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Diversion Reservoir 2016 Survey Report media download(PDF 533 KB)

If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.

 

Diversion Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Robert Mauk and Tom Lang
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from an 18-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Diversion Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 2016 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the survey and contains a management plan based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Diversion Reservoir is a 3,133-acre impoundment located in Archer 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. Its primary purpose has been irrigation water supply. In February 2009, Diversion began to be utilized as a secondary municipal water sources for the city of Wichita Falls. The Waggoner Ranch based in Vernon, Texas, owned all but a few feet of land surrounding the reservoir but recently (2015) sold the ranch. The new owner closed all access to the public and evicted all tenants that leased property at the reservoir beginning February 1, 2017.

The reservoir elevation is consistent, varying not more than three feet a year except for 2014-2015 when the reservoir reached 5 feet below normal pool caused by the severe drought and elevation conditions at Kemp reservoir, which feeds Diversion. At this elevation, the lone boat ramp is unusable. Diversion is relatively shallow, with moderately clear water. Littoral area habitat includes standing timber and submersed vegetation as observed during the 2016 habitat survey. During the winter/spring months of 2003-2016 the fishery was adversely affected by toxic golden alga blooms resulting in significant losses of game fish and a reduction in angling effort.

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

Because of the closure of access to the public, monitoring and management of this reservoir and its fisheries will cease immediately. If access is ever provided to the public, these efforts will resume.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program



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