Abilene Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Abilene Reservoir were surveyed in 2007 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2008 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Abilene Reservoir is a 640-acre impoundment constructed on Elm Creek in the Brazos River Basin approximately 18 miles south of Abilene, Texas. The reservoir was primarily used for recreation. Beginning in 2005 operation and control of the reservoir was transferred from the city of Abilene to Abilene State Park. From 1997 through 2001 water level fell to record lows with only five acre-feet remaining. Rain events in early 2005 and summer 2007 filled the reservoir. The reservoir has experienced relatively stable water levels since 2005.

Management History

Stockings of blue catfish, channel catfish, and northern largemouth bass occurred following the 1998-2001 drought.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Prey fish abundance was sufficient for available predators.
• Catfishes: Our survey indicated and blue catfish were present but not abundant. Blue catfish have not adapted well to Abilene Reservoir. Channel catfish were moderately abundant.
  
• Largemouth bass: Numbers and size distribution of largemouth bass were excellent and should support above-average fishing opportunities for several years. The largemouth bass population was composed almost entirely of northern-strain fish.
• White crappie: Abundance was very high, but relatively few were legal size or longer. Reservoir conditions and forage were such that growth should be fast and size structure should improve.

Management Strategies

Conduct electrofishing and trap net surveys in 2009. Evaluate white crappie age and size structure in 2009.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program