TPWD 1974 F-3-R-21 #1599: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies: Fisheries Management Recommendations, Federal Aid Project F-3-R-21

--- Page 1 --- PERFORMANCE REPORT As Required By FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project F-3-R-21 Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Objective 15: Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Joe E. Toole Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Lonnie J. Peters Robert J. Kemp Chief, Inland Fisheries Fisheries Director April 10, 1974 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to recommend fisheries management practices for the public waters of Northeast Texas. Fisheries surveys were made on the following major reservoirs of Region 3-B in 1973: Toledo Bend (Panola, Shelby, and Sabine Counties), Caddo Lake (Marion—-Harrison Counties) , Lake 0' the Pines (Marion-Upshur Counties), Lake Blundell (Titus County), Lake Striker (Rusk-Cherokee Counties), Lake Murvaul (Panola County) and Lake Texarkana (Bowie-Cass Counties). Survey results were tabulated and comparisons made with previous survey data for given waters. Proposed fishery regulation changes were presented by project personnel at public hearings in each regulatory authority county within Region 3-B. Management recommendations made for the candidate waters in 1973 included: 1.) the treatment of water hyacinths on Caddo Lake, 2.) the construction of nursery ponds on Lake Texarkana and Lake 0! the Pines, 3.) the construction of lighted fishing piers on Lake Texarkana and Lake O' the Pines, 4.) periodic water drawdowns from October - January every third year on Lake Texarkana and Lake 0O' the Pines, -) the opening of Lake Blundell to sport fishing June 1, 1974, ) a reduction of daily bag limits on blue, channel and flathead catfish in Lake Blundell, 7.) the continuance of spot treatment of marginal vegetation in Lake O' the Pines by U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, ) the continuation of channel catfish rearing at Lake Murvaul, -) the stocking of Lake Texarkana with walleye to provide an additional game fish, 10.) the stocking of Tilapia sp. for additional forage in Lake Striker. --- Page 3 --- PERFORMANCE REPORT State: Texas Project Number: F-3-R-21 Project Title: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Project Section: Research and Surveys Study Title: Fisheries Management Recommendations Contract Period: From February 1, 1973 To January 31, 1974 Program Narrative Objective Number: 15 Objective: To determine, in Region 3--B waters, the need for: 1. Changes in fish harvest regulations. 2. Fish population control. 3. Stocking of game fish species. 4. Noxious vegetation control. 5. Emergency measures needed to correct unpredictable events adversely affecting fish populations. I. Segment Objective: Same as 1-5 above. II. Summary of Progress: Public hearings were attended by project biologists in all re- gulatory counties within Region 3-B (Figure 1). Recommended changes affecting area waters included the prohibition of nets in the Panola and Harrison County portions of the Sabine River, and the prohibition of sport fishing in Lake Blundell. For clarification purposes, the following definitions were pre- sented as Statewide changes: 1. "The term 'trotline' when used in this proclamation includes a sail line or rubber band line and shall be constructed of nonmetallic materials." 2. "For the purpose of this Act a trotline shall be defined as a main fishing line with more than five hooks attached at a minimum interval of three horizontal feet." --- Page 4 --- INLAND FISHERIES REGION 3.8 LEGEND Regulatory Counties = - - Non-regulatory Counties - - C_] --- Page 5 --- =—3. 3. "For the purpose of this Act a throwline shall be defined as a main fishing line with five or less hooks attached at a minimum interval of three horizontal feet, with one end permanently attached to a permanent fixture." 4. "For the purpose of this Act a jug line shall be defined as a free floating main fishing line with five or less hooks attached at a minimum of three horizontal feet with the main line tied to a free floating device." Proclamation No. A-1, 1973-74 was approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on April 26, 1973. Fisheries Management Surveys Fisheries surveys to determine the need for management recom- mendations were made on Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, Lake O' the Pines, Lake Blundell, Lake Striker, Lake Murvaul, and Lake Texarkana in 1973. Multifilament nylon gill nets and bag seines were used as ‘stand- ard collection equipment on these surveys. Each unit of gill net consisted of 150 feet of bar mesh increasing each 25 feet by 1/2 inch increments from 1 to 3 1/2 inches. These nets were 8 feet in depth. A 30 foot nylon bag seine of 3/8 inch mesh was used in conjunction with a 15 foot bag seine of 3/16 inch mesh for making seine collections. Gill nets were randomly set overnight. On Toledo Bend, Lake Texarkana, Lake 0' the Pines and Caddo, netting was conducted on two successive nights when work schedules permitted. Total net units set in each reservoir were: Toledo Bend - 30; Caddo- 24; Lake O' the Pines - 24; Blundell - 24; Texarkana - 18; Murvaul - 12; Striker - 12. Specific collection dates are in- cluded in the netting tables for each candidate water. Net data were compiled by species to include number and weight, percent of number and weight, average weight, and catch per unit (net) by weight and number. Seining samples were separated by species, with reference to the presence of adult and young-of-the-year size groups. Sein- ing data were analyzed to determine stocking recommendations from the standpoint of degree of reproduction by game fishes, the need for an additional introduced species to provide an additional sport fishery or control of undesirable species, and the introduction of forage species where inadequate forage was available for standing crops of game fishes. --- Page 6 --- a Observations were made in conjunction with field survey work to determine the extent of aquatic vegetation and evaluate the need and feasibility of control in problematic areas. Water quality analyses were made with a Hach Model DR-EL kit. Oxygen-temperature analyses were made with a Yellowsprings Model 51-A meter. Additional conductivity and salinity tests were made with a YSI Model 33 meter. A checklist of the scientific and common names of fishes re- ferred to in this report is included in appendix I. The names are those accepted by the American Fisheries Society and found in Special Publication No. 6, A List of Common and Scientific of Fishes from the United States and Canada, 1970. Toledo Bend Reservoir Toledo Bend, an impoundment on the Sabine River in Panola, Shelby, Sabine, and Newton Counties, contains 184,000 acres of water. This giant reservoir was constructed in 1967-68 by the Lower Sabine River Authority for hydro-electric power generation, flood control, water supply, and recreation. A comparison of 1971-72 survey data with similar 1973 tab- ulations indicated a relatively stable fish population in the reservoir. Catch per unit effort has been lower in Toledo than in other area lakes (Table 1.). This is partially attrib- uted to the extremely low turbidity often found in many areas of the lake. Gizzard shad, spotted gar and yellow bullhead catfish continued to be the most abundant rough fishes netted. Although collect- ion data were not indicative of a heavy carp population, this species does exist in large numbers and may be a problem within the next few years. Seining collections indicated poor reproduction of most game fishes with the exception of largemouth bass (Table 2). Toledo Bend continued to be a national attraction to bass fish- ermen in 1973. The daily bag limit has been maintained at 15 per day on black basses to conform to Louisiana regulations. A daily bag limit of 2 was placed on striped bass in Toledo Bend to provide uniform inter-state regulations on this species. Through repeated stocking efforts of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, a striped bass fishery has been established in the reservoir. To date the largest striper taken weighed 21 --- Page 7 --- -5- Table I. Toledo Bend Netting Results netting units-March 13,1973; 12 units-June 25,26,1973; 12 units-September 18,19,1973 Percent Percent 30 net units of Weights of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (lbs) Weight Weight Number Weight Spotted gar 56 13.66 120.05 21.26 2.14 1.87 4.00 Longnose gar 6 1.46 17.75 3.14 2.96 0.20 0.59 Bowfin 6 1.46 57.25 10.14 9.54 0.02 1.91 Golden shiner 1 0.24 0.77 0.14 --- 0.03 0.03 Gizzard shad 83 20.24 50.74 8.99 0.61 2077 1.92 Carp 10 2.44 73.53 13.02 7.35 0.33 2.45 River carpsucker 17 4.14 39.25 6.95 2.31 0.57 1.30 Spotted sucker 9 2.20 25.50 4.52 2.83 0.30 0.85 Lake chubsucker 1 0.24 0.75 0.13 -—-- 0.03 0.02 *Channel catfish 10 2.44 23.38 4.14 2.34 0.33 0.78 dlack bullhead 3° 0.73 5.37 0.95 1.79 0.10 0.18 Yellow bullhead 45 10.98 47.87 8.48 1.06 1.50 1.59 *Yellow bass 4 0.98 0.87 0.15 0.22 0.13 0.03 *Largemouth bass 15 3.66 21.63 3.83 1.44 0.50 0.72 *Warmouth 2 0.49 0.44 0.08 0.22 0.07 0.01 *Redear sunfish 15 3.66 4.56 0.81 0.30 0.50 0.15 *Bluegill 64 15.61 15.07 2.67 0.24 2.13 0.50 *White crappie 10 2.44 20.06 3.56 2.01 0.33 0.67 *Black crappie 50. 12.20 38.75 6.86 0.78 1.67 1.29 *Flier 3 0.73 1.00 0.18 0.33 0.10 0.03 TOTAL 410 100.00 564.59 100.00 - 13.66 18.82 Rough Fish 237 57.79 438.83 77.72 7.90 14.63 * Game Fish 173 42.21 125.76 22.28 5.76 4.19 --- Page 8 --- =6~ Table 2. Toledo Bend Seining Results Species Number Number/unit effort Adult Young-of-year Golden shiner 13 1.08 x x Blacktail shiner 31 2.58 x x Sand shiner 30 2490 x x Bullhead minnow 30 2.50 x x Golden topminnow 13 1.08 x Blackstripe topminnow 33 2.75 x x Brook silverside 21 1.75 x x Largemouth bass 32 2.66 x Spotted sunfish 14 1.16 x Redear sunfish 52 4.33 x x Bluegill 210 17.50 x % Longear sunfish 7 0.58 x x TOTAL 486 Total No. Date No. Hauls Seining Area Fish Catch/effort March 13, 1973 4 Six Mile Creek 132 33.00 June 25, 26, 1973 4 Dam Area 120 30.00 September 18, 19, 1973 4 Huxley Bay 234 58.50 TOTAL 12 486 40.50 --- Page 9 --- -7- pounds - 4 ounces, a new Texas state record. No evidence of reproduction by striped bass has been found in Toledo Bend. Although commercial netting is prohibited in the Texas portions of Toledo Bend, it is legal in Louisiana and, in the writers opinion, poses a threat to the flathead catfish. Water quality analyses made in 1973 were considered normal on Toledo Bend (Table 3). Low turbidity and complete thermal stratification occurred during the summer months in most areas. Although aquatic vegetation did not pose an immediate problem, observations of scattered water hyacinth plants indicated future control of this plant may be required. Submerged aquatics have become a nusiance in many marina areas. Caddo Lake Located on Cypress Bayou in Marion and Harrison Counties, Caddo Lake lies in Texas and Louisiana. The Texas portion of this natural lake contains some 14,000 acres, much of which is covered with dense cypress breaks. Caddo is an extremely shallow lake with an average depth of 4 feet. Siltation and deposition of organic plant material has slowly transformed many areas into swamp habitat. The recent construction of Blundell and Cypress Springs Reservoirs on the upper Cypress drainage will further reduce annual water flow to Caddo. Without the flushing action of annual flood waters excessive eutrophication will occurr in Caddo. Game fish production in Caddo Lake continued to be good in 1973, as indicated by collection data (Table 4). Unlike most reservoir basins, Caddo acreage is almost totally utilized for fish prop- agation and abundant cover exists for fry protection. Numerous forage species were collected in seines on Caddo as well as abundant largemouth bass and black crappie young-of-the-year (Table 5). Chacteristics of Caddo water quality are low pH and high turb- idity as contained in Table 6. Aquatic vegetation of all types continued to be a serious problem in the lake. Many areas conjested with submerged plants during the summer and fall months became totally inaccessible to fish- ermen. The Statewide Noxious Vegetation Control project treated boat roads and public access areas in 1973 with pelleted 2,4-D at a rate of 100 pounds per acre. Two separate treatments were made in some areas. Hyacinths were also treated with liquid 2,4-D in problematic areas of the lake. Additional hyacinth control will no doubt be required in 1974. --- Page 10 --- -~8- Table 3. Toledo Bend Limnological Data Date: March 13, 1973 Air Temperature 21.7°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 2liee °C 8.6 ppm - - 16 inches * 3! 20.5 7.4 - - 6! 19.8 > 7.4 ° - 9! 15.0 5.6 - - 12' 12.5 3.4 - - 15' 11.5 2el - - 18' 11.0 1.2 - - 21' 11.0 0.8 - ~ 24' (bottom) 10.4 0.5 - - Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 55_ppm Total Hardness 70 ppm Chlorides 46 ppm pH Zell Weather Conditions cloudy and windy Date: June 25, 1973 Air Temperature 32°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 30.0°C 8.4 ppm 0.0 176 uhmos/cm 56 inches * 3! 30.0 8.3 “ - 6' 30.0 8.3 - - 9' 29.0 8.3 0.0 176 12' 28.0 8.2 - - 15' 27.0 8.1 - - 18! 27.0 Ted - - 21' 27.0 7.0 0.0 176 24' 25.5 2.7 = - 27' 21.0 0.4 - - 30' 17.0 0.3 = - 33! 16.0 043 - - 36' 15.0 0.2 - - 39' 14.0 0.2 0.0 158 42! 13.0 0.2 - - 45' 12.0 0.2 - - Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 50 ppm Total Hardness 70 ppm Chlorides 40 ppm pH 7.1 Weather Conditions cloudy * Secchi disk --- Page 11 --- -9- Table 3. Cont. Date: September 18, 1973 Air Temperature 29°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen - Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 27.5°C 6.0 ppm trace 150 uhmos/cm 45 inches * 5! 27.5 5 «3 - - 6' 27.0 4.0 - - 9' 27.0 4.0 - - 12! 27,0 4.1 trace 175 15' 27.0 4.6 - - 18' 27.0 4.6 - - 21' (bottom) 26.5 2.8 trace 195 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 30 ppm Total Hardness 35 ppm ___ Chlorides 45 ppm pH 7.1 Weather Conditions_ partly cloudy * Secchi disk --- Page 12 --- -10- Table 4. Caddo Lake Netting Results 6 units-June 13, 1973; 12 units-September 25,26, 1973; 6 units-—December 29,1973 Percent Percent 30 net units of Weights of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (lbs) Weight Weight Number Weight Spotted gar 55 10.25 103.27 18.57 1.88 2.29 4.30 Longnose gar 1 0.19 1.43 0.26 --- 0.04 0.06 Bowfin 4 0.74 39 25 7.06 9.81 0.16 1.63 Skipjack herring 3 0.56 2.37 0.43 0.79 0.12 0.09 Gizzard shad 85 15.83 72.95 13.12 0.86 3.54 3.03 Chain pickerel 10 1.86 11.94 2.15 1.19 0.41 0.49 Carp 1 0.19 5.43 0.98 --- 0.04 0.22 Golden shiner 2 0.37 0.46 0.08 0.23 0.08 0.01 Smallmouth buffalo 1 0.19 3.44 0.62 = 0.04 0.14 River carpsucker 15 2.79 45.93 8.26 3.06 0.62 1.91 Spotted sucker 33 6.15 73.79 13.27 2.23 1.37 3.07 Lake chubsucker 5 0.93 3<25 0.58 0.65 0.20 0.13 *Channel catfish 27 5.02 18.94 3.40 0.70 1.12 0.79 Black bullhead 5 0.93 8.89 1.60 1.77 0.21 0.37 Yellow bullhead 12 2.23 15.43 2.77 1.28 0.50 0.64 *Flathead catfish 3 0.56 9.05 1.63 3.01 0.12 0.37 *White bass 18 3.35 19.64 3.53 1.09 0.75 0.81 *Yellow bass 155 28.87 46.79 8.41 0.30 6.46 1.95 *Largemouth bass 2 0.37 7.57 1.36 3.78 0.08 0.31 *Warmouth 2 0.37 1.18 0.21 0.59 0.08 0.05 *Redear sunfish 23 © 4.28 6.05 1.09 0.26 0.96 0.25 *Bluegill 8 1.49 1.94 0.35 0.24 0.33 0.08 *White crappie 10 1.86 4.31 0.77 0.43 0.41 0.18 *Black crappie 50 9.32 40.08 7.20 0.80 2.08 1.67 --- Page 13 --- aLi= Table 4. con't Percent Percent 30 net units of Weights of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (1bs) Weight Weight Number Weight Freshwater drum 7 1.30 12.79 2.30 1.82 0.29 0.53 TOTAL 537 100.00 556.17 100.00 22.37 23.17 Rough fish 239 44.51 400.62 7203 9.96 16.69 *Game fish 298 55.49 155.55 27.97 12.42 6.48 --- Page 14 --- Species Spotted gar Threadfin shad Chain pickerel Goldfish Golden shiner Pugnose minnow River shiner Red shiner Spottail shiner Spotted shiner Lake chubsucker Golden topminnow Blackstripe topminnow Mosquitofish Brook silverside Largemouth bass Warmouth Bantam sunfish Spotted sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill Black crappie Log perch TOTAL -12- Table 5. Caddo Lake Seining Results Number Number/Unit Effort 3 0.25 21. 1.75 2 0.16 1 0.08 32 2.66 4 0.33 8 0.66 2 0.16 1. 0.08 46 3.83 4 0.33 69 5.75 25 2.08 91 7.58 31 2.58 58 4.83 5 0.41 1 0.08 26 2.16 55 4.58 121 10.08 77 6.41 1 0.08 684 Adult Xx X Young-of-year X X <n --- Page 15 --- Date June 13, 1973 September 8, 1973 TOTAL No. Hauls 12 =1 3s Table 5. cont Seining Area Big Lake Big Cypress Bayou Total No. Fish 471 213 684 Catch/effort 78.50 35.50 57.00 --- Page 16 --- Table 6. Caddo Lake Limnological Data Date: June 13, 1973 Air Temperature 22,2°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 29.0°C 7.2 ppm 0.0 75 uhmos/cm 40 inches * 3' 29.0 7.0 - - 6' 27.5 340 - - 9! 27.0 4.5 0.0 80 12" 26.0 2.0 - > 15' (bottom) 26.0 1.0 0.0 100 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 50 ppm Total Hardness 20 ppm Chlorides 10 ppm pH 5 6.4 Weather Conditions rainy Date: September 25, 26, 1973 Air Temperature 27.8°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 26.0°C 5.6 ppm trace 100 uhmos/cm 42 inches * 3! 25.5 53 - - 6' 25.0 5a2 - - 9' 25.0 5.0 trace 110 12' 25.0 5.0 - - 15' (bottom) 25.0 2.0 trace 110 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 35_ ppm Total Hardness 20 ppm Chlorides 15 ppm pH 6.5 Weather Conditions clear * Secchi. disk =14- --- Page 17 --- -15- Table 6. Cont. Date: December 29, 1973 Air Temperature 18.0°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 15.0°C 7.3 ppm trace 70 uhmos/cm 22 inches * 3" 15.0 6.2 - - 6' 15.0 5.8 trace 75 9' 15.0 ded - - 12' (bottom) 15.0 2.0 trace 110 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 35_ppm Total Hardness 40 ppm Chlorides 15 ppm pH 6.8 Weather Conditions clear * Secchi disk --- Page 18 --- -16- Lake O' the Pines An 18,600 reservoir on Cypress Bayou, Lake O' the Pines is located in Marion and Upshur Counties. This reservoir is relatively deep, with an average depth of 13.4 feet. It normally maintains a low turbidity, a condition conducive to excessive vegetation growths in littoral zones. Although fewer fishes were netted from Lake 0' the Pines in 1973, the percents by number of game and rough fishes were comparable to those of 1972. Gizzard shad, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and redear sunfish were well represented in the 1973 collections (Table 7). Reproduction of largemouth bass and black crappie continued to be adequate as indicated by seining collections (Table 8). Major forage species such as threadfin shad, gizzard shad, sand shiner, and brook silverside were also abundant. This reservoir now contains an established channel catfish population. Large-scale stockings totaling some 300,000 channel catfish fingerlings were made in 1967-70 due to 4 lack of reproduction of this species. These fingerlings ranged from 3 - 5 inches in length. Channel catfish finger- lings were recovered in 1973 for the first time since the lake's impoundment. Reproduction was believed to have oc- cured due to increased, sustained turbidity and higher water levels in the late spring. Lake O' the Pines has maintained an excellent flathead cat- fish fishery. This important predatory species has apparently controlled bullhead catfish in the reservoir. Flatheads may be legally taken with 3 1/2 inch bar mesh nets in Lake O' the Pines. It is the writers opinion that this method should be prohibited. As increased netting pressure is applied the adult flathead population will no doubt be reduced in this reservoir. Water quality tests revealed water stratification on Lake 0' the Pines during the summer and higher turbidity during 1973 (Table 9). Lake Blundell Lake Blundell was constructed in 1972 on Blundell Creek in Titus County. This 2,000 acre reservoir was built by the Industrial Generating Company as a water supply source for steam-electric power generation. Blundell was stocked in April, 1973 with the following species and respective rates per acre: Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides --- Page 19 --- al] Fee Table 7. Lake O' the Pines Netting Results 6 units-May 3,1973; 12 units-September 8,9,1973; 6 units-December 6,1973 Percent Percent 30 net units of Weights of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (lbs) Weight Weight Number Weight Spotted gar 43 9.58 123.25 22.05 2.86 1.78 5.14 Gizzard shad 96 21.38 80.88 14.47 0.84 4.00 3.37 Chain pickerel 38 8.47 54.71 9.79 1.43 1.58 2.28 Carp 3 0.67 19.00 3.40 6.33 0.12 0.79 Golden shiner 6 1.34 3.95 0.71 0.65 0.25 0.16 Spotted sucker 13 2.90 43.75 7.82 3.36 0.54 1.82 *Channel catfish 28 6.24 48.12 8.61 1.71 1.16 2.00 *Blue catfish 3 0.67 6.23 1.10 2.04 0.12 0.25 Black bullhead 8 1.78 9.50 1.70 1.18 0.33 0.39 .ellow pullhead 4 0.89 5.00 0.89 1.25 0.17 0.20 *Flathead catfish 9 2.00 54.88 9.82 6.09 0.37 2.29 *’White bass 5 1.11 3.78 0.68 0.75 0.20 0.16 *Largemouth bass 28 6.23 49.32 8.82 1.77 1.16 2.05 *Spotted bass 1 0.22 1.09 0.19 -—-- 0.04 0.05 *Warmouth 3 0.67 1.37 0.25 0.45 0.12 0.06 *Redear sunfish 95 21.16 19.13 3.42 0.20 3.96 0.80 *Bluegill 42 9.35 8.19 1.46 0.19 1.75 0.34 *Longear sunfish 1 0.22 0.13 0.02 --- 0.04 --- *White crappie 2 0.44 3.88 0.69 1.94 0.08 0.16 *Black crappie 21 4.68 23.00 4.11 1.09 0.87 0.96 Total 449 100.00 599.06 100.00 18.70 23.29 “Same fish 238 53.00 219.02 39.17 9.92 9.13 Rough fish 211 47.00 340.04 60.83 8.79 14.17 --- Page 20 --- =] 8 Table 8. Lake O' the Pines Seining Results Species Number Number/Unit Effort Adult Young-of-year Threadfin shad 23 1.91 xX X Gizzard shad 7 0.58 xX xX Grass pickerel 2 0.16 xX Golden shiner 9 0.75 X x Blacktail shiner 13 1.08 x xX Sand shiner 42 3.50 X Tadpole madtom 2 0.16 xX Golden topminnow 7 0.58 X Blackstripe topminnow 14 1.16 xX xX Mosquitofish 5 0.41 X Brook. silverside 111 9.25 x xX Largemouth bass 74 6.16 xX Bantam sunfish ‘ 1 0.08 xX Spotted sunfish 1 0.08 xX Redear sunfish 44 3.66 X x Bluegill 10 0.83 X x Longear sunfish 17 1.41 xX X White crappie 2 0.16 xX Black crappie 34 2.83 xX TOTAL 418 Total No. Date No. Hauls Seining Area Fish Catch/effort August 8,9, 1973 12 Brushy Creek _418 © 34.83 TOTAL 12 418 34.83 --- Page 21 --- =19= Table 9. Lake O' The Pines Limnological Data Date: August 8, 9, 1973 Air Temperature 32.5°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 29.5°C 7.7 ppm 0.0 105 uhmos/cm 48 inches * 3! 29.5 743 - - 6' 29.5 7.1 - - g' 29.0 6.8 - - 12' 29.0 6.4 - “ 15' 28.5 5.03 - - 18' 28.0 yr 0.0 115 21' 26.5 0.4 - - 25° 26.5 0.4 - - 27' 23.5 0.03 - - 30' 23.0 0.03 0.0 140 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 30 ppm Total Hardness 40 ppm Chlorides 25 ppm pH 7.2 Weather Conditions partly cloudy Date: May 4, 1973 Air Temperature 21.2°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 19.9°C 8.5 ppm 0.0 82 uhmos/cm 32 inches * 3' 19.9 8.0 - - 6' 19,9 7.8 - - 9! 20.0 7.8 0.0 82 12' 19,5 7.6 - - 15' 19.5 7.5 - - 18' 19.5 12 - - 21' 19.5 7.5 - - 23' (bottom) 19.5 6.0 trace 105 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 35 ppm Total Hardness 50 ppm Chlorides 25 ppm pH 7.4 Weather Conditions clear * Secchi disk --- Page 22 --- =20= Table 9. Cont. Date: December 6, 1973 Air Temperature 11.0°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 13,5°C 8.2 ppm - - 14 inches * 3! 13.8 8.4 - - 6' 13.8. 8.4 - - 9' 13.8 8.2 - - 12' 13.8 8.2 - - 15' 13.8 8.2 - - 18' (bottom) 13.8 8.2 - - Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 35 ppm Total Hardness 35 ppm Chlorides 20 ppm pH Twit Weather Conditions clear, cold and windy * Secchi disk --- Page 23 --- -21- floridanus) - 50; channel catfish - 100; blue catfish - 10; flathead catfish - 1; walleye - 500 (fry). Native largemouth bass, spotted bass, and black crappie were well established in the reservoir basin prior to inundat- ion. All introduced and native fishes were well represent- ed in the 1973 survey data and have displayed excellent growth rates (Table 10). Seining collections have been minimal due to the physical characteristics of the lake's shoreline. Excessive brush and deep water resulted in poor catch per effort (Table 11). Water quality data as contained in Table 12 indicate a wide trubidity range for 1973. Temperature data will be compared to those recorded after heated effluent is dis- charged from the steam-electric power plant. Lake Striker Lake Striker is a 2,300 acre reservoir on Striker Creek in Rusk and Cherokee Counties. The lake was created in 1957 by the Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 in cooperation with the Texas Power and Light Company for water storage and steam-electric power production. Netting data of 1973 were comparable to those of previous segments. Channel catfish, white bass and white crappie were collected in large numbers although average weights were small (Table 13). Seining collections indicated in- sufficient forage fishes in the lake (Table 14). Stunting of channel catfish and white bass has occurred as indicated by comparisons of 1973 data to those of basic survey and subsequent management surveys. This lake contains higher average salinity content than other East Texas reservoirs. The influx of salt water from the extensive East Texas Oil Field has caused minor fish kills in Striker Creek and the upper reservoir in pre- vious years. Table 15 contains water quality test data collected in 1973. The carp has been a problematic species in Lake Striker since 1965. Netting data compiled since 1972, however, suggest a decline in this species. Lake Murvaul Lake Murvaul is a 3,800 acre reservoir on Murvaul Bayou in Panola County. A relatively shallow reservoir, Murvaul contains --- Page 24 --- =29- Table 10. Lake Blundell Netting Results 6 units-March 24,1973; 6 units-September 11,1973; 6 units-October 17,1973; 6 units-January 22,1974 Percent Percent 24 net units of Weight of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (1bs) Weight Weight Number Weight Spotted gar 15 2.71 24.50 6.98 1.63 0.62 1.02 Bowfin 13 2.35 12.13 3.46 -93 0.54 0.51 Gizzard shad 5 -90 3.87 1.10 77 0.20 0.16 Spotted sucker 2 - 36 2.50 71 1.25 0.08 0.10 Lake chubsucker 5 -90 2.80 -80 -56 0.20 0.11 *Channel catfish 237 42.78 141.06 40.21 -60 9.87 5.88 *Blue catfish 33 5.96 20.81 5.93 -63 1.37 0.86 Black bullhead 70 12.64 23.53 6.71 34 2.91 0.98 Yellow bullhead 31 5.60 12.67 3.61 -41 1.29 0.52 *Flathead catfish 7 1.26 12.68 3.62 1.81 0.29 0.53 *Spotted bass 1 -18 10 -03 --- 0.04 0.01 *Largemouth bass 41 7.40 54.73 15.60 1.33 1.70 2.28 *Warmouth 4 72 1.50 -43 .37 0.16 0.06 *Green sunfish 1 .18 225 .07 --- 0.04 0.01 *Spotted sunfish 1 18 13 04 --- 0.04 0.01 *Bluegill 40 7.22 10.14 2.89 225 1.67 0.42 *Longear sunfish 1 .18 225 07 --- 0.04 0.01 *Hybrid sunfish 1 -18 31 .09 --- 0.04 0.01 *White crappie 8 1.44 7.11 2.03 .89 0.33 0.29 *Black crappie 13 2.35 2.06 59 15 0.54 0.08 *Walleye 25 - 4.51 17.66 5.03 77 1.04 0.73 TOTAL 554 100.00 350.79 100.00 23.08 14.16 *Game fish 413 74.55 268.79 76.62 17.20 11.20 Rough fish 141 25.45 82.00 23.38 5.87 3.42 --- Page 25 --- =F3- Table 11. Lake Blundell Seining Results Species Number Number/Unit Effort Adult Young-of-year Gizzard shad 18 1.00 xX Golden shiner 1 0.05 Xx Red shiner 19 1.05 xX xX Black bullhead 5 0.27 X Blackstripe topminnow 10 | 0.55 Xx X Mosquitofish 10 0.55 X xX Largemouth bass 7 0.38 X Green sunfish 1 0.05 xX Longear sunfish 3 0.16 xX TOTAL 74 Total No. Date No. Hauls Seining Area Fish Catch/effort March 24, 1973 6 Station 1-6 21 3.50 September 11, 1973 6 Station 1-6 44 733 October 17, 1973 6 Station 1-6 9 1.50 TOTAL 18 74 4.11 --- Page 26 --- Table 12. Date: March 24, 1973 Air Temperature 15°C Depth Temperature surface 15, 0%¢ 3! 15.0 6' 15.0 9! 14.8 11' (bottom) 14.0 Date: September 11, 1973 Air Temperature 26°C Depth Temperature surface 28.0°C 3! 28.0 6' 28.0 9! 28.0 12! 27.5 15' 26.5 Surface Analyses: Lake Blundell Limnological Data Conductivity Turbidity 168 uhmos/cm 18 inches * Conductivity Turbidity 215 uhmos/cm 54 inches 225 215 M.O. Alkalinity 60 ppm Total Hardness 60 ppm Chlorides 20 ppm pH 7.1 Date: October 17, 1973 Air Temperature 8.4°C Depth Temperature surface 23..5°C 3! 24.0 6' 23.0 9! 23.0 12' 23.0 15! 23.0 18! 23.0 21 23.0 bottom 20.0 aS 3 OF UOMNUNUNNMD e ee e e DWOOOCOFAWAN Weather Conditions heavy overcast Conductivity Turbidity 160 uhmos/cm 29 inches * --- Page 27 --- Gm Table 12. Cont. Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 20 ppm Total Hardness 50 ppm Chlorides 20 ppm pH 6.8 Weather Conditions clear * Secchi disk --- Page 28 --- Species Spotted gar Gizzard shad Spotted sucher Carp *Channel catfish *Flathead catfish *White bass *Spotted bass *Largemouth bass *Redear sunfish *Bluegill *Longear sunfish *White crappie *Black crappie TOTAL Rough fish *Game fish Number 39 53 20 21 21 20 204 55 149 Table 13. Lake Striker Netting Results Percent Number 0. 19. 3. 3. 25. 10. 10. 100. 29. 73. of 49 12 92 43 98 -45 . 80 -49 -49 30 30 245 . 80 -98 00 96 04 Weight (lbs) 11. 40. 38. 11. 15. 152. 65. 86. -26- - 00 94 -06 68 18 25 88 19 81 88 -69 -93 -/5 39 68 62 Percent Weight 3. 7s 5. 26. 25. 7 10. 100. 43. 56. of 28 84 29 71 07 -39 43 ei3 -53 . 86 -67 -45 . 86 -49 00 13 87 6 units-May 22,1973; 6 units-October 20,1973 Average Weight 0.14 0.45 0.38 0. 3. 17. 12. 08 25 67 58 42 25 -67 -08 .08 75 AD ~42 -67 -17 00 42 Weight 0. 0. 12 net units Catch/effort Catch/effort , Number 41 99 67 39 .18 93 32 -O1 . 06 49 33 -05 74 06 - 69 47 22 | --- Page 29 --- Species Gizzard shad Pugnose minnow Texas shiner Blacktail shoner Bullhead minnow Lake chubsucker Blackstripe topminnow Channel catfish Pirate perch Brook silverside Largemouth bass Spotted sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish TOTAL Date May 22, 1973 October 12, 1973 TOTAL 12 -27- Table 14, Lake Striker Seining Results Number Number/Unit Effort Adult Young-of~year ‘i 0.08 x 1 0.08 A 7 0.58 x 8 0.66 x X 10 0.83 X X 4 0.33 X x 4 0.33 3 ‘A 1 0.08 x 17 1.41 x 1 0.08 Xx 5 0.41 X 17 0.41 x x 50 4.16 x x _7_ 0.58 x x 136 Total No. No. Hauls Seining Area Fish Catch/effort 6 Concession #2 60 10.00 6 Power Plant 76 12.67 156 11.33 --- Page 30 --- -28- Table 15. Lake Striker Limnological Data Date: May 22, 1973 Air Temperature 22.8°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 28.0°C 7.4 ppm 0.5 320 uhmos/cm 18 inches * 5! 27.5 Te2 - - 6' 27.0 7.4 - - 8' 0.5 320 9' 28.0 7.2 - - 12' 27.0 6.8 - - 14 26.0 6.2 = - 15' 26.0 0.8 0.5 320 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 25_ ppm Total Hardness 40 ppm Chlorides 75_ ppm pH 6.8 Weather Conditions clear wind 10 - 15 mph Date: October 10, 1973 Air Temperature 26,5°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 28.0°C 8.0 ppm 0.5 340 uhmos/cm 50 inches * 3 27.0 7.8 - - 6' 27.0 7.5 - - 9' 27.0 7.5 - - 12" 27.0 705 0.5 355 15' 27.0 7.5 ” - 18' 27.0 7.4 - - 21' 27.0 7.4 id - 24' 27.0 562 0.5 380 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 40 ppm Total Hardness 40 ppm ___ Chlorides 65 ppm pH = Weather Conditions cloudy and showers * Secchi disk --- Page 31 --- -~29- Table 15. Cont. Date; January 22, 1974 Air Temperature 13.5°C Dissoived Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 11.4°C 9.5 ppm trace 85 uhmos/cm 50 inches * 3" 11.4 9.0 - - 6' 11.2 8.2 - - 9! 11.0 8.0 ~ - 12! 10.5 7.5 - - 15' 10.4 7.0 trace 125 18! 10,4 Far 8) - - 21' 10.0 7.0 - - 23' (bottom) 9.6 7.0 trace 128 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 65 ppm Total Hardness 57 ppm ___ Chlorides 25_ ppm pH 7.1 Weather Conditions cloudy * Secchi disk --- Page 32 --- -30- large areas of standing timber. Submerged cover is abundant in the form of brush, trees, and logs. The 35 miles of shore- line includes numerous cove areas conducive to fish production. Marginal vegetation, principally water milfoil (Myriophllum sp.) becomes a nuisance to fishermen each summer. However, as in- dicated by a separate research study; Job 17, Largemouth Bass Study, this vegetation also serves as a primary cover and food source for young-of-the-year bass and other fishes. Dominant forage species in Murvaul were the threadfin shad, golden shiner, gizzard shad, and lake chubsucker (Table 16). Species composition of the Murvaul fish population remained unique in that no large rough fishes such as carp, buffalo, or freshwater drum existed. Channel catfish have been stocked in Murvaul by the lake authority, Panola County Water District No. 1, since 1967. No reproduction of this species has been found. Adequate standing crops of largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, and flathead catfish were indicated by the 1973 net data (Table 17). Table 18 contains water quality test results from Lake Murvaul in 1973. No adverse water quality conditions were noted. Lake Texarkana This 20,000 acre reservoir was constructed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1956. Impounded on the Sulphur River for flood control, the lake also serves as a municipal and industrial water supply. Texarkana is an extremely shallow reservoir with riverine charateristics common to a natural lake. Surrounded by rolling hills covered with pine-hardwood timber, Texarkana water levels have fluctuated drastically in previous years. During 1973 water use commitments re- sulted in a more stable pool elevation. The shallow fertile waters of this lake have consistently produced abundant standing crops of channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, white bass, small- mouth buffalo, and freshwater drum. Net collections for 1973 were not representative of catfish or buffalo populations. (Table 19). Seining collections included abundant forage fishes (Table 20). Reproduction of largemouth bass has declined in Lake Texarkana and the need for an additional game fish was apparent as in- dicated by 1973 net and seine data. --- Page 33 --- Species Spotted gar Threadfin shad Gizzard shad Grass pickerel Golden shiner Pugnose minnow Blacktail shiner Sand shiner Blackspot shiner Bullhead minnow Lake chubsucker Pirate perch Golden topminnow Blackstripe topminnow Mosquitofish Largemouth bass Warmouth Spotted sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill Redbreast sunfish Longear sunfish White crappie Black crappie Log perch TOTAL -31- Table 16. Lake Murvaul Seining Results Number 1 3,306 16 263 48 72 20 471 12 12 1,148 14 52 5,562 Number/Unit Effort 0.02 82.65 0.04 0.12 6.57 1.20 0.05 0.15 0.07 2.31 0.07 0.02 0.02 0.50 Ll. 7, 0.05 0.30 28.70 0.35 1.35 0.07 Adult Young-of-year Xx X --- Page 34 --- Date July 24, 1973 September 28, 1973 TOTAL No. Hauls 20 40 -32« Table 16. Cont. Seining Area Upper end of lake Lower end of lake Total No. Fish 3,196 1,972 5,562 Catch/effort 159.00 98.60 139.05 --- Page 35 --- -33- Table 17. Murvaul Netting Results 6 units-June 21,1973; 6 units-October 3,1973 Percent Percent 12 unit nets of Weight of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (1bs) Weight Weight Number Weight Spotted gar 9 3.15 36.31 17.34 4.03 0.75 3.02 Gizzard shad 86 30.07 25.63 12.24 0.03 7.16 2.13 Spotted sucker 1 0.35 1.88 0.90 --- 0.08 0.15 Lake chubsucker 18 6.29 7.69 3.67 0.42 1.50 0.64 *Channel catfish 10 3.50 30.69 14.66 3.06 0.83 2.55 Yellow bullhead 48 16.78 26.13 12.48 0.54 4.00 2.17 *Flathead catfish 2 0.70 26.50 12.66 13.52 0.16 2.20 *Largemouth bass 10 3.50 18.75 8.95 1.87 05:83 1.56 *Warmouth 4 1.40 1.00 0.48 0.25 0.33 0.08 kredear sunfish 15 5.24 2.06 0.98 0.14 1.25 0.17 *Bluebill 46 16.08 8.62 4.12 0.19 3.82 0.71 *White crappie 5 1.74 5.13 2.45 1.02 0.41 0.42 *Black crappie 32 11.19 19.00 9.07 0.59 2.66 1.58 TOTAL 286 100.00 209.39 100.00 23.83 17.45 Rough fish 162 56.64 97.64 46.63 13.50 8.14 *Game fish 124 43.36 211.75 53.37 10.33 9.31 --- Page 36 --- wd pees Table 18. Lake Murvaul Limnological Data Date: June 21, 1973 Air Temperature 30°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 29.0°C. 7.6 ppm 0.0 190 uhmos/cm 36 inches * 14' 25.0 2.0 0.0 191 21' (bottom) 23.0 0.3 0.0 191 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 65 ppm Total Hardness 60 ppm Chlorides 40 ppm pH 7.4 Weather Conditions cloudy and humid Date: October 3, 1973 Air Temperature 27.8°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface — 29.0°C 10.0 ppm 0.0 170 uhmos/cm 42 inches © 3' 28.0 9.6 - - 6' 27.0 7.0 - - 9' 27.0 3.8 - - 12' 26.5 1.0 0.0 175 15' 26.0 0.2 - - 18' 26.0 0.1 - - 21" 25.5 0.0 0.0 175 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 60 ppm Total Hardness 65 ppm Chlorides 35 ppm pH 7.3 Weather Conditions clear ee ——_————— ”>Ee * Secchi disk --- Page 37 --- =35= Table 19. Lake Texarkana Netting Results 12 units-July 11,12,1973; 6 units-October 24,1973 Percent Percent 18 net units of Weight of Average Catch/effort Catch/effort Species Number Number (lbs) __ Weight Weight Number Weight Longnose gar 6 1.80 32.25 9.50 5.37 0.33 1.79 Shortnose gar 19 5.71 39.69 11.69 2.09 1.05 2.21 Spotted gar 12 3.61 22.31 6.57 1.86 0.66 1.24 Gizzard shad 102 30.63 44.94 13.24 0.44 5.66 2.50 Bigmouth buffalo 1 0.03 8.25 2.43 --- 0.06 0.46 Smallmouth buffalo 15 4.51 35.68 10.51 2.38 0.83 1.98 River carpsucker 4 1.20 7.00 2.06 1.75 0.22 0.39 *Channel catfish 9 2.70 8.88 2.62 0.99 0.50 0.49 *Flathead catfish 3 0.90 3.75 1.10 1.25 0.16 0.21 *White bass 41 12.31 61.62 18.15 1.50 2.28 3.42 *Bluegill 6 1.80 0.93 0.27 0.16 0.33 5.17 *White crappie _ 73 21.92 56.37 16.61 0.77 4.06 3.13 *Black crappie 3 0.90 2.50 0.74 0.83 0.16 0.14 Freshwater drum 39 11.71 15.31 4.51 0.39 2.17 0.85 TOTAL 333 100.00 339.48 100.00 18.50 18.88 Rough fish 198 59.46 205.43 60.51 11.00 11.41 *Game fish 135 40.54 134.05 39.49 7.50 7.45 --- Page 38 --- Species Threadfin shad Gizzard shad Pallid shiner Bullhead minnow Brook silverside Largemouth bass Date July 11, 1973 TOTAL TOTAL No t= Table 20. Lake Texarkana Seining Results Number Number/Unit Effort Adult 356 29.66 X 77 6.41 xX 26 2.16 X 72 6.00 X 287 23.91 X il 0.91 829 Total No. . Hauls Seining Area Fish _12 Big Creek _ 829 _ 829 12 Young-of-year X xX Catch/effort 69.09 69.09 --- Page 39 --- =57~ Table 21. Lake Texarkana Limnological Data Date: July 11, 1973 Air Temperature 30.5°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 29.5°C 8.0 ppm 0.0 ppt 175 uhmos/cm 19 inches * 3" 29.0 7.6 - ~ 6' 28.0 6.0 - - 9' 27.5 4.5 0.0 200 12' 27.5 4.2 - - 15' 27.0 4.0 - - 18' 26.5 3.4 - - 21' (bottom) 26.0 1.0 0.0 235 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 100 ppm Total Hardness 110 ppm Chlorides _30 ppm pH 8.2 Weather Conditions cloudy and windy Date: October 24, 1973 Air Temperature 27.0°C Dissolved Depth Temperature Oxygen Salinity Conductivity Turbidity surface 24.00C 11.0 ppm 0.0 ppt 200 uhmos/cm 19 inches * 3" 22.5 10.8 - - 6' 21.5 9.6 = = 9' 21.5 5.8 0.0 195 12' 21.0 5.8 - - 15' 21.0 5.2 - - 18' (bottom) 20.8 2.0 0.0 340 Surface Analyses: M.O. Alkalinity 95 ppm Total Hardness 110 ppm Chlorides 25 ppm pH 8.0 Weather Conditions clear * Secchi disk --- Page 40 --- y = 3e- Water quality test results were considered normal for this reservoir (Table 21). Texarkana exhibits alkaline character- istics not normally found in East Texas Waters. Three inch bar mesh nets may be used for taking rough fishes and catfish in Lake Texarkana. Although years of continued heavy netting pressure has been exerted on this lake, no significant decrease has been evident in any commercial species. III. Conclusions, Evaluations, and Recommendations: Fisheries Regulations The modification of present fishing regulations on most Region 3-B waters to provide better management and/or uniformity has been difficult due to boundry control. Toledo Bend and Caddo are both border waters of Texas and Louisiana. In addition, Caddo and Lake Texarkana lie partially within non-regulatory counties. Lake 0' the Pines is entirely within a non-regulatory area. Until fisheries regulations may be formulated to affect these impoundments in their entirety, most effective manage- ment programs will not be successful. A June 1, 1974 date will be recommended for opening Blundell Reservoir to sport fishing. Additional recommendations will be made to apply a reduced daily bag limit of 15 on channel and blue catfish, and a daily bag limit of 2 on flathead cat- fish. Reproduction of these species is normally inadequate in clear water reservoirs of East Texas. Supplemental hatchery stockings are expected to be required, thus the lower limits are suggested as a possible aid in maintaining adequate fish- eries for these species. Management Recommendations Management recommendations were made in 1973 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, for Lake O' the Pines and Lake Texarkana. The following recommendations were made for both reservoirs: 1.) The construction of 50 acres of nursery ponds for rearing-stocking programs. 2.) Periodic winter drawdowns from October - January every third year for aeration of the eulittoral zones and exposure of vegetation in Lake O' the Pines. 3.) The construction of lighted fishing piers adjacent to recreational areas to increase reservoir usage by the non-boating public. --- Page 41 --- VI. ~~ 4.) An additional recommendation to continue spot treat- ments of marginal vegetation by corps personnel on Lake O' the Pines was made. 5.) Spot treatment control of water hyacinths is recommend- ed in 1974 on Caddo Lake. Additional herbicide treat- ments of boat road areas may be necessary to control submerged aquatics. Fish Stocking Recommendations To supplement the inadequate forage in Lake Striker, the re- commendation is made to stock this lake with Tilapia sp. Survival of this fish should be possible in the heated effluent of the power plant discharge. Threadfin shad stockings were attempted in 1971 and 1973 but no evidence of survival or re- production has been found. The recommendation is made to introduce walleye in Lake Texarkana at a rate of 20 fingerlings per acre in 1974. Abundant forage fishes are available for an additional game fish in this lake. It is recommended that channel catfish production be continued in the two existing rearing ponds on Lake Murvaul. ‘Costs: Approximately $18,500.00 Prepared by: Joe E. Toole Project Leader Date: April 10, 1974 Jack E. Crabtree _ Region 3 Inland Fisheries Director Approved by: Dingell-Johnson Coordinator --- Page 42 --- APPENDIX I Checklist of Fish Species Mentioned in this Report Shortnose gar Spotted gar Longnose gar Bowfin Skipjack herring Threadfin shad Gizzard shad Grass pickerel Chain pickerel Carp Goldfish Golden shiner Pugnose minnow Texas shiner Pallid shiner Blacktail shiner Red shiner Sand shiner Blackspot shiner Bullhead minnow Bigmouth buffalo Smallmouth buffalo River carpsucker (American Fisheries Society, 1970) Lepisosteus platostomus Lepisosteus oculatus Lepisosteus osseus Amia calva Alosa chrysochloris Dorosoma petenense Dorosoma cepedianum Esox americanus Esox niger Cyprinus carpio Carassius auratus Notemigonus crysoleucas Opsopoeodus emiliae Notropis amabilis Notropis amnis Notropis venustus Notropis lutrensis Notropis stramineus Notropis atrocaudalis Pimephales vigilax Ictiobus cyprinellus Ictiobus bubalus Carpiodes carpio --- Page 43 --- Spotted sucker Lake chubsucker Channel catfish Blue catfish Black bullhead Yellow bullhead Flathead catfish Tadpole madtom Pirate perch Golden topminnow Blackstripe topminnow Mosquitofish Brook silverside White bass Yellow bass Striped bass Spotted bass Largemouth bass Florida largemouth bass Warmouth Green sunfish Bantam sunfish Spotted sunfish Redear sunfish Bluegill Redbreast sunfish APPENDIX I - Cont. Minytrema melanops Erimyzon sucetta Ictalurus punctatus Ictalurus furcatus Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Pylodictis olivaris Noturus gyrinus Aphredoderus sayanus Fundulus chrysotus Fundulus notatus Gambusia affinis Labidesthes sicculus Morone chrysops Morone mississippiensis Morone saxatilis Micropterus punctulatus Micropterus salmoides Micropterus salmoides floridanus Lepomis guiosus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis symmetricus Lepomis punctatus Lepomis microlophus Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis auritus --- Page 44 --- Longear sunfish White crappie Black crappie Flier Walleye Logperch Freshwater drum -42- APPENDIX I = Cont. Lepomis megalotis Pomoxis annularis Pomoxis nigromaculatus Centrarchus macropterus Stizostedion vitreum Percina caprodes Aplodinotus grunniens