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Diversion Reservoir 2008 Survey Report media download(PDF 398.5 KB)

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Diversion Reservoir - 2008 Survey Report

Prepared by Robert Mauk and Mark Howell
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-E, Wichita Falls, 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 Diversion Reservoir were surveyed in 2008 using trap netting and electrofishing and in 2009 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of those surveys and contains a reservoir management plan based on the findings.

Reservoir Description

Diversion Reservoir is a 3,491-acre impoundment located in Archer (dam) and Baylor counties on the Wichita River, a tributary of the Red River, approximately 30 miles west of Wichita Falls. It was impounded in 1924 and is jointly owned by the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 and is operated primarily for irrigation. In February 2009 Diversion and Kemp Reservoir above it, began service as a secondary municipal water source for the city of Wichita Falls.

The Waggoner Ranch based in Vernon, Texas privately owns the land surrounding the reservoir. Vehicle and boat trailer access is through a single tollgate on the northeast side. On January 1, 2009, a $15 per person fee for three-day passes was instituted. One or two day passes are no longer offered. Also on January 1, 2009 annual permit fees were raised from $200 to $500. The reservoir elevation is consistent, varying not more than three feet a year. Diversion is relatively shallow, with moderately clear water. Protective cover in littoral areas includes standing timber and submersed vegetation as observed during the 2008 habitat survey. During the winter/spring months of 2001-2009 the fishery was adversely affected by toxic golden alga blooms resulting in significant losses of game fish and a reduction in angling opportunity.

Management History

Historically important sport fish included channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass and white crappie. Fingerling Florida largemouth bass and channel catfish were stocked in 2005 in response to golden alga fish kills.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Continue monitoring the reservoir for golden alga. Survey the reservoir every four years.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-34 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program



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