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New Ballinger Reservoir 2020 Survey Report media download(PDF 423.8 KB)

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New Ballinger Reservoir - 2020 Survey Report

Prepared by Lynn Wright
Inland Fisheries Division
San Angelo District

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in New Ballinger Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 using electrofishing, trap netting and in 2021 tandem hoop netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2021 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

New Ballinger Reservoir is a 591-acre impoundment located on Valley Creek in the Colorado River basin in Runnels County, Texas. It was constructed in 1984 for municipal water supply and recreation. The reservoir has a history of extreme water level fluctuations. The reservoir nearly dried up and refilled three times in the past 20 years. Water levels increased significantly in spring 2016 and the reservoir returned to full pool. Shoreline access is good at the city-maintained park, and habitat is predominantly flooded terrestrial and submerged vegetation. Watershed land use is primarily ranching.

Management History

Important sport fish included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, White Bass, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish. Following construction in 1984, the reservoir was initially stocked with Threadfin Shad, Coppernose Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Palmetto Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Florida Largemouth Bass, and Walleye. Periods of drying and refilling were followed up with stockings of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Gizzard Shad. Sport fish harvest has been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

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