Champion Creek Reservoir 2010 Survey Report (PDF 191.8 KB)
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Champion Creek Reservoir - 2010 Survey Report
Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Mandy K. Scott
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-C,
San Angelo, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Champion Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2010 using electrofishing gear and trap nets, and in 2011 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
Champion Creek Reservoir is a 1,560-acre impoundment at conservation pool (2,083 feet above mean sea level) and located 7 miles south of Colorado City in Mitchell County, Texas, in the Colorado River drainage basin. The reservoir is primarily used for recreation. The reservoir was approximately 37 feet below conservation level at the time of sampling, and was at about 16% capacity with a surface area of 440 acres. Habitat features consisted of rocks, natural shoreline, and flooded saltcedar. Access to the reservoir was restricted by a locked entrance gate. Gate keys could be procured for public use by contacting the Colorado City municipal office. There was one usable paved boat ramp, and boats could be launched off the shoreline.
Management History
Important sport fish included largemouth bass, white crappie, catfishes, and white bass. The management of this reservoir has been impacted by chronic low-water levels. A variety of fish species have been stocked in the reservoir including threadfin shad, blue catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Threadfin shad catch rate was 34.0/h. Electrofishing catch of gizzard shad was high (447.0/h) and 60% were of a suitable size to be available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch rate of bluegill was low, and most were between 4 to 6 inches.
- Catfishes: Blue catfish were first introduced in 2008 and restocked in 2009. Fish had recruited to harvestable size, but catch rate was low (3.8/nn). Channel catfish exhibited a broad size structure, but catch rate of harvestable-size fish was low (2.9/nn). No flathead catfish were caught in 2011.
- White bass: White bass catch rate was relatively low (2.4/nn). However, most of the fish were of harvestable-size including some larger ones between 14 to 16 inches in length.
- Largemouth bass: Florida largemouth bass were last stocked in 2008 to take advantage of rising water levels and increased habitat. Largemouth bass catch rate was moderate (72.0/h). Size structure had improved with an increase in the number of harvestable fish. Body condition and growth of largemouth bass was adequate.
- White crappie: Abundance of white crappie was moderate (14.2/nn) and size distribution was good; fish up to 14 inches in length were captured. Overall, body condition was good. Average age at 10 inches was 1.0 year.
Management Strategies
- Sportfish should continue to be managed with statewide regulations.
- Conduct electrofishing surveys in 2012 and 2014.
- Conduct standard gill netting survey in 2015 and additional gill netting in 2013 to complement additional low frequency electrofishing surveys in 2013 and 2015.
- Conduct access and trap netting surveys in 2014.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-1 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program