Marble Falls Reservoir - 2017 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 29-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Marble Falls Reservoir were surveyed in 2017 using electrofishing and tandem hoop netting. Historical data are presented with the 2017 data for comparison. This report summarizes results of the survey and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Marble Falls Reservoir is a 573-acre (when full) mainstem stable-level impoundment of the Colorado River, located in the City of Marble Falls, Burnet County, TX. It was constructed in 1951 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for hydroelectric power, recreation and water supply. The reservoir is riverine in nature with a limited number of coves and creeks. The reservoir area represents a geological transition between granite outcroppings and limestone formations of the Edwards Plateau, and its shoreline length is 18.7 miles. Most of the shoreline is private; three public boat ramps are available.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in Marble Falls Reservoir in 1999 to increase Florida Largemouth Bass genetic introgression. Channel Catfish were last stocked in 2016. The lake is managed under statewide regulations. Marble Falls Reservoir has historically had very low aquatic vegetation coverage. In 2013, non-native species were recorded (hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil). Since hydrilla can become an operational issue for the LCRA, an herbicide treatment plan was implemented in 2013 for the eradication/control of hydrilla.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Bluegill and Redbreast Sunfish were the predominant prey species in 2017, providing some good opportunities for panfish anglers. Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, and Longear Sunfish were present in low numbers.
• Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish catch rate was 3.6 fish/series of tandem hoop nets. Most fish were of harvestable size, and the largest was 20 inches in length. Overall, body condition was poor for most size classes of fish.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate (86.0/h) and population size structure was good. Overall, body condition for most fish was close to optimal. Individuals reached harvestable-size length (14 inches) between ages two and three.

Management Strategies

• Based on current information, the reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys using tandem hoop nets and electrofishing in 2021.
• Standard access and vegetation surveys will also be conducted in 2021.
• Continue to 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-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program