in the seining collection. The usual moderate-to-heavy growths of bushy pondweed (Najas sp.) were greatly reduced by lowering of the water level. Channel catfish finger- lings were stocked shortly after the fall runoff. Colorado City Reservoir The water level of this 1,655-acre lake was maintained within about 12 to 14 feet of spillway level with the pumping from Champion Creek Lake. The Texas Electric Service Company owns and operates this reservoir for steam generator cooling. A large, previously-restricted area on the west side is now being developed for a state park and will provide modern facilities and increased access in the near future. Flathead catfish dominate the weight of this year's sample, accounting for 60.40 per cent (Table 6). This has been the trend for this lake for the past several years, although the fishing pressure and harvest is very high for this popular species. The fish population as a whole appears to be fairly stable with only slight decreases in white bass and white crappie. Forage was very abundant with small gizzard shad, red shiners, blacktail shiners and bullhead minnows dominating the seining collections. Colorado River The Colorado River was surveyed once this segment in Concho County. There was little sustained flow and only small amounts of runoff water this year. The water was down to shallow turbid holes 1/8 to 1/2 miles in length. As usual, the fish population was comprised of an abundance of undesirable species (Table 7). Channel and flathead catfish were - present in the collection and these 2 species provide most of the fishery in this area. The fishing success for catfish in this area is surprisingly high during the warmer months. Red shiners are quite abundant and are probably exploited commercially. Concho River The 2 surveys of the Concho River in Tom Green County produced a large variety of species. Table 8 includes 20 species collected with gill nets alone. The usual dominance of rough fish was comprised mainly --- Page 10 --- ~8~ Table 5 Survey results from Champion Creek Reservoir, May 26 and November 23, 1971. Results of 12 standard gill nets and 4 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "KM" Gizzard shad 224 65.88 143 .00 63 43.54 Carp 11 3.23 100.00 9.09 30.45 Golden shiner 1 .30 14 14 05 River carpsucker 2 58 3.91 1.95 1.19 Black bullhead 1 -30 19 19 06 Channel catfish* 19 5.59 37.56 1.97 11.43 1.94 Flathead catfish* 1 30 9.25 9.25 2.82 2.14 White bass* 56 16.46 26.09 046 7.95 2.73 Warmouth* 1 .30 .10 .10 03 3.63 Bluegill* 14 4.11 3 7f3 26 1.13 4.34 Largemouth bass* 1 -30 ~35 235 ell 2.84 White crappie* 9 2.65 4.06 -45 1.24 3.05 Total 340 100.00 328.38 100.00 Game Fish* 101 29.71 81.14 24.71 Rough Fish 239 70.29 247.24 75.29 A Seining results from Champion Creek Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6‘ x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 1553 2-6 Plains minnow 2 3 Red shiner 8 14-24 Blacktail shiner 295 14-34% Warmouth 1 6 Bluegill 7 2-3 Largemouth bass 18 1-10 Total 1974 --- Page 11 --- -Je Table 6 Survey results from Colorado City Reservoir, May 19, 20, and August 3, 1971. Results of 18 standard gill nets and 6 large nets. RE Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species _ Number by No. Pounds __ Pounds __by Wt. NK" Gizzard shad 229 39.89 32.82 14 3.73 Goldfish 1 17 1.87 1.87 21 Carp 34 5.93 69.70 2.05 7.93 River carpsucker 110 19.16 161.00 1.46 18.33 Channel catfish* 53 9.24 26212 49 2.97 1.76 Flathead catfish* 81 14.11 530.77 6.55 60 .40 2.18 White bass* 19 3.31 26.04 1.37 2.97 3.09 Bluegill* 5 87 wld 205 «03 3.53 Longear sunfish* 1 17 -04 04 .00 4.29 Redear sunfish* 5 eo 44 08 205 3.60 Largemouth bass* 13 2021 22.59 la %3 2.57 2.76 White crappie* 23 4.01 7.06 30 81 2.92 Total 574 100.00 878.72 100.00 Game Fish* 200 34.85 613.33 69.80 Rough Fish 374 65.15 265.39 30.20 sm Seining results from Colorado City Reservoir (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 ee Gizzard shad 2058 £~6 Carp 7 1-1% Red shiner 2537 oD Blacktail shiner 2513 ed Bullhead minnow 1000 45-2 River carpsucker 23 1-3 Mosquitofish 59 4-1 Orangespotted sunfish 1 1% Bluegill 153 1-2 Longear sunfish 7 1-2% Redear sunfish 16 3-5 Largemouth bass Zz 1 a RE RSE Total 8376 --- Page 12 --- -10- Table 7 Survey results from the Colorado River, October 8-9, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets and 2 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average eee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "KN" Longnose gar 26 16.99 41.16 1.58 10.23 Gizzard shad 10 6.53 8.09 80 2.02 Carp 8 5.23 34.00 4.25 8.45 River carpsucker 66 43.14 98.00 1.48 24 .38 Smallmouth buffalo 30 19.61 201.00 6.70 50.00 Gray redhorse sucker 1 -65 - 90 - 90 223 Channel catfish* 5 3.27 6.11 1.22 1.52 1.59 Flathead catfish* 2 1.31 7.02 3.51 1.74 1.93 White crappie* 3 1.96 1.72 57 -43 3617 Freshwater drum 2 1.31 4.00 2.00 1.00 eee Total 153 100.00 402.00 100.00 Game Fish* 10 6.54 14.85 3.69 Rough Fish 143 93.46 387.15 96.31 eee Seining results from the Colorado River (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). nee Species Number Size Range in Inches eee Longnose gar 2 18 Gizzard shad 54 5-7 Red shiner 5010 4-2h Bullhead minnow 32 4-14 River carpsucker 1 2% Mosquitofish 18 5-2 Bluegill 3 4-1 Redear sunfish 1 l eee Total 5121 --- Page 13 --- -ll- Table 8 Survey results from the Concho River, March 5 and August 19, 1971. Results of 13 standard gill nets and 3 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species _—————CO Number by No. Pounds Pounds iby Wt. mK Longnose gar 10 2.13 38.00 3.80 5 L2 Gizzard shad 227 48.50 125.00 255 16.88 Threadfin shad 1 022 205 05 -O1 Carp 26 5.56 154.00 5.92 20.79 Golden shiner 1 id o15 215 02 River carpsucker 76 16.23 227.00 2.98 30.64 Smallmouth buffalo 3 64 41.68 13.89 5.63 Gray redhorse sucker 32 6.83 37.00 1.15 4.99 Yellow bullhead 1 22 30 30 04 Channel catfish* 15 3.21 36.47 2.43 4.92 1.87 Flathead catfish* 4 85 34.64 8.66 4.68 2.15 White bass* 2 43 1.38 69 19 2.56 Warmouth* 4 85 97 24 13 4.27 Green sunfish* 1 22 «20 20 03 4.04 Bluegill* 14 2.98 1.52 10 20 4.14 Longear sunfish* 2 43 220 10 03 4.83 Largemouth bass* 6 i) 26.54 4.42 3.58 3.05 White crappie* 40 8.54 10.21 25 1.38 2.87 Walleye* 2 43 4,95 2.47 67 1.99 Freshwater drum 1 22 »o1 51 07 Total 468 100.00 740.77 100.00 Game Fish* 90 19.23 117.08 15.81 Rough Fish 378 80.77 623.69 84.19 oe A A ET of gizzard shad, carp and river carpsucker. However, there is some utilization of carp as a sport fish in this area. Channel catfish, largemouth bass and white crappie were taken in minimal numbers. Walleye appeared in the netting collection for the second year. This fish was an accidental introduction through 1968 and 1969 hatching operations on local hatcheries. Reported catches of these exotics were quite common throughout 1971. Cosden Lake The City of Big Spring controls this 35-acre lake in the southern limits of town. Until January 1971 it was used only by the Cosden Country Club, Since being opened to the public for recreation, the fishing pressure has increased considerably. Very little past data on this clear, spring fed impoundment are available. --- Page 14 --- =42- The survey results (Table 9) indicate a respectable game fish population. However, the white crappie which accounted for 75 per cent by number and 51 per cent by weight of the fish netting sample were not of a utilizable size. Black bullheads appear to be the most trouble- some species present at this time. Attempts will be made to stock large predator species as a biological control. Elm Creek Reservoir This old impoundment was originally the water supply for the City of Ballinger. For the past 20 years it has served only for limited irrigation and recreation. Sedimentation through the years has greatly reduced its capacity and altered fish habitat. Longnose gar, gizzard shad, and river carpsucker dominate both number and weight of the sample (Table 10). Very little difference has been seen in the fish population for the past several years although annual stockings of fingerling game fish have been made. Because of the low fishing success and poor access, Elm Creek Lake provides limited fishing. E. V. Spence Reservoir The Colorado River Municipal Water District constructed this 15,000-acre reservoir on the upper Colorado River in the late 1960's. It serves as a water supply for several surrounding cities as well as for recreation. A small amount of water was first impounded in the spring of 1969 but withdrawals and evaporation soon reduced it to the old river bed and excavation pits. The first significant runoff was received in the early summer of 1971 and again in September of the same year. The water level has dropped about 2 feet since that time and is about one-third its conservation level. A total of 11 game species accounted for 36.88 per cent by number and 52.86 per cent by weight of this year's netting samples (Table 11). Channel catfish, white bass, and striped bass comprised the majority of desirable game fish. The average "K" factor of game species (Table 2) was among the highest recorded in the region as could be expected from a new impoundment. The experimentally introduced striped bass was surpassed in the weight percentage only by the river carp- sucker. The stripers have shown exceptionally good growth since the influx of water in May of 1971. A recent survey (February 1972) con- ducted under another job of this project collected 34 of the 1969 stocked stripers which had an average weight of 4.94 pounds and 2 individual fish weighing over 6 pounds. These large predators are beginning to be taken by sportsmen. A large seining sample yielded a variety of forage available including threadfin shad. This desirable forage fish was introduced under this job early in 1971. This segment's stocking of Spence Lake included several species as shown in Table 3. --- Page 15 --- #1 3- Table 9 Survey results from Cosden Lake, September 29, 1971. Results of 4 standard gill nets and 1 large mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. NK" Golden shiner 5 3.47 o/7 15 3 «S4 Black bullhead BL 21s 52 6.00 19 26.09 Channel catfish* 7 4.87 2.67 38 11.61 1.61 Bluegill* 7 4.87 1.31 18 5.68 5.17 Redear sunfish* 1 -69 24 24 1.05 4.74 Hybrid sunfish* 1 69 «24 24 1.05 4.15 White crappie* 92 63.89 11.77 12 51.18 3.29 Total 144 100.00 23.00 100.00 Game Fish* 108 75.01 16.23 70.57 Rough Fish 36 24.99 6.77 29.43 Seining results from Cosden Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Golden shiner 456 1-10 Red shiner 2 2 Fathead minnow 8 14-3 Bullhead minnow 51 1-24 Black bullhead 1 6 Mosquitofish 32 1-14 Bluegill 7 1-5 Redear sunfish 1 7 Total 558 --- Page 16 --- -14- Table 10 Survey results from Elm Creek Reservoir, August 26, 1971. Results of 3 standard gill nets and 1 large mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by wt. mK" Longnose gar 18 16.51 56.00 3.11 30.66 Gizzard shad 38 34.86 11.00 228 6.03 Carp 1 292 10.00 10.00 5.48 River carpsucker 19 17.43 38.00 2.00 20.81 Smallmouth buffalo 8 7.34 50.00 6.25 27.38 Channel catfish* 2 1.83 1.40 .70 77 1.85 Flathead catfish* 1 92 6.93 6.93 3.79 1.92 Warmouth* 1 092 09 09 05 4.50 Bluegill* 4 3.67 39 -09 22 4.78 Largemouth bass* 4 3.67 1.03 25 ~56 3.10 White crappie* 10 9.17 3.75 ~37 2.05 3.60 Freshwater drum 3 2.76 4.00 1.33 2.20 Total 109 100.00 182.59 100.00 Game Fish* 22 20.18 13.59 7.44 Rough Fish 87 79.82 169.00 92.56 Seining results from Elm Creek Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20’ x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 1525 1-14 Red shiner 2008 4-2 Bullhead minnow 1 % Channel catfish 1 2% Mosquitofish 27 1-1% Green sunfish 3 2 Orangespotted sunfish 1 1% Bluegill 13 1-4 Longear sunfish 1 4 White crappie 6 5-8 --- Page 17 --- wi] 5x Table 11 Survey results from E. V. Spence Reservoir, July 21-22 and October 27-28, 1971. Results of 16 standard gill nets and 8 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. tga Longnose gar 10 1.26 25.46 2.54 4.45 Gizzard shad 299 37.90 56.64 .18 9.91 Carp 76 9.63 80.50 1.05 14.08 River carpsucker 97 12.29 92.00 94 16.10 Black bullhead 8 1 O02. Ls 97 024 34 Channel catfish* 96 1217 88.21 91 15.43 1.79 Flathead catfish* 3 238 21.47 7.15 3.76 1.84 White bass* 58 7.35 66.35 1.14 11.61 3.53 Striped bass* 34 4.30 90.56 2.66 15.84 2.71 Warmouth* 1 213 259 259 . 10 4.75 Green sunfish* 1 13 225 225 -05 4.12 Bluegill* 46 5.82 5.94 ~12 1.04 4.51 Longear sunfish* 8 1.02 215 209 213 4.80 Redear sunfish* 1 13 209 09 OL 3.78 Largemouth bass* 6 76 9.49 1.58 1.66 3.15 White crappie* 37 4.69 18.47 49 3.23 3.45 Freshwater drum 8 1.02 12.87 1.60 2.26 a Total 789 100.00 571.61 100.00 Game Fish* 291 36.88 302.17 52.86 Rough Fish 4.98 63.12 269.44 47.14 A A A A nnGeence Seining results from E. V. Spence Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20° x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). ee ea nae nee Species Number Size Range in Inches oom arc eee ne a PSE A A Re RA Te Longnose gar 8 3-34 Gizzard shad 2012 2-6 Threadfin shad 8 ke] Carp 101 4-3 Red shiner 310 2 Blacktail shiner 7 2-4 Fathead minnow 1 14 Bullhead minnow 151 1-2 River carpsucker 24 15-2 Channel catfish 7 14-3 Red River pupfish lL 1 Mosquitofish 55 [2 White bass 29 2-3 --- Page 18 --- -~16- Table 11 He em Species Number Size Range in Inches cn (Continued) Striped bass 8 4 Green sunfish 12 1-4 Orangespotted sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 258 anh Longear sunfish 24 1-3 Redear sunfish 2 3-5 Largemouth bass 305 1-3% Freshwater drum 6 2 we Total 3,330 a Trawling results from E. V. Spence Reservoir (8' x 15' x % inch-mesh trawl). ee Species Number Size Range in Inches i cS Gizzard shad 5 3-8 Carp 25 8-14 Plains minnow 1 2 Red shiner 1 1y River carpsucker 11 4-10 Black bullhead 4 3-4 Channel catfish 33 2-8 Warmouth 10 14-2 Orangespotted sunfish 22 1-3 Bluegill 91 1-3 White crappie 69 3-6 sec a Total 272 en en J. B. Thomas Reservoir Lack of rainfall and municipal withdrawals over the past few years reduced this 7,820-acre impoundment to one-tenth of its size. The Colorado River Municipal Water District operates this shallow turbid lake in Borden and Scurry Counties as a water supply and secondly for --- Page 19 --- -17- recreation. Some runoff from fall rains was impounded and slightly relieved the low water situation. The fish population has not followed the expected trend in receding water situations as the game species have increased in per cent by number and weight of each netting survey for the past 4 years. Desirable fish dominated this segment's netting collections as shown in Table 12. Flathead catfish were the second most numerous fish netted and accounted for 65 per cent of the total weight. Four walleyes were collected during this segment and showed a mean weight of 2.10 pounds. This predator fish was stocked as fry and fingerlings for the past 3 years. Shoreline seining produced several species of small fish with gizzard shad being the dominate forage available. Moss Creek Reservoir The City of Big Spring controls the recreation of this 145-acre lake in Howard County. The Colorado River Municipal Water District regulates the water usage and constantly pumps water in and out. The weekly water level fluctuation is 3 to 6 feet. This segment’s survey results indicate a decreasing game fish population. Over the past 2 years the per cent by number has declined from 43 to 20 and the weight percentage dropped from 61 to 8 per cent. Furthermore, the majority of game fish collected were stunted white crappie averaging only 0.08 pounds. As shown on Table 13, gizzard shad and carp were the dominating undesirable species. Fingerling largemouth bass and channel catfish were stocked but other predator species are needed. In years past, Moss Creek Lake provided a fair fishery for the area but usage is declining because of the low fishing success. Nasworthy Lake Located near the city limit of San Angelo, this 1,600-acre impoundment receives heavy fishing pressure throughout most of the year. The water should be fairly constant for the next few years through releases from the Twin Buttes Reservoir upstream. The fish population appears to be faily stable when surveys of the past 3 years are compared. Catfish, both channel and flathead, along with largemouth bass, sunfish and white crappie were the most significant game species found. Gizzard shad comprise most of the total number and total weight of this year's sample as shown in Table 14. This high shad population has changed very little in the past few years. Spot creel checks indicate that fishing success is slightly better than average in this old, shallow lake. --- Page 20 --- «18 Table 12 Survey results from J. B. Thomas Reservoir, June 9-10, and November 11, 1971. Results of 19 standard gill nets and 6 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds __by Wt. "KN Gizzard shad 85 17.45 11.33 13 1.15 Carp 45 9.24 44.00 97 4.49 River carpsucker 78 16.02 78.00 1.00 7.95 Channel catfish* 35 7.18 47.95 1.37 4.89 1.96 Flathead catfish* 86 17.66 637.57 7.41 65.00 2.30 White bass* 23 4.72 48.12 2.09 4.90 3.24 Largemouth bass* 18 3.70 69.11 3.83 7.05 3.21 White crappie* 91 18.69 33.96 37 3.46 2.93 Walleye* 4 -82 8.41 2.10 86 1.76 Freshwater drum 22. 4.52 2.42 oll 225 Total 487 100.00 980.87 100.00 Game Fish* 257 52.77 845.12 86.16 Rough Fish 230 47.23 135.75 13.84 Seining results from J. B. Thomas Reservoir (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 705 1-10 Carp 11 8-12 Golden shiner vA 2-4 Red shiner 27 1-24 Blacktail shiner 17 1-3 Bullhead minnow 1 2 River carpsucker L 3 Channel catfish 2 2-6 Mosquitofish 1 1 White bass 2 4 Orangespotted sunfish 5 14-2 Bluegill 1 2 Largemouth bass 2 14 White crappie 225 4-14 Total 1002 --- Page 21 --- =] Qa Table 13 Survey results from Moss Creek Reservoir, July 14-15, 1971. Results of 9 standard gill nets and 5 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Oo "K" Species SCN | Gizzard shad 228 58.16 32.00 14 10.36 Carp 58 14.79 243 .00 4.18 78.70 River carpsucker 1 «26 1.10 1.10 035 Black bullhead 27 6.89 8.03 229 2.60 Channel catfish* 20 5.10 19.58 297 6.34 1.98 Green sunfish* 1 226 09 09 03 3.27 Bluegill* 3 «76 235 ald 12 4.12 White crappie* 54 13.78 4.63 08 1.50 2.86 Total 392 100.00 308.78 100.00 Game Fish* 78 19.90 24.65 7.99 Rough Fish 314 80.10 284.13 92.01 A A en Seining results from Moss Creek Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6" x 1/8-inch mesh seine). A A A EE A A Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 200 3-8 Golden shiner 50 2-3 Red shiner 5 2% Black bullhead 150 14-2 Bluegill ll 15-4 Longear sunfish 1 6 Largemouth bass 355 2-4 White crappie 15 1-6 Logperch dl. 3 A Total 788 --- Page 22 --- -20- Table 14 Survey results from Nasworthy Reservoir, July 7-8 and December 7, 1971. Results of 18 standard gill nets and 6 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mR" Longnose gar 2 20 4.83 2.41 99 Gizzard shad 506 52.33 153.00 .30 31.61 Carp 80 8.26 130.00 1.62 26.85 Golden shiner 1 oll ~13 13 03 River carpsucker 5 252 17.31 3.46 3.58 Channel catfish* 58 6.00 60.97 1.05 12.59 1.89 Flathead catfish* 5 -52 41.10 8.22 8.49 1.92 White bass* 19 1.96 20.79 1.09 4.30 2.89 Bluegill* 112 11.58 10.88 .09 2.24 3.70 Longear sunfish* 1 oll .07 07 02 4.20 Redear sunfish* 8 - 82 e/1 -08 14 3.39 Largemouth bass* 5 252 13.46 2.69 2.78 2.91 White crappie* 148 15.31 22.76 «L5 4.71 2.66 Freshwater drum 17 1.76 8.08 47 1.67 i Total 967 100.00 484.09 100.00 Game Fish* 356 36.82 170.74 35.27 Rough Fish 611 63.18 313.35 64.73 a Seining results from Nasworthy Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x X-inch mesh seine, 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). a Species Number Size Range in Inches pe Gizzard shad 23 14-6 Threadfin shad 1 14 Red shiner 10 14-24 Bullhead minnow 8 1-1% Orangespotted sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 9 4-4 Longear sunfish 4 2-4 Redear sunfish il 5 Largemouth bass 2 2-2% Total 59 --- Page 23 --- -21- Table 14 (Continued) Trawling results from Nasworthy Reservoir (8' x 15' x }-inch mesh trawl). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 15 3-7 Threadfin shad 33 1-3 Carp 4 14-12 Bullhead minnow 5 14-3 Channel catfish 55 3-10 Warmouth 3 2 Orangespotted sunfish 3 3-4 Bluegill 129 2-4 Longear sunfish 13 2-5 Redear sunfish 9 4-6 White crappie 38 14-6 Drum 1 10 Total 308 Threadfin shad were introduced in Lake Nasworthy in 1969 and now are appearing in seining and trawling collections (Table 14). Also, these small forage fish were found in the majority of the game fish stomachs. Supplementary hatchery stocking was needed due to the heavy fishing pressure. Oak Creek Lake Oak Creek Lake is the municipal water supply for the city of Sweetwater. West Texas Utilities also uses the reservoir for steam generator cooling. This deep clear 2,375-acre impoundment receives heavy fishing pressure annually. The water level fluctuates much less than most of the West Texas lakes. The existing fish population is very similar to that found the past few years. Largemouth bass is the most sought after game fish as many lunker bass are taken regularly. Channel and flathead catfish, sunfish, and white crappie are also represented in both netting data and creel checks. River carpsuckers continue to dominate the weight of the netting sample (Table 15), accounting for almost 60 per cent of the total catch. Channel catfish fingerlings were stocked, as natural reproduction of this species is usually low in this clear lake. --- Page 24 --- <2D— Table 15 Survey results from Oak Creek Lake, March 10-11 and August 18, 1971. Results of 20 standard gill nets and 7 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species __ ___Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "K"" Gizzard shad 259 43.89 52.00 20 5.50 Carp 53 8.99 80.00 1.50 8.47 Golden shiner 2 34 30 215 .03 River carpsucker 146 24.74 565.00 3.86 59.82 Channel catfish’ 19 3.22 21.08 1.10 2.23 1.81 Flathead catfish* 10 1.70 121.32 12.13 12.84 2.17 White bass* 25 4.23 38.77 1.55 4.11 2.92 Bluegill* 29 4.92 2.59 08 27 3.86 Longear sunfish* 1 oL7 207 207 OL 4.93 Largemouth bass* 19 3.22 50.22 2.64 5.32 3.11 White crappie* 27 4.58 13.20 48 1.40 2.70 Total 590 100.00 944.55 100.00 Game Fish* 130 22.04 247.25 26.18 Rough Fish 460 77.96 697.30 73.82 Seining results from Oak Creek Lake (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 24 Golden shiner 2 Red shiner 10 Mosquitofish Warmouth Redbreasted sunfish Green sunfish Bluegill 1 Redear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie i) NM were KW RP RFP rer i an PN WOrRHKrrRU Se oS --- Page 25 --- 95 Moderate to heavy growths of submerged vegetation are found extensively over the lake. However, chemical treatment is not feasible because of the large volume of water and its domestic use. San Angelo Reservoir The U. S. Corps of Engineers lake was constructed in the early 1950's on the North Concho River at the northwest limits of San Angelo. It filled once to its 119,000-acre feet capacity but steadily decreased in size and finally was completely dry in late 1970. During this segment, spring and summer rains brought in about 10,000-acre feet of water. The first stocking of the new water was done shortly after impoundment when several thousand adult minnows were released. Several thousand walleye fry were also placed in the new water in April 1971. Other game species (Table 3) were released through the stocking season. Undesirable fish were introduced from upstream sources. However, the game fish appear to have a respectable start in this new water situation as they accounted for 48.98 per cent by number and 62.69 per cent by weight of the netting sample (Table 16). San Saba River Two surveys were conducted on the San Saba River in Menard County during this segment. The combined results (Table 17) show the usual dominance of rough fish. However, there is some utilization by fisher- men of the carp and smallmouth buffalo. Channel and flathead catfish are the most sought-after species in this portion of the river. Large- mouth bass and sunfish also provide seasonal fishing in this clear springfed stream. Channel catfish fingerling are stocked annually because of the heavy fishing pressure. The stocking of mass-marked fingerling catfish (conducted under Job 14 of this project) is yielding data indicating high levels of survival of these hatchery-produced fish. Towle Park Lake A very small sample of fish was collected in this 4-acre county park pond in Snyder. Channel catfish and largemouth bass are common although neither species were represented in the netting (Table 18). This small children's fishery usually requires annual stocking of hatchery fish. The return benefits from this small park lake are significant. Twin Buttes Reservoir This 183,000 acre-foot reservoir was constructed on the Middle and South Concho Rivers in 1963 for flood control, irrigation, and municipal use. The first appreciable runoff was received this segment when over one-half the normal capacity was impounded. Most of the approximately 100,000 acre-feet of water was caught in late summer. --- Page 26 --- -24~ Table 16 Survey results from San Angelo Reservoir, November 19, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "KN" Gizzard shad 17 17.35 5.94 34 11.30 Carp 27 27.55 6.60 24 12.56 River carpsucker 2 2.04 225 12 47 Smallmouth buffalo 1 1.02 4.73 4.73 9.00 Black bullhead 3 3.06 2.09 .69 3.98 Channel catfish* 19 19.39 12.17 64 23.16 1.94 Green sunfish* 2 2.04 19 09 36 4.30 Walleye* 27 27.55 20.58 .76 39.17 1.86 Total 98 100.00 52.55 100.00 Game Fish* 48 48.98 32.94 62.69 Rough Fish 50 51.02 19.61 37.31 Seining results from San Angelo Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x %-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6° x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 18 14-24 Mosquitofish 5 14-2% Bluegill 1 3 Redear sunfish 2 6 Largemouth bass 3 4-6 Total 29 --- Page 27 --- a 25 Table 16 (Continued) Trawling results from San Angelo Reservoir (8' x 15' x }-inch mesh trawl) A A Species Number Size Range in Inches Carp 50 4-12 Black bullhead 2 5 Channel catfish 2 5-10 Green sunfish 2 1 Total 56 Heavy stocking of channel catfish, including some yearling catfish from a federal hatchery, was done after the increase of water. Complete stocking records are given in Table 3. Two collections were made on Twin Buttes this year, one before and one after the influx of water. The combined results are given in Table 19. Channel and flathead catfish, white bass and white crappie were the most prominent game fish netted. Observations and the mid-winter seining collection revealed that natural spawning of several species occurred in September when the new water was impounded. Largemouth bass were included in this late Spawn ing as evidenced by the large numbers of fry and fingerlings found. Valley Creek Lake The city of Ballinger constructed this 185-acre lake for municipal use several years ago. The water level has remained fairly stable since the construction of several soil conservation impoundments on the immediate water shed 3 years ago. The fish population and harvest have undergone undesirable changes since that time. This year's netting survey (Table 20) shows game species accounting for 23.84 per cent number and only 12.17 per cent weight. Furthermore, the majority of game fish collected were white crappie (14.24 per cent number) of a non-utilizable size. Gizzard shad, carp, and river carpsucker were the most problematic species present. Consideration has been given to chemical control but circumstances are such that it is not feasible at this time. --- Page 28 --- -~26- Table 17 Survey results from San Saba River, June 17-18 and September 22-23, 1971. Results of 12 standard gill nets and 4 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "Kt Longnose gar 17 4.88 39 D9 2.32 7.19 Gizzard shad 151 43.39 65.00 43 11.82 Carp 6 1.72 60.00 10.00 10.90 River carpsucker 68 19.54 198.00 2098 35.99 Smallmouth buffalo 8 2.30 69.04 8.63 12.55 Gray redhorse sucker 5 1.44 12.51 2.50 2.28 Black bullhead 1 29 35 235 06 Channel catfish* 12 3.45 16.57 1.38 3.01 1.96 Flathead catfish* 8 2.30 29.18 3.64 5.31 1.95 Warmouth* 2 57 24 12 04 3.90 Bluegill 9 2.59 82 .09 15 4.23 Redear sunfish* 2 57 51 225 09 3.89 Largemouth bass* 3 -86 12.99 4233 2.36 2.64 White crappie* 47 13.51 14.84 231 2.70 3.19 Freshwater drum 9 2.59 30.50 3.38 5.55 Total 348 100.00 550.14 100.00 Game Fish* 83 23.85 7515 13.66 Rough Fish 265 76.15 474.99 86.34 Seining results from San Saba River (Bag 26' x 6' x %-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches ce Longnose gar 1 18 Gizzard shad 24 1-9 Carp 1 20 Golden shiner 6 2 Red shiner 296 4-14 Sand shiner 3 2 Blacktail shiner 235 1-3 Bullhead minnow 1 14 River carpsucker 1 14 Gray redhorse sucker 5 14-24 Channel catfish 1 14 Red River pupfish 3 yal --- Page 29 --- =f) Table 17 (Continued) Seining results from San Saba River (Bag 26' x 6' x %-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). inne Species Number Size Range in Inches eee (Continued) Mosquitofish 15 5-1% Bluegill 6 1-3 Longear sunfish 2 2 Guadalupe bass 2 2 Largemouth bass 27 2-2% White crappie 10 14 eee Total 639 See Table 18 Survey results from Towle Park Lake, August 13, 1971. Results of 3 standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Ave.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "RN opecsss____ Number by No. Pounds _— Pounds by Wt. OK" Bluegill* 2 60.00 17 .05 47.22 3.99 Redear sunfish* 1 20.00 07 «OZ 19.44 4.22 White crappie* 1 20.00 12 «V2 33.34 3.72 Sanaa Total 5 100.00 36 100.00 Game Fish* 5 100.00 36 100.00 Rough Fish 0 000.00 -00 000.00 ieee --- Page 30 --- -~28 Table 18 (Continued) Seining results from Towle Park Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20° x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Golden shiner 4 2 Orangespotted sunfish 12 n3 Bluegill 50 hs Redear sunfish 45 5-5 Largemouth bass 50 1-8 White crappie 4 4 I Total 165 Table 19 Survey results from Twin Buttes Reservoir, July 7-8, 1971 and January 13, 1972. Results of 18 standard gill nets and 6 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds __Pounds__ by Wt. _ KN Longnose gar 5 045 13.60 2.72 1.41 Gizzard shad 570 50.66 134.00 223 13.90 Carp 69 6.13 97.00 1.40 10.06 River carpsucker 229 20.35 453.50 1.98 47.04 Blue catfish* 1 .09 10.00 10.00 1.04 223 Black bullhead 5 045 99 019 . LO Channel catfish* 76 ~~ ©6275 61.17 . 80 6.35 2.01 Flathead catfish* 18 1.60 123.439 6.85 12.79 2013 White bass* 34 3.03 35.41 1.04 3.68 2.90 Bluegill* 7 »62 68 209 .07 4.61 Longear sunfish* 2 018 28 14 03 4.96 Largemouth bass* 4 35 8.83 2.20 291 3.36 White crappie* 84 7.47 18.84 «22 1.96 3.05 Walleye* 2 18 1.39 .69 14 1.79 Freshwater drum 19 1.69 4.95 .26 252 Total 1125 100.00 964.03 100.00 Game Fish* 228 20.27 259.99 26.97 Rough Fish 897 79.73 704 .04 73.03 --- Page 31 --- -29- Table 19 (Continued) Seining results from Twin Buttes Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x k-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches eee Gizzard shad 10,524 ‘g-7 Stoneroller 2 24 Carp 305 4-54 Golden shiner 10 1-34 Red shiner 311 4-3 Blacktail shiner 2 24-3 Bullhead minnow 160 4-3 River carpsucker 6 2-3 Mosquitofish 25 4-2 White bass 20 2-3 Green sunfish 122 kA Orangespotted sunfish 5 2 Bluegill 32 5-5 Longear sunfish 5 15-5 Redear sunfish 2 24-34 Largemouth bass 1,316 5-5 White crappie 31 1-24 Logperch 5 2-2% Total 12,883 eee Table 20 Survey results from Valley Creek Lake, July 29, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets and 2 large mesh nets. Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. _"'"K"! Per Species ———CSNumberr: sb Longnose gar 7 2.16 25.00 3.57 9.00 Gizzard shad 109 33.75 14.50 213 5.22 Carp 18 5.57 107.00 5.94 38.54 River carpsucker 57 17.65 65.00 1.14 23.40 Black bullhead 2 62 1.37 68 - 50 Channel catfish* 10 3.09 13278 1.37 4.96 2.03 Flathead catfish* 1 31 2.86 2.86 1.03 2.14 Warmouth* 1 «ol, « L2 12 O04 3.68 Bluegill* LZ 5.27 1.75 - 10 -63 4.22 --- Page 32 --- ~30- Table 20 (Continued) Survey results from Valley Creek Lake, July 29, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets and 2 large mesh nets. RE oo Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "IKE (Continued) Largemouth bass* 2 62 7.57 3.78 2.73 3.08 White crappie* 46 14.24 7.72 . 16 2.78 2.299 Freshwater drum 53 16.41 31.00 58 11.17 ns Total 323 100.00 277.67 100.00 Game Fish* TT 23.84 33.80 12.17 Rough Fish 246 76.16 243.87 87.83 I Seining results from Valley Creek Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x Z-inch mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8~-inch mesh seine). I Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 55 1-10 Carp 1 24 Golden shiner 1 3 Red shiner 22 1-3 Blacktail shiner 1 24 Redbreasted sunfish 2 3% Orangespotted sunfish 2 3 Bluegill 14 yn 5 Longear sunfish 8 14-3 Largemouth bass 16 14-2 White crappie 22 3-6 A Total 144 I --- Page 33 --- -31- Table 20 (Continued) Trawling results from Valley Creek Lake (8' x 15' x 4-inch mesh trawl) eee Species Number Size Range in Inches eee Gizzard shad 23 6-8 White crappie 296 1-4 Freshwater drum 2 2 eee Total 321 eee New Winters Lake This 250-acre reservoir was constructed for municipal use by the city of Winters in 1950. The water level of this shallow turbid lake remains fairly constant. Table 21 (1971 survey results) shows channel and flathead catfish and white crappie as the most important game fish present and receives moderate to heavy fishing pressure. Spot creel checks showed that channels were readily taken by trotlines. Seining samples reveal adequate forage available. Annual stockings of largemouth bass finger- lings have failed to produce a significant increase in this species. Table 21 Survey results from New Winters Lake, August 4-5, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets and 3 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average eee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ee Gizzard shad 246 51.14 45.00 18 17.15 Carp 11 2.29 34.00 3.09 12.97 River carpsucker 43 8.94 45.00 1.04 17.16 Smallmouth buffalo 4 - 83 29.26 7.31 11.16 Black bullhead 2 -41 237 18 14 Channel catfish* 76 15.80 54.10 JL 20.63 1.82 Flathead catfish* 6 1.25 37635 6.22 14.24 2% 39 Green sunfish* 1 21 09 09 04 3.49 Bluegill* 1 21 -08 08 03 4.41 Redear sunfish* 1 21 -O7 207 02 3.60 White crappie* 82 17.04 15.61 19 5.96 2.78 Freshwater drum 8 1.67 Ladd 16 50 --- Page 34 --- 32 Table 21 (Continued) Survey results from New Winters Lake, August 4-5, 1971. Results of 6 standard gill nets and 3 large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. KN (Continued) Total 481 100.00 262.24 100.00 Game Fish* 167 34.72 107.30 40.92 Rough Fish 314 65.28 154.94 59.08 i Seining results from New Winters Lake (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 Gizzard shad 532 2-3 Carp 1 8 Golden shiner 1 6 Red shiner 55 45-2 Bullhead minnow 26 4-2 River carpsucker 5 1-2 Mosquitofish 17 2 Green sunfish 1 4 Orangespotted sunfish 2 1-1% Bluegill 2 1 Largemouth bass 4 3-8 White crappie 36 1-8 i Total 682 nr Trawling results from New Winters Lake (8' x 15' x %-inch mesh trawl). i Species Number Size Range in Inches i White crappie 4 1-4 eT Total 4 i --- Page 35 --- ~33- Table 21 (Continued) Rotenone results from New Winters Lake (5-surface-acre cove). Species Number Size Range in Inches a Gizzard shad 3000 1-8 Carp 6 2-14 Golden shiner 15 3-4 Red shiner 500 4-23 Bullhead minnow 500 4-3 Flathead catfish 1 9 Mosquitofish 200 2% Warmouth 10 2-4 Green sunfish 10 3-4 Orangespotted sunfish 5 1-3 Bluegill 200 1-4 Redear sunfish 2 4-5 Largemouth bass 9 1-10 White crappie 1500 3-6 Freshwater drum 50 3-8 a Total 6008 Conclusions and Recommendations: A few Region 1-B lakes were found to have very undesirable fish populations and contribute little to the fisheries of the region. In each instance, however, various circumstances prohibit and control measures or other feasible management efforts. Other small impoundments received management efforts but did not warrant netting surveys. The 4-acre Andrews Park Lake (Andrews County) was renovated through joint efforts with the city of Andrews. Restocking with desirable game fish was completed. The old Winters City Lake and 2 small city lakes at Robert Lee were not sampled because of low water levels. Supplementary hatchery stocking in waters with established fish populations will be continued as the fish are available and until further information regarding its benefits received are revealed through Job 14 of this project. Chemical control of problematic aquatic vegetation was not recommended in Region 1-B this segment. --- Page 36 --- ~34- It is recommended that this job be continued in an effort to improve the public water fisheries of Region 1-B. Prepared by Billy J. Follis Approved by _“(/[~Z6e6 Al Abst Ates Project Leader Branch Head, Inland Fisher Date May 18, 1972 Leo D. Lewis Assistant for Inland Fisheries --- Page 37 --- 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 Spotted gar Longnose gar Gizzard shad Threadfin shad Stoneroller Goldfish Carp Plains minnow G…