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Palo Duro Reservoir 2022 Survey Report

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Palo Duro Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Caleb Huber and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo District

This is the authors' summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Palo Duro Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing. All other scheduled surveys were not possible due to extreme low water and no access by boat or vehicle. As of April 2023, the reservoir was completely dry, and all sportfish populations were lost. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

At Conservation Pool, Palo Duro Reservoir is a 2,413-acre impoundment located on Palo Duro Creek approximately 13 miles north of Spearman in Hansford County. The reservoir is prone to rapid declines in elevation and was completely dry in April 2023. Reservoir elevation has risen following several rain events in May/June 2023, but future water levels remain uncertain.

Management History

Palo Duro Reservoir has a history of sharp elevation declines following flood events. Management actions were not possible due to a lack of access and extremely low water. All sportfish populations have been managed with statewide regulations since it was impounded.

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-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program