TPWD 1975 F-5-R-22 #1657: Region I-B Fisheries Studies: Fisheries Management Recommendations, Federal Aid Project No. F-5-R-22

--- Page 1 --- PERFORMANCE REPORT As required by Ze, FEDERAL AID IN FISHERT#S HESTORATION ACT Texas Federal Aid Project No. F-5=R-22 REGION I-B FISHERIES STUDIES Objective 13: Fisheries Management Recommendations Project Leader: Billy J.:Follis Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Lonnie J. Peters Robert J. Kemp, Director Chief, Inland Fisheries Fisheries Division November 15, 197) --- Page 2 --- Summary The objective of this study is to recommend management practices for the public waters of Region 1-B. This job was terminated 3 months early to facilitate the initiation of a New Statewide Fisheries Management Project, Fe30«R. However surveys were conducted at the major public lakes this segment. These 12 surveys included fish sample ing with gill nets and seines; collection of physical, hydrological and ecolo- gical data; aquatic vegetation checks, and water analysis. Preliminary meetings and public hearings were attended for the Permian Basin and Edwards Plateau Hegulatory Districts. The existing fishing regulations were adequate for the existing fisheries resources and changes were not nece= Ssary. Stocking was the most common management activity recommended. This includes both native game species stocked at opportune times and the introduction of large open water predator species (striped bass, white bass - striped bass hybrid and walleye). --- Page 3 --- PERFORMANCE R&PORT State: Texas Project Number: Fe5mRa2?2 er : Project Title: Region I-B Fisheries Studies acne tegen Project Section: Inventory Study litle: Fisheries Management Recommendations Contract Period: From March 1, 197) To February 28, 1975 Program Narrative Objective No.: 13 PS Objectives: To determine the need for in Region I-B waters, 1. Changes in fish harvest regulations 2. Population control 30 Stocking he Vegetation control 52 Updating public access information. I. Segment Objectives: One through five above. II. Summary of Progress: Proposed fishing regulations were discussed with concerned Department personnel at preliminary meetings in the Edwards Plateau and Permian Basin Regulatory Districts. Current fisheries survey data, existing fisheries regulations, and applicable developments in fisheries management elswhere provided the basis for proposed fish harvest regulations. The resulting proposals were presented at public hearings in each county under regulatory authority. ish populations were sampled with standard gill nets and Seines. The standard gill net used is 150 feet long and 8 feet deep with mesh sizes varying from 1 to 3% square inches. Additional large mesh (3 - and 35 - square~inch-mesh) gill nets were used to more adequately sample fishes of larger sizes. The number of nets set was determined by the size of the impoundment, water conditions and time of year. The size of seines used is given with each survey results table, 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. lotal numbers, total weights, --- Page 4 --- IIlI. IV. -2- percentage composition, average weights and condition factors ("K") were tabulated. Fish taken in seines were counted and length ranges were record= ed. Several specimens of each species were preserved in formalin and re- turned 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 con-= ditions and other physical data were recorded in each survey. Water analyses, including dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides and pH were conducted on most waters. This type of 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 population control measures. The criteria for considering management efforts were population of undesirable species in excess of 80 per cent by weight and/or number, lake capacities, water usage, and the "costebenefit ratio" of a treatment. Several 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 re- production, (2) reservoir capacities, (3) food abundance, (4) fishing pressure and (5) past production records. Significant Deviation: To facilitate to the initiation of a new State- wide Fisheries Management Project, F=30-k, this job was terminated 3 months early. However the major public lakes of Region I=-B were surveyed this segment. Field data collections for the Statewide Walleye Evaluation, Job 18 , Project F-7-R, were made on Twin buttes Reservoir. These samples included monthly water analysis, frame net collections, seining samples and rotenone cove samples. No major improvements or developments of access and/or facilities were found, therefore updating of the Statewide Public Access Bulletin was not necessary. Conclusions, Evaluations and Recommendations: The existing fish harvest regulations for Region I-B were found to be satisfactory for the present resources and no changes were proposed or adopted. The public waters of Kegion I=B surveyed during this segment are listed in Table 1. A comparison of the average coefficients of condition ("K" factors) for all game species collected with gill nets at all waters sur- veyed is presented in Table 2. The 197) supplementary hatchery stocking of game fish recommended by this project is found in Table 3. The evaluation, discussion, and recommendations for objectives 2,3, and will be combined and reported separately for each concerned body of water --- Page 5 --- Table 1. Waters Surveyed During Segment 22 Name Amistad Reservoir Ascarate Lake Balmorhea Reservoir Diablo 1 Lake E. V. Spence Reservoir Macho Lake Mountain Creek Lake Nasworthy Lake Oak Creek Reservoir Red Bluff Reservoir Twin Buttes Reservoir Valley Creek Lake County Val Verde El Paso Reeves Hudspeth Coke Hudspeth Coke Tom Green Coke Reeves Tom Green Runnels Surface Acres Size 6,900 Exe) 573 8 14,950 Tie) 95 1,596 2,375 11,700 9,080 187 Number of Visits 2 ui =) a --- Page 6 --- Comparison of Average "K" Factors of Game Species White x Striped bass hybrid < a a rf a tH eS jWw n a ~p 1 a 2 8 & 3 ¢ ne) So og 3 4 g q a © A, e § % ba 4 a 4 § ~ -Q 5 Fy A Lakes Amistad 1.71 1.81 2.07 2.63 Ascarate 1.52 Balmorhea 1.84 2.52 Diable 1 1.58 2.07 E. V. Spence 1.70 1.67 2.03 2.55 2.1) Macho 2,28 Mountain Creek 1.99 22.0) Nawworthy 1.81 1.92 2.53 Oak Creek 1.61 2.19 2.31 Red Bluff 1.79 3039 Twin Buttes 1.48 1.99 2.19 Valley Creek 2.12 2.83 Average 2059 sable 2, Species Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish 3035 3016 3.98 4.52 2098 3.68 3.88 Orangespotted sunfish 3.60 Bluegill 3018 3056 3258 3269 30h3 3059 3292 3033 3056 4028 Largemouth bass uo} Ce 3 g oa 5g a n i] & o fea) io¥8) oO S uo} 3 & 3210 2.93 2.88 3673 3017 yelS 318 3059 4.30 he70 3.36 2.31 3018 2045 2016 1.79 320 221 2.04 1.91 2.63 White crappie 203k 2677 20449 2052 207k Black crappie Walleye 1.64 --- Page 7 --- Table 3. Stocking Records for Region 1-B Public Waters, 197) Lake or Stream Amistad BoVe Spence Nasworthy N. Concho Oak Creek Red Bluff San Saba Hier Twin Buttes Species Striped Bass Blue Catfish Flathead Catfish Striped Bass Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish White-Striped Bass Hybrid Largemouth Bass Blue Catfish Channel Catfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Walleye Channel Catfish Channel Catfish Channel Catfish Blue Catfish Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish Largemouth Bass Walleye #* "Super Bass" (Florida - Texas Cross ) Number Recommended 30, 000 6,000 52,000 30, 000 10,000 16 ,000 10,000 25 ,000 75 5000 100,000 10,000 15,000 19,000 20,000 25,000 20,000 4,000 20,000 Number Stocked 83,000 52,000 10,000 16,000 2h, 000 66,800 100, 000 4,500 50,000 15,000 19,900 20,000 4,80 20,000 20,000 100,000 --- Page 8 --- abe for expediency. Stocking requests for 1975 have been made but may require changes because of unpredictable water levels in West Texas. Lake Amistad Lake Amistad has gained a large volume of water because of heavy Septem- ber rains in West Texas. The lake rose to within a few feet of maximum flood level in less than a week. The International Boundary and Water Commission released a 60,000-second-foot flow over the spillway to pre- vent overtopping the flcod gates. Fewer largemouth bass than usual were captured in gill nets this year (Table 4); future surveys will determine whether there is a significant trend. No evidence of detrimental factors is known. Extensive shallows newly inundated this fall should contribute to largemouth bass spawning and forage areas next year. The IBWC has cooperated in maintaining the water level during previous bass spawning seasons. In the future, how=- ever, Amistad requirements may have to yield to those of Falcon Lake in alternate years to assist in maintaining the largemouth bass population in the downstream reservoir. The size of the river cerpsucker fraction of total fish population appears to be increasing. As with largemouth bass, future surveys are necessary to determine whether this year's results represent a changing pooulation or are Simply minor variations due to weather conditions or net locations. The number and weight of smallmouth buffalo remain high and their mean weight continues to increase, Although not requested by this project, striped bass were introduced into Amistad in 197). The number of fingerlings stocked was inadequate to pro- duce a significant population, in the opinion of the project leader, Ascarate and Ascarate Fishermants Lakes Data for these lakes are presented together (Table 5) because the water supply and the fish population are shared. No differences were noted in netting results that could be ascribed to significant population changes. However, adult largemouth bass, which were not caught in gill nets in Oct- ober 1973, were present in October 197. Young of the year bass finger- lings were seined, although no fish were stocked in either lake this year. Channel catfish, however, showed decreasing numbers and increasing mean weight. The suspension of stocking should be continued to determine the current level of natural recruitment of game fish in Ascarate Park. If catfish continue to decline in numbers, fingerling stocking should resume at levels low enough to avoid overcrowding and insure good growth in the 50 acres av- ailable in both lakes. This lake needs a large predator species to utilize the larger gizzard shad. Striped bass x white bass hybrids have shown some potential in larger re- servoirs. Ascarate should be considered as a candidate water for evaluation of this predator in smaller impoundments. --- Page 9 --- Table Survey results Amistad Lake, May 21-2), and November 11-13, 197h. Results of forty standard gill nets, and eleven large mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds Wt. mK Spotted gar 3 0.25 ],,00 1s 33 0.16 Longnose gar 12 1.00 31.99 2.67 1.28 Alligator gar 2 0.17 95.00 47.50 3.81 Gizzard shad 383 31.88 212.00 0.55 8.49 Goldfish 1 0.08 0.88 0.88 0.04 Carp ho 3.33 110.78 2.77 Lely Golden shiner 1 0.08 0.1 0.1) 0.01 River carpsucker 137 11.1 268.20 1.96 10.75 Smallmouth buffalo 371 30.88 1155.30 3.11 6.28 Gray redhorse 5 0.2 195: 1.59 0.32 Blue catfish 11 0.92 17.18 1.56 0.69 1.55 Channel catfish* LS 3475 50.12 Istl 2.01 1.71 Flathead catfish Li6 3.63 469.13 10.20 18.79 2.03 White bass* 8 0.67 9.95 1.2) 0.0 2.81 Warmouth* 2 0.17 0.2 0.21 0.02 3.08 Redbreast sunfish h 0.33 0.68 0.17 0.03 3.22 Bluegill* 64 5432 Tel7 0.11 0.2% 32h Longear sunfish* e O07 0.17 0.09 0.01 3.53 Redear sunfish* 5 0.2 0.59 0.12 0.02 2.93 Largemouth bass* 20 1.67 21.02 1.05 0.8) 2.29 White crappie* 12 1,00 Sell 0.43 0.20 2.35 Freshwater drum 23 1.92 26.03 1.13 1.0) Rio Grande perch h 0.33 2.00 0.50 0,08 Total 1201 100,00 2495.61 100,00 Game Fish* 219 18.23 581.54 23.30 Hough Fish 982 81.77 191.27 76.70 Seining results Amistad Lake, (Bag 26'x6'x'g inch mesh seine, and 20!xh'x 1/8 inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 3 7-10 Threadfin shad 1 1 Mexican tetra 1 ls Devil's River minnow 6 Le2 Golden shiner 2 23 Tamaulipas shiner 6 1-h Red shiner 3 2-2% Sand shiner 4 2 Blackteil shiner 333 1-3% Mosquitofish 8 1-1 Bluegill 17 2-5 Redbreast sunfish 1 3 Longear sunfish 1 3 Largemouth bass 1 1 Logperch 1 3 Rio Grande perch 1 8 Tidewater silversides 205 1-l)’s a \O iat) Total OO --- Page 10 --- wn on Table 5, Survey results Ascarate Lake, October 9, 197k. Results of five 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. wKn Gigzard shad 79 58.08 46.00 58 36.19 Carp 15 11.03 41.64 2.77 32.76 Smallmouth buffalo 1 o7h 9.00 9.00 7.08 Black bullhead 8 5.88 1.54 019 1.21 Channel catfish * ly 10.29 21.62 125k 17.01 1.52 Bluegill * 7 5.15 052 207 ol 3.56 Redear sunfish * 1 7h 016 016 013 2.88 Largemouth bass * 5 3.67 4.61 092 3.62 3.18 White crappie * 2 1.47 ef3 036 58 2ell Black crappie * h 2.95 1.28 032 1.01 3.19 een NNN ee Total 136 100,00 127.10 100.00 Game Fish * 33 2.27 28.92 77.24 Rough Fish 103 75.073 98.18 22.76 ee Seining results Ascarate Lake, (Bag 26' x 6! x %4=inch mesh seine, and 20! x ' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). cen penn A Species Number Size Range in Inches a Green sunfish 1 2 Bluegill 25 1-3 Redear sunfish h 2-3 Largemouth bass 7 1-5 en Total 37 eer en Se --- Page 11 --- wiQias Lake Balmorhea Allowing for seasonal variations due to the different times of year in which the 1973 and 197) surveys were conducted, the fish population at Balmorhea shows no significant trends (Table 6). Adult flathead catfish introduced in 1970 were recaptured, but no evidence of their reproduction has appeared. No fish were stocked in 197). No further stocking should be conducted until it becomes evident that the population and/or harvest of game fishes is declining. Lake Diablo I Diablo I received a large volume of fresh water shortly before it was surveyed in October 1974. The result of this expansion was that fewer fish than last year were netted (Table 7). The population data obtained, how- ever, showed no significant changes from October 1973 except that three of the large flathead catfish stocked in December 1973 were recaptured. The slight increase in the mean size of crappie from 0.08 to 0.09 pounds, might be attributable to predation on the smaller sizes by flatheads, but it is probably too soon to tell. No Age Class O largemouth bass were Seined, but seining sites were limited because of the high lake level and excessive trash around the shoreline. Bass reproduction is expected to be good next spring and the increase in volume should help improve the game fish standing crop and harvest if the level is maintained. Supplemental stocking of both largemouth bass and channel catfish should be considered to take immediate advantage of the new lake area, E. V. Spence Reservoir Evaporation and municipal withdrawals lowered the level of Lake Spence 10 feet during the past year. However run-off from heavy rains in September 197 raised the water level beyond its previous high capacity, to more than 150,000 acre-feet. This 5-year-old reservoir has yet to reach its conservation capacity, 88,760 acre-feet. A standard survey was conducted at Spence in September. The netting results, shown in Table 8, indicate a decrease in the gizzard shad population. In 1972 gizzard shad accounted for 5.77 per cent by number of fish netted, 33221 per cent in 1973, and only 22.19 per cent in this year's collections. This decline coincides with the steady increase in the mean size of striped bass in Lake Spence. Largemouth bass were not collected in nets or seines in the 1973 survey and only one specimen of the popular sport fish was collected during this year's survey. However the harvest of largemouth bass appears to be simi- lar to that of last year. --- Page 12 --- -16- Table 6. Survey results Balmorhea Lake, June 3,4,5, 197). Results of six standard gill nets, and two large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avge Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds By Wt. "Kn Golden shiner 58 52h 9.36 016 1.64 River carpsucker 3 027 21.00 7.00 3.67 Channel catfish * 12 1.08 12.59 1.0, 2e2l 1.84 Flathead catfish + 1 209 16.13 16.13 2.82 2.52 Orangespotted sunfish * ) 036 029 007 005 3.60 Bluegill % 556 . 50.18 48.15 208 8.42 3.58 Redear sunfish * 64, 5.78 17.46 off 3.05 3-73 Largemouth bass+ 6 ° 6.67 1.11 1.17 2.45 White crappie « 297 26.80 32.32 210 5.65 29 Black crappie * 2 019 83 ol 015 2.76 Total 1108 100.00 571.80 100.00 Game Fish * 92 85.02 13h bh 23.52 Rough Fish 166 14.98 437.36 76.448 Seining results Balmorhea Lake, (Bag 26' x 6! x 44-inch mesh seine, and 20' x h' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Golden shiner 1 6 Sheepshead minnow i 2 Orangespotted sunfish 28 2-3 Bluegill . 18 1-5*5 White crappie 1 35 Tidewater silversides 123 he Bhs Total 172 --- Page 13 --- ~Jl- Table 7. Survey results Diablo I Lake, October 8, 197) Results of two standard gill nets, and one large-mesh net. Per Cent Total wee Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds By Wt. mn Carp 2 36 77 10.79 5.39 28.0 Channel catfish + 1 1.89 220 220 52 1.58 Flathead catfish * 3 5.65 18.77 6.25 9.41 2.40 Largemouth bass * 1 1.89 4.01 4.01 10.56 2.16 White crappie * 46 86.80 4.22 009 11.11 2.52 Total 53 100,00 37.99 100,00 Game Fish * $1 96.23 27.20 71.60 Rough Fish 2 3.77 10.79 28.0 eee Seining results Diablo I Lake (Bag 26! x 61 x “44-inch mesh Seine, and 20' x k' x 1/8-inch mesh seine), eee species Number Sige Range in Inches 2 6 Golden shiner Red shiner 140 Ym) Mosquitofish 25 See) Bluegill 2 Veh Largemouth bass 1 7 Total 170 ee --- Page 14 --- -l2- Table 8. Survey results E.V. Spence Lake, September 17, 18, 197). Results of fifteen standard gill nets, and four large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds By Wte nxn Longnose gar 6 1.46 15.35 2.55 3049 Gizzard shad 91 22.19 19,00 220 32 Carp Wy 302 12.00 85 2.72 River carpsucker 115 28.05 140.00 1.21 31.8) Blue catfish * 3 073 3.14 1.04 «7, 1.70 Black bullhead 3 073 66 sae elS Channel catfish + 18 4.39 2329 1.29 5.30 1.67 Flathead catfish * 7° 1.71 55 lS 7.92 12.60 2.03 White bass * 28 6.83 19.1) 268 36 2.55 Striped bass * 29 7.07 93 46 3.22 21.25 21h Bluegill * Wy 3.41 1.08 007 02h 3.69 Largemouth bass * 1 025 027 027 206 1.79 White crappie * 30 7.32 9.96 033 2027 2.7h Freshwater drum 51 12 7.00 092 10.69 a Total 10 100.00 439.80 100.00 Rough Fish 280 68.29 234.01 53.21 en Seining results E.V. Spence Lake, (Bag 26' x 6' x 4~inch mesh seine, : and 20! x ' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Giggzard shad 18 3~9 Threadfin shad 1500 1e3 Golden shiner 1 3% Red shiner 5h 1-245 Blacktail shiner 2h Dem Fs Channel catfish h 2 Bluegill 12 Ves Longear sunfish 7 Tidewater silversides 1010 2-hy’s Total 2630 --- Page 15 --- -)]3- Other important game fish include channel and flathead catfish, white bass and striped bass. The four species accounted for 43.51 per cent by weight of the netting collection. The introduced striped bass continue to show good survival and growth and are prominent in the harvest. The average "K" factors of most game species have droped below the re- gional average (Table 2) due to the receding water level. Seining collections showed threadfin shad and tidewater silversides to be the most abundant forage. The annual stocking of Striped bass fingerlings should be continued since the reservoir is supplying brood fish for the statewide striper program. The stocking of blue and flathead catfish fingerlings is also recommended in 1975 to establish populations of these two valuable predator species in this new impoundment. Lake Macho Although it received run-off at the same time as Diablo I, Lake Macho did not increase comparably in size. Gill netting results in October 197 (Table 9) were nearly identical with those of the previous year, However, one large channel catfish was captured this year instead of the 1, smaller fish caught in October 1973. This change may be due in part to the suspension of all stocking in Macho since August 1973. No further stocking of largemouth bass or channel catfish should be cone ducted until fishing reports or survey results show a decline in the game fish harvest rates or population levels at Macho. However, if game fish populations in nearby Diablo I begin to show improvement attributable to the stocking of flathead catfish, the same technique should be tried on Macho to alleviate bluegill stunting and overpopulation. Mountain Creek Lake Located in the eastern limits of Robert Lee, this small municipal water reservoir has been drastically reduced by drought for the past several years. Heavy rains in September of this year filled it to its 75-acre capacity. A survey conducted at Mountain Creek Lake prior to its filling showed good populations of game fishes. Desirable species accounted for 82.67 per cent by number and 89,17 per cent by weight of the netting sample, (Table 10). With the additional water, substantial reproduction should occur and develop a significant fishery at Mountain Creek Lake. Nasworthy Lake This 1,600-acre impoundment is one of the most heavily used fishing and recreation sites in this area. Channel catfish, largemouth bass and white crappie are the most sought after sport fishes. The average size of white --- Page 16 --- ele Table 9. Survey results Macho Lake, October 8, 197k. Results of two standard gill nets, and one large-mesh net. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds Wt. mn Carp 6 4.19 31.00 5.16 62.57 Channel catfish * 1 270 3.85 3.85 777 2.626 Bluegill * 130 90.92 14.09 10 28.Ly 3.443 Redear sunfish * 6 4.19 60 210 1.22 3.17 er Game Fish * 137 95.81 18.54 37.43 Rough Fish 6 419 31.00 62.57 i Seining results Macho Lake, (Bag 26' x 6' x %-inch mesh seine, and 20! x ht x 1/8-inch mesh seine). NL Species Number Size Range in Inches i Carp 1 6 Red shiner 401 4-3 Mosquitofish h heen Bluegill 30 a Longear sunfish 2 dee Largemouth bass 2 2-l) i Total hho --- Page 17 --- -]5— Table 10, Survey results Mountain Creek Lake, May 9, 197). Results of two standard gill nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number By No. Pounds Pounds By Wt. "Kt River carpsucker 1 1.33 7.32 1«32 8.68 Black bullhead 12 16.00 Leb. 215 2.15 Channel catfish x 18 2,00 26.79 1.48 31.80 1.99 Flathead catfish * 1 1.33 059 059 «70 2.04 Warmouth + 13 17.3h 05 «31 4.81 4.52 Green sunfish * 1 1.33 010 210 012 3.68 Bluegill « 9 12.00 81 209 096 3.59 Largemouth bass * 20 - 26.67 42.78 2.13 50.78 3.0 eer Total 75 100.00 84.25 100,00 Game Fish x 62 82.67 75212 89.17 Rough Fish 13 17 033 9 ° 13 10.83 eee Seining results Mountain Creek Lake, (20! x h! x 1/8-inch mesh seine). eee Species Number Size Range in Inches aaa Golden shiner 39 Tee's Warmouth 1 3 Bluegill 12 1-25 Largemouth bass 1 5 ee Total 53 eee --- Page 18 --- sb crappie has steadily increased since the threadfin shad introduction in 1969. Prior to the establishment of this forage population, the average weight of white crappie taken in netting surveys was 0.15 pounds. This segment's netting (Table 11) reveals that 83 crappie collected averaged 0.29 of a pound, a utilizable size for panfish. Widespread siltation over this old lake limits game fish spawning. Howe ever, supplementary stocking of largemouth bass fingerlings was suspended to determine the natural reproductive success. Twenty seine drags with 26-foot bag and 20-foot straight seines yielded only three young-of-the- year bass. White bass x striped bass hybrids were stocked this segment as an open- water predator. Survival was confirmed: five specimens were collected in this segment's survey. The stocking of fingerling hybrids is recommended again for 1975. Seining collections at Nasworthy produced the largest variety and numbers of forage fishes found in Region I-B lakes. j North Concho Reservoir Although North Concho Reservoir was too low to permit a standard fisheries survey, several activities occurred which will be reported. Fisheries management plans were devised for North Concho Lake and presented to the U.S. Corps of Engineers along with similar recommendations of other lakes in the Fort Worth District. The first management need for North Concho Lake was a firm agreement on the use of "dead storage" water. The city of San Angelo should be required to use water equally from available sources during drought periods and not completely to drain one reservoir. The second recommendation was the construction of all-weather access roads to the low elevation pool with boat launching ramps usable at all elevations. Late summer rains increased the size of the reservoir from 00 acres to 4,500 acres. Stocking recommendations were made immediately to utilize the newly impounded water. Stocking of hatchery fish this fall included 90,800 channel and blue catfish, 100,000 hybrid sunfish and 4,500 hybrid largemouth bass. Oak Creek Lake Municipal water useage is the primary purpose of this 2,375-acre impounde ment in northern Coke County. It also provides water for steam generator cooling and public recreation. The water level fluctuation was about 12 feet this segment. Table 12, 1974 survey results, indicates a desirable ratio in the fish population. Game species accounted for 41.98 per cent by number and 62.25 --- Page 19 --- Table 11. Survey results Nasworthy Lake, October 8, 197k. Results of eight 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. Si Longnose gar 2 0 3.96 1.98 1.70 Gizzard shad 304 61.41 59.00 019 25.37 Carp 29 5.86 52.00 1.79 22.36 River carpsucker 6 1.21 22.00 3.66 96 Channel catfish * 21 25 35.76 1.70 15.37 1.81 Flathead catfish * h 80 16.0 4.10 7.06 1.92 White bass * nD - 2.23 9.69 88 16 2.53 White x striped bass * 1] 220 023 023 210 2.59 Bluegill «* 16 3223 1.61 10 269 3.92 Longear sunfish * 1 220 08 08 oO els Redear sunfish * 3 61 029 209 012 3.18 Largemouth bass * h 81 1.52 238 266 2.21 White crappie * 83 16.76 2);.08 029 10.35 2.74 Freshwater drum 10 2.03 5.94 059 2.56 _ eee Total h95 100.00 232.56 100.00 Game Fish * yy 29.09 89.66 38.55 Rough Fish 351 70.91 142.90 61.45 _— Seining results Nasworthy Lake (Bag 26! x 6! x keinch mesh seine, and 20' x ' x 1/8-inch mesh seine), ee Species Number Size Range in Inches _—_— eS Gizzard shad be V8 Threadfin shad 155 1-3 Plains minnow 5 2=2%s Red shiner 1215 1-2 Blacktail shiner 2 1-15 Bullhead minnow: 2010 1-3 Mosquitofish 801 Ve White x striped bass hybrid h 5-9 Warmouth 1 h Green sunfish 18 1-3 Orangespotted sunfish 1 2% Bluegill 67 1-)) Longear sunfish 12 1-3 Largemouth bass 3 2-); Tidewater silversides 2513 1-) —_-------._-_-_-_-— eee Total 6859 SSeS --- Page 20 --- -lte Table 12. Survey results Oak Creek Lake, June 4,5, 197k. Results of twelve standard gill nets, and three large-mesh nets. Per Cent Total Wt. Avg. Wt. Per Cent Average Species Number No. Pounds Pounds By Wt. "Kn Giggard shad 132 30.27 26.83 20 5.12 Carp LS 10.32 73200 1.62 13.95 River carpsucker 76 17.43 226.00 2.97 43.18 Channel catfish * 35 8.03 28.31 80 5 yl 1.61 Flathead catfish * 15 3ehh 136.20 9.08 26.03 2.19 White bass * 10 2.29 1), .86 1.48 2.8) 2.31 Bluegill + Lh 10.10 ely 009 “79 333 Redear sunfish * 2 oS 18 209 003 3.59 Largemouth bass * 3 69 1.43 7 027 2.0) White crappie * 7h 16.98 12.41 216 2.38 2.40 Total 36 100.00 523.36 100,00 Game Fish * 183 1.98 325.83 62.25 Rough Fish 253 58.02 197.53 37.75 Seining results Oak Creek Lake, (Bag 26! x 6' x %-inch mesh seine, and 20! x ! x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizgard shad ; 11 7 Blacktail shiner 30 3 Redbreast sunfish h 2-H; Green sunfish 1 2s Bluegill 35 1-h Redear sunfish . 3 2-3 Largemouth bass 18 Ls Logperch 1 3 Total 103 --- Page 21 --- a] Om per cent by weight of the gill netting sample. Largemouth bass continues to be the most popular sport fish species in this deep clear reservoir. Submerged vegetation has presented problems of access for several years, Mechanical control was recommended to the controlling personnel and is now being performed with moderate success. Supplementary stocking of channel catfish fingerlings was continued since their survival and growth was confirmed by data collected for Job 1) of this project. Red Bluff Lake Improved game fish standing crop and harvest are expected next year at Red Bluff because of the addition of more than 30 vertical feet of fresh water in September of this year. Appreciable amounts of fresh water enter the lake only about one year out of three, and usually in the late summer or fall. During the regular spring Spawning period, the lake is often too saline for good centrarchid reproduction. Therefore, although a better than usual spawn is expected next spring, supplemental bass stocking is recommended to enhance the standing crep in subsequent years, Continued channel catfish stocking is also recommended. Survey results for this segment are given in Table 13. This lake should be considered a good candidate for striped bass intro- duction whenever sufficient striper fingerlings in excess of primary state requirements become available. Open-water forage fish, such as threadfin and gizzard shad and Silversides, are abundant in Red Bluff. Twin Buttes Reservoir This 183,000 acre-foot flood control reservoir received its first signi- ficant amount of run-off in 1970 when one-half the capacity was impounded. Heavy stockings of hatchery reared fingerling game fish have been made since that time.Rough fish, mainly gizzard shad and river carpsucker, continue to dominate the netting results, accounting for about 88 per cent of the fish netted in both number and weight (Table 1h). Channel catfish and white crappie provide the sport fishery. Almost one million walleye have been stocked in Twin Buttes during the past years by the Statewide Walleye Project. This stocking has yet to show a significant influence on the fish population or harvest. Additional water was impound- ed at Twin Buttes this segment and will increase the overall productivity in this shallow West Texas reservoir. Valley Creek Lake This 185-acre water supply for the city of Ballinger was sampled in June of this segment. Table 15 reveals very little change in the fish popula- tion from past surveys. Gizzard shad and river carpsucker continue to dominate the netting collection as they do in many other small turbid West Texas lakes. Channel catfish, white crappie and largemouth bass com- prise the limited fishery found here. Heavy siltation and sparse cover --- Page 22 --- -20— Table 13. Survey results Red Bluff Lake, October 10, 197. Results of eight 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. uKn Longnose gar 75 26631 149.00 1.98 2h 0 Gizzard shad 23 8.07 18.56 280 3.04 Carp 31 10.88 2h,.00 of? 3093 River carpsucker 13 4.56 13.57 1.04 2023 Smallmouth buffalo 127 Wh.56 382.00 3.00 62.57 Channel catfish * 6 211 9.01 1.50 1.447 1.79 White bass * 8 2.80 14.04 1.75 2.30 3039 Green sunfish * 2 o71 oj) 015 206 3.88 Total 285 100.00 610.19 100.00 Game Fish * 16 5.62 23236 3.83 Rough Fish 269 9h.» 38 587.13 96017 Seining results Red Bluff Lake, (20' x h* x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gizzard shad 3 2=2% Threadfin shad 5 2 Silvery minnow al 4 Red shiner 50 1-2 Channel catfish 1 12 Mosquitofish 1 1 Tidewater silversides 531 1-3 Total VL NO is) --- Page 23 --- ae Table 1). Survey results Twin Buttes Lake, June 19, 197). Results of ten 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. Ke Longnose gar 5 055 10.00 2.00 1.56 Gizzard shad 312 3h.94 43.00 13 6.73 River carpsucker 423 47637 448.00 1.05 70.13 Channel catfish * 33 3.69 28.7h «87 4.50 1.48 Flathead catfish * h oS 27.82 6.95 4.35 1.99 White bass * 15 1.68 8.20 05k 1.28 2.19 Bluegill * 28 3.14 2.75 209 oly 3.56 Longear sunfish * 2 022 016 208 02 4.30 Largemouth bass * 1 ell 022 022 03 1.91 White crappie * 18 2.02 6.14 03h 097 2.45 Walleye * 3 033 8h 1.61 075 1.64 Freshwater drum 26 2.92 11.00 olt2 1.73 eee Total 893 100.00 638.87 100.00 Game Fish * 10h 11.6) 78.87 12.3h Rough Fish 789 88.36 560.00 87.66 eee Seining results Twin Buttes Lake, (Bag 26' x 6! x k-inch mesh seine). _ eee Species Number Size Range in Inches ———_—_ eee Gizzard shad ly 1-6 Golden shiner 1 3 Red shiner 25 1-3 Blacktail shiner 8 2-3% Bullhead minnow 1 2 Longear sunfish 2 3-38 Redear sunfish 1 3 Largemouth bass 1 6 _- eee Total 53 --- Page 24 --- 22 = Table 15, Survey results Valley Creek Lake, June 12, 197k. 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. nu Longnose gar 1 028 7.00 7.00 2.48 Gizzard shad 140 39.77 26.71 019 9 49 River carpsucker 83 23.58 110.90 1.33 39.10 Channel catfish * 15 4.26 25.655 1.70 9.08 2.12 Flathead catfish * 2 057 4.62 2.31 1.64 2.83 Warmouth * 1 028 209 209 03 2.98 Bluegill * 22 6.25 2634 lO 083 4.28 Longear sunfish * h 1.14 026 006 209 4.70 Redear sunfish * 1 028 oft off Pa ke) 3.36 Largemouth bass * 5 1.2 16.64 3.32 5-91 2.63 White crappie * 25 711 4.78 019 1.70 2.56 Freshwater drum + 39 11.08 17.36 oly 617 Total 352 100.00 281.9 100,00 Rough Fish 277 78.69 226.94 80.62 Seining results Valley Creek Lake, (Bag 26" x 6' x %-inch mesh seine, and 20! x ' x 1/8-inch mesh seine). Species Number Size Range in Inches Gigzzard shad 4,62 h-7 Red shiner 6 Vs-3 Blacktail shiner 156 See) hs Bluegill 1 2 Longear sunfish 9 2-) White crappie 25 ken? Logperch 1 3 Total 660 --- Page 25 --- Ve VI. -23— inhibit game fish reproduction. Complete renovation of this lake may be possible in a few years as the city of Ballinger is planning the construce tion of a new water supply reservoir. Management recommendations will await development of such plans. General Conclusions, Discussion and Recommendations Water level fluctuation causes additional problems in the management of many West Texas reservoirs. Lake stablization was discussed with several controlling agencies. with the exception of Amistad, water level manipu- lation for fisheries management could not be effectuated since the pri- mary purpose of most West Texas reservoirs is municipal water supply. Supplementary stocking of native game species at opportune times has shown improvements in some Region I-B waters. The stocking of large pred- ator species, striped bass, white bass - striped bass hybrids and wall- eye is producing added fishery benefits in several West Texas reservoirs. It is recommended that this job be incorporated in the Statewide Management Project, F=30=R, for more efficient use of funds, equipment and personnel. Estimated Cost: $28,600.00 Prepared by: Billy J. Follis and David J. Morris Project Leader Assistant Project Leader Date: November 15, 197) Leo D. Lewis Regional Director, Inland Fisheries Approved by: --- 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 Spotted gar Longnose gar Alligator gar Gigzzard shad Threadfin shad Goldfish Carp Devils River Minnow Silvery minnow Plains minnow Golden shiner Tamaulipas shiner Red shiner Sand shiner Blacktail shiner Bullhead minnow Kiver cerpsucker Blue sucker Smallmouth buffalo Gray redhorse Blue catfish Black bullhead Channel catfish Flathead catfish Sheepshead minnow Mosquitofish White bass Striped bass Hybrid St. bass x White bass Warmouth Redbreast sunfish Green sunfish Orangespotted sunfish Bluegill Longear sunfish Redear sunfish Largemouth bass White crappie Black crappie Walleye Logperch Freshwater drum fio Grande perch Tidewater silverside Scientific Names Lepisosteus oculatus episosteus osseus Lepisosteus spatula rosoma cepedianum Dorosoma petenense_ Carassius auratus rinus carpio Dionda diaboli Hybognathus nu nuchalis Hybognathus placitus Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis braytoni Notropis lutrensis Notropis stramineus Notropis venustus Pimephales vigilax Carpiodes carpio Cycleptus elongatus Tctiobus bubalus Moxostoma congestum Ictalurus furcatus Ictalurus melas Tctalurus punctatus Pylodictis olivaris Cyprinodon variegatus Gambusia affinis Morone chrysops Morone saxatilis Morone sp Lepomis gulosus pomis auritus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis humilis Lepomis macrochirus pomis megalotis Lepomis microlophus Micropterus salmoides Pomoxis annularis Pomoxis nigromaculatus Stizostedion vitreum Percina caprodes Aplodinotus grunniens Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum Menidia beryllina