TPWD 1973 F-5-R-20 #1520: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies: Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-20

--- Page 1 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-20 Region 1-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 13 Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Billy J. Follis Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Lonnie J. Peters Robert J. Kemp, Director Chief, Inland Fisheries Fish and Wildlife Division July 26, 1973 --- Page 2 --- SUMMARY The major public waters of Region 1-B were surveyed to determine and recommend management practices. Surveys included fish sampling with gill nets, seines and trawls; collection of physical, hydrological and ecolo- gical data; aquatic vegetation checks and water analysis. Existing fisheries regulations and proposed changes were discussed at preliminary meetings. Public hearings were attended in all regulatory counties and the proposed changes were presented to the public. Changes in fishing regulations for this region included the removal of the 1l-inch size limit on catfish, the reduction in daily bag limit of bass to 10 and possession limit to 20 and placing a minimum size limit of 10 inches on bass. Survey data indicated that a few of the lakes in Region 1-B met the criteria for renovation; however, various circumstances prevented remedial treatments during this segment. Aquatic vegetation was found to be trqublesome at one reservoir but municipal usage of the water prevented any chemical control. Other con- trol measures were discussed with the controlling authorities. Many public lakes and streams of thi's region received supplementary hatchery stocking. These waters received 1,415,870 fry and 660,335 fingerling fish of 8 species from State hatcheries. --- Page 3 --- JOB PROGRESS REPORT State of Texas Name: Region 1-B Fisheries Studies Project No.: F-5-R-20 Title: Fisheries Management Job No.: 13 Recommendations Period Covered: March 1, 1972 to February 28, 1973 P.S. Objectives: To determine the need for, in Region 1-B waters: changes in fish harvest regulations population control stocking vegetation control updating public access bulletin. WP WON re Segment Objectives: One through five above. Procedures: Current fisheries survey data, existing fisheries regulations, and applicable developments in fisheries management elsewhere provided the basis for proposed fish harvest regulations. Proposed regulations were discussed with concerned Department personnel at preliminary meetings in the Edwards Plateau and Permian Basin Regulatory Districts. The resulting proposals were presented to the public at public hearings in each of the counties under regulatory responsibility. Procedures for Objectives 2, 3 and 4 will be combined for expediency. 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 trawls when possible. The standard gill net used is 150 feet long and 8 feet deep with mesh size varying from 1 to 34 square inches. Additional large mesh gill nets were used to more adequately sample fishes of larger sizes and will be shown on each netting table concerned. The number of nets set was determined by the size of the impoundment, water conditions, and time of year. The size of seines and trawls used is given with each survey results table. A trawling sample unit was a 10-minute drag at approximately 5 miles per hour. --- Page 4 --- oJe All fish collected in gill nets were counted and weighed. A sample of fish, usually up to 15 of each game species was measured and examined for sexual development and stomach content. Total numbers, total weights, percentage composition, average weights and condition factors ('"K'') were tabulated. Fish taken in seines and trawl were counted and length ranges were recorded. Several specimens of each species were preserved in formalin solution and returned to the laboratory where identifications were confirmed. Vegetation observations 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 data, turbidity, weather conditions, and other physical data were recorded in each survey. Water analysis, including dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides, and pH, was also conducted. This information will be discussed in this report only when pertinent. Data for each body of water were examined to determine which waters would be considered for chemical control measures. The criteria for con- sidering chemical management efforts were populations of undesirable spe- cies in excess of 80 per cent by weight and/or number, lake capacities, water usage, and the "cost-benefit ratio" of a treatment. Many of the public waters surveyed during the segment were recom- mended for supplementary hatchery stocking of fingerling game fish for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the degree and survival of game fish reproduction, (2) reservoir capacities, (3) food abundance, (4) fishing pressure and (5) past production records. Significant improvements and developments of access and/or facili- ties were investigated and data recorded at E. V. Spence Reservoir (Coke County) and Valley Creek Lake (Runnels County). These data will be furnished to the Information and Education Division of our Department for updating of the Statewide Public Access Bulletin. Findings and Discussion: The major public waters of Region 1-B were surveyed during this segment (Table 1). Complete surveys were not necessary on some waters because of extremely low water levels. 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. Table 3 presents the 1972 supplementary hatchery stocking for Region 1-B public waters. Objective No. l Changes in the fishing regulations for Region 1-B included the re- moval of the 1l-inch size limit on channel, blue and flathead catfish. --- Page 5 --- Table 1 Waters Surveyed During This Segment Name County Number of Visits Champion Creek Reservoir Mitchell 1 Colorado City Reservoir Mitchell 1 E. V. Spence Reservoir Coke 1 J. B. Thomas Reservoir Borden & Scurry 2 Moss Creek Reservoir Howard 1 Mountain Creek Lake Coke 1 Nasworthy Reservoir Tom Green 1 Oak Creek Lake Coke 1 San Angelo Reservoir Tom Green 1 Twin Buttes Reservoir Tom Green 1 Valley Creek Lake Runnels 1 Winters Lake, New Runnels 1 --- Page 6 --- Table 2 Compan of Average 'K" Factors of Game Species Species < 7 a a i D oa Hi a od a 3 1) ie} GH P=) n n WH ed ra od wn pS) [sj n od a UW Qa ce ou) 3) an w va is | G G a HH rs) n a G a 3 v iy v us) 4 G =] ea a =) M4 ) qo « a gy rm) a i re ro) 3) o 3) rt) v v 3 a a u =I > ¢ a 1) rm fo) c a0 1) 3 0 ct) rf) o ral re) u “d e 7) v 0) i) oo rw) 4 > @ 8 2 & & gg 32 &§ B & 2 Waters a & Fu = n = oO 7 el mG a) = zs Champion Creek Reservoir 1.74 1.80 2.93 3.90 2.72 2.54 Colorado City Reservoir 1.69 2.05 3.17 3.37 3.87 3.76 2.48 2.91 E. V. Spence Reservoir 1.45 1.90 2.15 3.33 2.37 3.87 3.19 4.14 4.18 2.91 2.98 J. B. Thomas Reservoir 1.78 2.47 2.69 3.81 4.55 5.53 2.70 Moss Creek Reservoir 2.01 2.40 2.86 4.38 4.30 4.36 3.05 2.97 Mountain Creek Lake 1.71 4.25 3.19 rene? Nasworthy Reservoir 2.13 1.90 3.21 3.94, “B44 2.66 2.74 Oak Creek Lake 1.81 2.11 2.68 3 +59 _ 2.54 2.42 San Angelo Reservoir 2.16 2.04 4.24 4.6F 4.93 L.95 Twin Buttes Reservoir 2.00 1.92 2.14 2.53 3.46 4.23 4.48 2.48 2 .80 1.69 Valley Creek Lake 1.70 2.00 3.42 2.45 2.51 Winters Lake, New 1.97 2.40 4.63 2.52 Average 1.73 1.88 2.13 2.93 2.37 3.83 3.68 4.11 44.44 3.85 2.66 2.71 1.82 WN ——-—_._.—ooo—w—=wwws --- Page 7 --- Lakes & Streams Colorado City E. V. Spence Moss Creek Mountain Creek Nasworthy Oak Creek San Angelo Twin Buttes Winters (New) Concho Rivers (Tom Green Co.) San Saba River (Menard Co.) Largemouth Bass 50 ,000* 7,700 2,000 3,000 68, 700* 6,000 2,000 3,800 Blue Catfish Public Water Stocking - 1972, Region 1-B Channel - 7,000 10,000 7 2,000 7 2,300 - 20,425 - 10,000 1,400 = - 2,000 1,300 14,250 a 9,000 All fingerling stocking except above noted, *fry. Catfish Table 3 Species Flathead Catfish 2,700 1,000 300 7,200 25 White Crappie 16,000 12,000 53,000 20,800 Redear Sunfish 3,000 26,000 Striped Bass 51,835 Walleye 30,000 332,300 1,359,000* --- Page 8 --- =65 The daily bag and possession limit on largemouth, smallmouth and spotted black bass was reduced to 10 and 20, respectively. Also, a minimum size limit of 10 inches was placed on these species of bass. The remaining fishing regulations remained unchanged. Objectives 2 through 5 Champion Creek Reservoir Champion Creek Reservoir serves as an auxiliary water supply for the Texas Electric Service Company generating plant located on the nearby Colorado City Lake. Water withdrawals and below-average rainfall have prevented Champion Creek from approaching its conservation size of 1,560 acres. It covered only about 500 acres throughout this segment. White bass dominated this year's netting collection, accounting for one-third of all fish netted and 37 per cent of the total weight (Table 4). Channel and flathead catfish were also important game species found. The once dominant centrarchid population has been drastically reduced, presumably by water level fluctuations. Gizzard shad and river carp- sucker were the most numerous rough fish found. Seining collections were hampered by clear water and brushy shorelines. Fishing pressure as well as harvest has declined as the water level remains low. Colorado City Reservoir This 1,655-acre impoundment on Morgan Creek, 6 miles southwest of Colorado City, is owned and operated by Texas Electric Service Company and is used for generator cooling. The water level is maintained usually within 10 feet of conservation level. A large portion of the west side of the lake is now a State park with plans for major recreational improve- ments. Survey results (Table 5) show a continuing high level of game fish present. Flathead catfish comprised 34.66 per cent weight of the netting sample. Channel catfish, white bass and white crappie are also present in good numbers and are very popular in the creel. Forage species, including gizzard shad, red shiner and blacktail shiner, were taken in good numbers by shoreline seining. Natural repro- duction of game fish was sufficient and no supplementary stocking was needed. E. V. Spence Reservoir This municipal water supply reservoir began impoundment in 1969 and is slightly over one-third of its 15,000-acre capacity. However, the water level is expected to fluctuate as the Colorado River Municipal Water District makes withdrawals for city use. Construction of recreation facilities by the District is progressing satisfactorily. --- Page 9 --- “T= Table 4 Survey results Champion Creek Reservoir, October 26, 1972. Results of six standard gill nets and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average eee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Mgt Gizzard shad 65 34.94 26 .00 -40 12.71 Carp 5 2.69 18.00 3.60 8.80 Golden shiner 7 3.76 1.43 .20 .70 River carpsucker 20 10.76 27.00 1.35 13 .20 Channel catfish* 8 4.30 10.63 1.33 5.19 1.74 Flathead catfish* 5 2.68 43 .06 8.61 21.06 1.80 White bass* 62 33.34 75 .66 1.22 36.99 2.93 Bluegill* 4 2.15 51 13 .24 3.90 Largemouth bass* 1 54 .93 .93 46 2.72 White crappie* 9 4.83 1.32 15 .65 2.54 eee Total 186 100.00 204.54 100 .00 Game Fish* 89 47 .84 132.11 64.58 Rough Fish* 97 52.16 72.43 35.42 Seining results Champion Creek Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x ye inch-mesh seine). SSS Species Number Size Range In Inches eee Gizzard shad 2 12 Blacktail shiner 73 1-3% Redear sunfish 1 5 Largemouth bass 3 6 SSS Total 81 eee --- Page 10 --- -8- Table 5 Survey results Colorado City Reservoir, June 8, 9, 1972. Results of twelve standard gill nets and six large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. "mK Gizzard shad 178 33.96 21.82 12 4.51 Carp 11 2.10 40.20 3.65 8.32 Blacktail shiner 1 19 -04 .04 .O1 River carpsucker 116 22.14 141 .00 1.22 29.18 Black bullhead 2 .38 48 .24 .09 Channel catfish* ‘55 10.50 24.89 45 5.16 1.69 Flathead catfish* 20 3.82 167.51 8.38 34.66 2.05 White bass* 51 9.73 63.70 L.25 13.18 3.17 Warmouth* 1 19 .16 .16 .03 3.37 Bluegill* 21 4.01 1.57 .07 «33 3.87 Redear sunfish* 4 .76 035 .09 .07 3.76 Largemouth bass* 6 1.15 5.01 .83 1.04 2.48 White crappie* 58 11.07 16.51 .28 3.42 2.91 a Total 524 100 .00 483 .24 100 .00 Game Fish* 216 41.22 279.70 57 .88 Rough Fish 308 58.78 203 .54 42.12 i Seining results Colorado City Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x 4" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). nen eaeeaat dy EIEISSSSEEISE SSIES SSSSSSS SaaS Species Number Size Range In Inches Gizzard shad 512 4-7 Golden shiner 20 2-3 Red shiner 201 4-23 Blacktail shiner 154 1-3 Fathead minnow 50 1-2 Bullhead minnow 5 1-23 Mosquitofish 134 5-3 Green sunfish 4 1-33 Orangespotted sunfish 6 1-2 Bluegill 33 5-4 Longear sunfish 4 2-3 Redear sunfish 12 2-3 Largemouth bass 8 3 Logperch 8 2-3 Total 1,151 --- Page 11 --- -9- This segment's survey (Table 6) was conducted in July and is not considered a representative sample of the fish population of this new impoundment. The number of game species collected (including channel catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass and white crappie) is considerably lower than that of collections made under other jobs and previous data. The average "K" factor of game species (Table 2) was among the highest in the region. The experimentally introduced striped bass have shown exceptional survival and growth. Several of the 1969 stocked stripers taken in January and February 1973 weighed eleven to twelve pounds. Spot creel checks show that most of the striped bass are taken by trolling in deep water. Shoreline seining produced a variety of forage species--including a large population of threadfin shad and tidewater silversides. J. B. Thomas Reservoir The Colorado River Municipal Water District owns and Operates this shallow, turbid lake in Borden and Scurry Counties for city usage and recreation. Presently it covers about one-half of its 7,820-acre maximum area. However, this is a considerable increase over the past few years. The game fish population remains at a respectable level in this older reservoir. Catfish, both channel and flathead, and white bass comprise the majority of desirable species while gizzard shad, carp and river carpsucker dominate the rough fish present. Flathead cat- fish alone accounted for over 50 per cent of the total weight of fish netted (Table 7). This large predator has dominated the weight per- centage of surveys for the past 3 years and is also the primary target for most fishermen at this West Texas lake. No walleye were collected this segment although some have been reported being caught by sports fishermen during the past year. This predator was stocked as fry and fingerling during the past few years. Small gizzard shad and red shiners were plentiful in the seining collection. Moss Creek Lake Moss Creek Lake was recently enlarged when the Colorado River Muni- cipal Water District, which controls the water rights, raised the dam and overflow outlet about 10 feet. This increased the size from 145 acres to approximately 225 acres. However, regular water exchanges still cause several feet of fluctuation. This year's survey found an increased number of gizzard shad, which has been numerous for the past four years. This problematic species, now accounting for 61.72 per cent by number, has not been con- trolled by the native predator fish present or with the annual stocking --- Page 12 --- -10- Table 6 Survey results E. V. Spence Reservoir, July 6, 7, 1972. 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 Pounds by Wt. "KM Longnose gar 16 3.14 42.00 2.63 12.86 Gizzard shad 233 45.77 32.00 14 9.81 Carp 25 4.92 40.43 1.62 12.39 River carpsucker 49 9.62 51.00 1.04 15.62 Blue catfish* 19 3.74 4.42 23 1.36 1.45 Black bullhead 7 1.37 1.09 .16 33 Channel catfish* 27 5.31 31.84 1.18 9.76 1.90 Flathead catfish* 7 1.37 38.32 5.47 11.74 2.15 White bass* 40 7.86 38.76 -97 11.87 3.33 Striped bass* 3 .59 13.93 4.64 4.27 2.37 Warmouth 3 .59 .62 21 19 3.87 Green sunfish* 1 .19 -10 -10 .03 3.19 Bluegill* 36 7.08 3.58 -10 1.10 4.14 Longear sunfish* 2 39 16 -08 05 4.18 Largemouth bass* 5 98 5.70 1.14 1.74 2.91 White crappie* 5 .98 2.43 -49 075 2.98 Freshwater drum 31 6.10 20.00 .65 6.13 Total 509 100 .00 326 .38 100.00 Game Fish* 148 29 .08 139 .86 42.85 Rough Fish 361 70.92 186.52 57.15 Seining results E. V. Spence Reservoir, (Bag 26' x 6' x x" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine and 200' x 10' x 4" mesh seine). a ——— Species Number Size Range In Inches Gizzard shad 10,000 1-8 Threadfin shad 25 4-24 Carp 1 10 Red shiner 14 4-3 Blacktail shiner 7 2-4 White bass 1 8 Striped bass 15 2-4 Bluegill 13 2-4 Redear sunfish 1 3 Longear sunfish 10 2-4 White crappie 1 10 Tidewater silverside 2 14-2% Total 10,090 --- Page 13 --- -11- Table 7 Survey results J. B. Thomas Reservoir, April 7, 1972 and June 15, 16, 1972. Results of thirteen standard gill nets and five large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Li Gizzard shad 183 43.05 39.16 .21 10.47 Carp 67 15.77 56.63 .85 15.15 River carpsucker 47 11.06 53 .00 .13 14.17 Black bullhead 1 23 .18 18 205 Channel catfish* 28 6.59 15.80 -56 4.23 1.78 Flathead catfish* 20 4.71 190.35 -52 50.91 2.47 White bass* 12 2.82 9.74 .81 2.61 2.69 Green sunfish* 4 94 .29 -10 .10 3.81 Bluegill* 12 2.82 .80 .07 .22 4.55 Longear sunfish* 3 71 21 -07 05 5.53 White crappie* 43 10.12 6.80 .16 1.82 2.70 Freshwater drum 5 1.18 .80 .16 22 eee Total 425 100 .00 373 .86 100 .00 Game Fish* 122 28.71 224.09 59.94 Rough Fish 303 71.29 149.77 40.06 oo SSFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSeeee Seining results J. B. Thomas Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x 4" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). eS Species Number Size Range In Inches SSeS Gizzard shad 256 5-6 Red shiner 359 2 Sharpnose shiner 1 1% Blacktail shiner 15 1-2% Bullhead minnow 11 1-24 Mosquitofish 24 %-14 White bass 179 1-2 Green sunfish 4 23-3 Bluegill 17 1-3 Longear sunfish 10 3-4 Redear sunfish 1 2% White crappie 30 14-3 Total 907 --- Page 14 --- eid of fingerling largemouth bass and catfish. Although these two game fish thrive and provide the major part of this fishery, the introduction of other species such as white bass, walleye or white bass X striped bass hybrids is recommended. The seining collection (Table 8) found an abundance of forage available. These included gizzard shad, golden shiner, red shiner and small sunfish. Moss Creek Lake received supplementary stocking as shown in Table 3. Mountain Creek Reservoir This small city-owned impoundment is located in the eastern limits of Robert Lee. It was reduced by drought in 1970 from its normal 95 acres to about 12 acres and was chemically renovated. Restocking included channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish. However, continued low water hampered both growth and survival of these fish. Late summer rains during this segment finally provided for the impoundment of about 40 acres of water. A small survey was conducted in August with very limited success and cannot be considered as an adequate sample (Table 9). Nasworthy Lake Being located within minutes of San Angelo, Lake Nasworthy receives heavy fishing pressure throughout most of the year. The water level is now maintained fairly constant with releases from Twin Buttes Reservoir. Considering the heavy fishing pressure mentioned above, the game fish population continues to hold up very well. Desirable species ac- counted for more than 50 per cent by number and 40 per cent by weight of this segment's netting (Table 10). Threadfin shad were introduced in 1969 to increase the available forage. Since that time the average "'K'' factor for all game species, except flathead catfish, has increased. This is even more evident in the winter sample taken this segment. The condition of game species in Nasworthy is now among the highest found in Region 1-B (Table 2). Also noted in spot creel checks was an increase in the number of utiliz- able-size crappie. This species has been overpopulated and stunted for several years. The stocking of crappie noted on Table 3 was not recom- mended by this project. New Winters Lake This shallow municipal water supply reservoir was several feet low during this past segment. The water remains very turbid and limits the fishing to mostly catfish and white crappie. Table 11 shows the 1972 survey results. Very little change in the fish population has been indicated during the past 4 or 5 years. Gizzard shad dominate the per cent by number, while carp and river carpsucker --- Page 15 --- -19- Table 8 Survey results Moss Creek Lake, June 22, 1972. Results of four standard gill nets and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average a ee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ya Gizzard shad 129 61.72 20.00 -15 | 12.72 Carp 4 1.91 22.00 5.50 14.00 Golden shiner 5 2.39 .88 18 -56 Black bullhead 10 4.79 4.35 44 2.77 Channel catfish* 17 8.13 37.38 2.20 23.79 2.01 Flathead catfish* 4 1.92 60.00 15.00 38.19 2.40 White bass* 2 95 2.13 1.06 1.35 2.86 Bluegill* 24 11.49 2.55 11 1.63 4.38 Longear sunfish* 5 2.39 42 -08 26 4.30 Redear sunfish* > 2.39 1.59 .32 1.01 4.36 Largemouth bass* 2 96 5622 2.61 3.33 3.05 White crappie* 2 .96 61 .30 39 2.97 ee Total 209 100 .00 157.13 100 .00 Game Fish* 61 29.19 109 .90 69.94 Rough Fish 148 70.81 47 .23 30.05 —_-—-— eee Seining results Moss Creek Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x 4" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). oS Species Number Size Range In In. TT. $e Gizzard shad 60 1-2 Golden shiner 35 3-6 Red shiner 25 1-3 Mosquitofish 10 k Warmouth 1 2 Green sunfish 3 3-4 Orangespotted sunfish 22 1-5 Bluegill 25 1-5 Longear sunfish 1 3 Redear sunfish 4 3 Largemouth bass 10 2-5 Logperch 2 3 2.7 > > $a Total 198 eee --- Page 16 --- -14- Table 9 Survey results Mountain Creek Lake, August 3, 1972. Results of three standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. ya Black bullhead 11 55.00 2.14 -19 31.98 Channel catfish* 6 30.00 4.29 «fl 64.13 1.71 Warmouth* 2 10.00 .20 mK) 2.99 4.25 Longear sunfish* 1 5.00 -06 .06 .90 3.19 a Total 20 100 .00 6.69 100 .00 Game Fish* 9 45.00 2.14 31.99 Rough Fish 11 55.00 4.55 68.01 i Seining results Mountain Creek Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x 4%" mesh seine). a Species Number Size Range in Inches a Golden shiner 200 1-3 Mosquitofish 200 5-15 Warmouth 25 4-33 Green sunfish 20 4-3 g-2 Bluegill 15 cee edUEddE NESE ass SSSnnS nn --- Page 17 --- =| 5. Table 10 Survey results Nasworthy Reservoir, January 16, 1973. Results of twelve standard gill nets and four large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average SSeS Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Mat Longnose gar 1 .18 255 ee)) «12 Gizzard shad 200 36.76 56.00 .28 12.68 Goldfish 1 .19 2.91 2.91 .66 Carp 30 5.51 59.00 1.97 13.36 Golden shiner 3 .55 45 .15 -11 River carpsucker 31 5.70 140.00 4.52 31.70 Channel catfish* 81 14.89 105.75 1.31 23.96 2,13 Flathead catfish* 1 19 4.40 4.40 .99 1.90 White bass* 16 2.94 20.33 1.27 4.61 3.21 Bluegill* 21 3.86 1.60 .08 36 3.94 Redear sunfish* 15 2.75 L.32 -09 -30 3.44 Largemouth bass* 9 1.66 14.64 1.63 3.31 2.66 White crappie* 133 24.45 31.61 24 7.61 2.74 Freshwater drum 2 .37 2.97 1.48 -68 eee Total 544 100.00 441.53 100 .00 Game Fish* 276 50.74 179.65 40.69 Rough Fish 268 49 .26 261.88 59.31 Seine results Nasworthy Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x i" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). — oe eee Species Number Size Range in Inches Red shiner 6 1-2 Bullhead minnow 2 1% —_—— ow eee Total 8 OO SSS Trawling results Nasworthy Reservoir (8' x 15' x %" mesh trawl). = SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSeeSee Species Number Size Range in Inches Threadfin shad Carp ; Channel catfish 2 Bluegill -3 Redear sunfish 2 -5 3 White crappie - Total 46 a SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSeeSSSSSSSSSSS 0 -24 WMOoOnwor re NR WMH DPD bP --- Page 18 --- =| 6x Table 11 Survey results New Winters Lake, May 11, 1972. Results of six standard gill nets and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mR Gizzard shad 144 46 .00 33 .00 23 12.26 Carp 27 8.63 99 .00 3.67 36.81 River carpsucker 34 10.86 55.00 1.62 20.44 Smallmouth buffalo 1 32 4.00 4.00 1.49 Black bullhead 6 1.92 2.20 37 -82 Channel catfish* 20 6.39 30.78 1.54 11.44 1.97 Flathead catfish* 7 2.23 36.89 5.27 13.71 2.40 Bluegill* 2 .64 19 -09 -07 4.63 White crappie* 56 17.89 5.69 -10 2.12 2.52 Freshwater drum 16 5.12 2.25 14 84 ee ee Total 313 100 .00 269 .00 100 .00 Game Fish* 85 27.16 73.55 27 .34 Rough Fish 228 72 .84 195.45 72.66 Seining results New Winters Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x %'' mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8' mesh seine). SS tna Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 33 45-8 Golden shiner 15 3-6 Red shiner 75 1-2 Fathead minnow 20 1-2 Mosquitofish 6 4-2 Bluegill 9 2-3 aed EtttnSdaatStnn sn Total 158 i --- Page 19 --- ={7. comprise the majority of the total weight. Flathead and channel catfish are the most prominent game fish by weight. Although largemouth bass have been stocked annually for the past 3 years, very little benefit has been realized. Shoreline seining yielded mostly gizzard shad, golden shiner and red shiner. Yak Creek Reservoir This deep, clear 2,375-acre impoundment is the municipal water supply for the city of Sweetwater. West Texas Utilities also uses the reservoir for steam generator cooling. The water level fluctuates less than most West Texas reservoirs. , The 1972 survey results (Table 12) indicate a decline in the large- mouth bass population. Oak Creek has been one of the outstanding bass- producing lakes in the area for several years. The remaining fish popu- lation is very similar to those of preceding years. The clear water of this reservoir has always permitted moderate to heavy growths of submerged vegetation. However, it has become more in- tense and now interferes with fisherman access. Since this is a municipal water supply, a chemical treatment is not permitted. Mechanical control methods are being discussed with concerned lake personnel. Supplementary stocking of channel catfish fingerling is being done with the survival and growth being monitored under Job 14 of this project. Creel checks show that several small marked catfish are caught regularly by anglers. San Angelo Reservoir This U. S. Corps of Engineers reservoir, located on the North Con- cho River, still remains at only one-tenth of its 119,000 acre-feet capacity. It was stocked with several species of game fish in 1971 just after the first water impoundment since being completely dry in 1970. Several of these desirable species have shown good survival and growth, especially channel catfish and walleye (Table 13). The introduction of undesirable fish came unpreventably from upstream. Access and desirable fishing sites have been limited because of low water levels. The shoreline seining collection found an abundance of small giz- zard shad and red shiner. San Anzelo Reservoir received stocking of walleye fingerlings for the second year. Also, a few largemouth bass were stocked (Table 3). Twin Buttes Reservoir The Bureau of Reclamation built this 183,000 acre-foot reservoir in 1963 on the Middle and South Concho Rivers. Flood control, irriga-, tion and municipal water supplies were the intended uses. The first --- Page 20 --- -18- Table 12 Survey results Oak Creek Lake, July 21, 1972. Results of six standard gill nets and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. mK" Gizzard shad 82 38.86 9.91 12 6.16 Carp 22 10.42 32.00 1.45 19.89 River carpsucker 22 10.43 66.00 3.00 41.03 Black bullhead 1 47 .21 21 13 Channel catfish* 16 7.59 11.55 72 7.18 1.81 Flathead catfish* 3 1.42 28.61 9.54 17.79 2.11 White bass* 3 1.42 4.51 1.50 2.80 2.68 Bluegill* 34 16.11 3.15 .09 1.96 3.57 Largemouth bass* 1 -48 74 74 -46 2.54 White crappie* 27 12.79 4.17 »L5 2.60 2.42 a Total 211 100 .00 160.85 100.00 Game Fish* 84 39.81 52.73 32.78 Rough Fish 127 60.19 108.12 67 .22 a Seining results Oak Creek Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x %"" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8'' mesh seine) . Species Number Size Range in Inches Redbreasted sunfish ,; i 3% Green sunfish t 2 5-2 Largemouth bass 8 1-2 I Total 11 a --- Page 21 --- =19- Table 13 Survey results San Angelo Reservoir, May 19, 1972. Results of six standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average eee Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. me Gizzard shad 22 12.94 11.72 -53 18 .34 Carp 80 47.05 16.74 221 26.21 River carpsucker 4 2-036 2.14 253 3.35 Smallmouth buffalo 1 259 -55 DD -86 Black bullhead 13 7.64 2.47 19 3.86 Channel catfish* 14 8.24 17.32 1.24 27.12 2.16 Flathead catfish* 1 59 -70 -70 1.09 2.04 Green sunfish* 19 11.17 1.82 -10 2.85 4.24 Bluegill* 9 5.30 -76 -08 L.19 4.61 Longear sunfish* 1 299 -07 207 -11 4.93 Walleye 6 3.53 9.59 1.60 15.02 1.95 eee Total 170 100 .00 63 .88 100 .00 Game Fish* 50 29.41 30.26 47.37 Rough Fish 120 70.59 33.62 D2 63 Seining results San Angelo Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x aad mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). eS Species Number Size Range in Inches eee Gizzard shad 280 5-24 Carp 11 4-6 Red shiner 255 5-2k Mosquitofish 2 1-15 Green sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 6 1-34 Largemouth bass 4 14-2 Total 559 --- Page 22 --- -20- substantial runoff was received in 1971 as approximately 100,000 acre- feet of water was impounded. It has decreased some since that time be- cause of municipal use and irrigation. This segment's survey results (Table 14) indicate a respectable population of game fish. Channel and flathead catfish and white crappie comprise the majority of game species netted. However, largemouth bass and white bass are prominent in the creel. Occasionally there are re- ports of walleye being caught. These predator fish have been stocked annually for the past three years. The seining collections were dominated by golden and red shiners. Valley Creek Lake This 185-acre city water supply reservoir is located near Ballinger in Runnels County. It has remained within a few feet of its normal level for several years. The game fish population, which has generally been poor for the past few years, may be increasing. This year's netting data (Table 15) indicates an increase in channel catfish and largemouth bass. Gizzard shad, carp, and river carpsucker continue to be the dominant problematic species. Valley Creek Lake has been considered for renovation for the past several years; however, unchangeable circumstances have prevented such measures. Conclusions and Recommendations: Colorado City, E. V. Spence, J. B. Thomas, Nasworthy, Oak Creek, and Twin Buttes Reservoirs are providing the majority of the fishing in Region 1-B. Other smaller impoundments were found to have undesir- able fish populations and contribute little to the fishing resources in this area; however, control measures or other needed management ef- forts are prohibited for various reasons. Several of the smaller lakes and the streams of Region 1-B were not surveyed this segment because about one-third of the total man- days of Project F-5-R were incorporated in Project F-27-R (Statewide Striped Bass Study). Such waters will be surveyed in the future as time permits. Supplementary hatchery stocking will be continued when deemed neces- sary and as the fish are available. It is recommended that this job be continued in an effort to im- prove and monitor the public fisheries of Region 1-B. --- Page 23 --- «21 Table 14 Survey results Twin Buttes Reservoir, November 8, 1972. Results of 15 standard gill nets and six large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg.Wt. Per Cent Average SSeS Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. KM Longnose gar 10 1.24 31.00 3.10 4.06 Gizzard shad 342 42.70 53 .00 «15 6.95 Carp 49 6.12 94.00 1.92 12.33 River carpsucker 128 15.98 277 .00 2.16 36.33 Blue catfish* 2 .25 94 47 wb2 2.00 Black bullhead 1 .12 .38 .38 .05 Channel catfish* 75 9.37 143 .08 1.91 18.76 1.92 Flathead catfish* 14 1.74 94.67 6.76 12.42 2.14 White bass* 25 3.12 8.10 .32 1.06 2.53 Green sunfish* 2 125 «23 -11 .03 3.46 Bluegill* 20 2.50 3.14 .16 41 4.23 Longear sunfish* 5 #62 .57 -ll1 -08 4.48 Largemouth bass* 12 1.50 4.53 38 .59 2.48 White crappie* 91 11.36 28.87 .32 3.79 2.80 Walleye* 6 75 6.00 1.00 .79 1.69 Freshwater drum 19 2.38 17.00 .89 2 «23 eee Total 801 100 .00 762.51 100 .00 Game Fish* 252 31.46 290.13 38.05 Rough Fish 549 68.54 472 .38 61.95 Se Seining results Twin Buttes Reservoir (Bag 26' x 6' x 3" mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). SSS Species Number Size Range in Inches eee Gizzard shad 17 3-6 Threadfin shad 6 14-3 Golden shiner 204 15-34 Red shiner 176 4-2 Blacktail shiner 30 1-23 Bullhead minnow 3 2 River carpsucker 4 15-2 Mosquitofish 6 5-2 Green sunfish 2 3-6 Bluegill 8 4-14 Longear sunfish 3 14-3 Largemouth bass 2 4-10 Logperch 1 3 eee Total 462 eee --- Page 24 --- 29 Din Table 15 Survey results Valley Creek Lake, July 19, 1972. Results of six standard gill nets and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number by No. Pounds Pounds by Wt. Rt Longnose gar Zz o15 15.00 7.50 5.56 Gizzard shad 100 37.74 15.00 o15 5.56 Carp 20 7.54 52.00 2.60 19.27 River carpsucker 58 21.89 71.00 1.22 26.32 Black bullhead 2 01/5 o3l 15 «Ll Channel catfish* 15 5.66 2337 1.56 8.66 1.70 Flathead catfish* 8 3.02 65.47 8.18 24.26 2.00 Bluegill* 10 3.77 81 08 30 3.42 Largemouth bass* 3 1,13 5.51 1.84 2.05 2.45 White crappie* 21 7.93 6.37 30 2.36 2.51 Freshwater drum 26 9,82 15.00 58 5.56 a Total 265 100 .00 269 .84 100 .00 Game Fish* 57 21.51 101.53 37.63 Rough Fish 208 78.49 168.31 62 .37 i Seining results Valley Creek Lake (Bag 26' x 6' x %"' mesh seine and 20' x 6' x 1/8" mesh seine). nn ee TUE U UE UE UI UE nEISOnUIEI EEN N SENSIS REESE Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 15 2-6 Red shiner 76 & Orangespotted sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 6 1-4 Longear sunfish 1 3 Largemouth bass 1 2 White crappie 8 4-6 Total 108 --- Page 25 --- =93- Prepared by Billy J. Follis Project Leader Date July 26, 1973 Approved by : Chief, Inland Fisheries Leo D. Lewis Director for Inland Fisheries, Region 1 --- Page 26 --- A checklist of scientific names is presented so that common names may be used in this report. These names are specified in "A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada", Second Edition, American Fisheries Society, Special Publication Number 2, 1960. Common Names Longnose gar Gizzard shad Threadfin shad Carp Golden shiner Red shiner Sharpnose shiner Blacktail shiner Fathead minnow Bullhead minnow River carpsucker Smallmouth buffalo Blue catfish Black bullhead Channel catfish Flathead catfish Mosquitofish White bass Striped bass Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Redear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie Walleye Logperch Freshwater drum Tidewater silverside Scientific Names Lepisosteus osseus Dorosoma cepedianum Dorosoma petenense Cyprinus carpio Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis lutrensis Notropis oxyrhynchus Notropis venustus Pimephales promelas Pimephales vigilax Carpiodes carpio Ictiobus bubalus Ictalurus furcatus Ictalurus melas Ictalurus punctatus Pylodictis olivaris Gambusia affinis Roccus chrysops Morone saxatilis Chaenobryttus gulosus Lepomis auritus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis humilis Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis megalotis Lepomis microlophus Micropterus salmoides Pomoxis annularis Stizostedion vitreum Percina caprodes Aplodinotus grunniens Menidia beryllina