Lake Crook - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Jacob Norman and Evan Cartabiano
Inland Fisheries Division
Tyler North District

This is the author's summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Crook were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and in 2019 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Crook is a 1,060-acre impoundment located on Pine Creek in the Red River Basin approximately 2 miles north of Paris, Texas. Primary water uses included municipal water supply and recreation. Water level has remained within two feet of conservation pool since 2008. Lake Crook has moderate productivity. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline and native vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Crappie and catfish. Blue Catfish were stocked in 2015 and Channel Catfish were stocked in 2018. The management plan from the 2015 survey report primarily focused on monitoring the sportfish and preyfish populations through a combination of standard and low-frequency electrofishing in 2018 and gill netting in 2019.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was moderate and 76% were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was low and all were less than 6-inches long.
• Catfishes: Blue and Channel Catfish were present in the reservoir. Blue Catfish were abundant and have the potential to provide angling opportunities.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass were present in the reservoir in low densities, likely from a combination of turbid water and limited littoral habitat resulting in poor recruitment.
• Crappie: White Crappie have historically been abundant however traditional survey methods produced primarily small (<10 inches) fish. Anecdotal information suggest quality White Crappie are present in the reservoir.

Management Strategies

Consider stocking Blue Catfish fingerlings at 50/acre contingent upon the results of the 2020 low-frequency electrofishing survey; stocking will be recommended if survey fails to collect sub-stock length fish (<12 inches). Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program