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O.C. Fisher Reservoir 2008 Survey Report media download(PDF 293.4 KB)

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O.C. Fisher Reservoir - 2008 Survey Report

Prepared by Mandy K. Scott and Mukhtar Farooqi
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-C, San Angelo, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 20-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in O.C. Fisher Reservoir were surveyed in 2008 using electrofishing and trap nets, and in 2009 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

O. C. Fisher Reservoir is a 5,440-acre reservoir at conservation pool on the west side of San Angelo, in Tom Green County. Access to the reservoir is controlled by San Angelo State Park, which surrounds most of the lake basin. The reservoir covered approximately 600 acres at the time of sampling. This hypereutrophic reservoir experiences dramatic water level fluctuations, and has extensive fish habitat mostly in the form of flooded terrestrial vegetation. Boating access is fair, with one lane currently usable at one boat ramp.

Management History

Important sport fishes include largemouth bass, white crappie, and catfishes. A low-oxygen fish kill in 2004 devastated all sport fish populations; thereafter, TPWD stocked bluegill, Florida largemouth bass, white crappie, gizzard shad, and blue and channel catfishes. Sport fishes have been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Keep informed of watershed issues and participate in local water planning groups, and write informational newspaper article(s) on the importance of water conservation to this and other local fisheries. Assess status of shad population with additional electrofishing, and if appropriate, conduct a management stocking of adult white bass in spring 2010. Conduct additional electrofishing in 2009, additional trap netting in 2010, and standard monitoring in 2012/2013.

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