Fayette County Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Marcos J. De Jesus and Stephan J. Magnelia
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-C, San Marcos, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 28-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Fayette County Reservoir were surveyed in 2005, 2006 and 2007 using electrofishing and in 2008 using gill nets. Anglers were surveyed from June 2005 to May 2006 with a creel survey and with a volunteer questionnaire from October 2004 to May 2006. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Fayette County Reservoir is a 2,394-acre impoundment of Cedar Creek; an intermittent stream in the Colorado River watershed. It was constructed in 1978 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for the purpose of supplying cooling water for steam-electric power generation. The reservoir is located in Fayette County, approximately seven miles east of La Grange, Texas. The reservoir lies within the Post Oak Savannah ecological area. Water in the reservoir is maintained at a near-constant level (1-2 ft annual fluctuation). During periods of low rainfall, water is pumped into the reservoir from the Colorado River. Surrounding shoreline is mostly undeveloped. Shoreline length is approximately 20 miles. Fayette County Reservoir was opened to fishing in 1979.

Management History

Important sport fish include largemouth bass and catfish species. Florida largemouth bass were stocked into nursery ponds during 1977 prior to reservoir filling. Largemouth bass have been managed since 1979 with several differing length limit regulations. Trap netting for white crappie was not performed due to historically low catch rates and the high cost/benefit ratio associated with collecting these data.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Sunfishes were the dominant prey species available. Gizzard shad were available as well.
• Catfishes: Channel catfish were the dominant catfish species present. Flathead catfish were present in low density.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass were abundant. Angler catch rate was good. Anglers seeking largemouth bass accounted for the majority of the directed fishing effort.

Economic Impact

An estimated total of $852,527 in direct expenditures related to fishing trips was made by anglers during the 12-month creel period.

Management Strategies

The reservoir should continue to be managed with existing length limit and harvest regulations. Aquatic vegetation should continue to be monitored with annual vegetation surveys.