Richland Chambers Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Richard A. Ott, Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler South District

This is the authors' summary from a 38-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Richland-Chambers Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing, and in 2019 using gill netting. Anglers were surveyed from June 2018 through May 2019 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 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

Richland-Chambers Reservoir is a 41,356-acre reservoir (at full pool) on the Richland and Chambers Creek tributaries of the Trinity River. Boat access is adequate, but bank angler access is limited. At full pool, boats can be launched from nine boat ramps surrounding the lake, of which five are available without a fee. There are no handicap-specific facilities, but most are accessible. Aquatic vegetation was locally abundant in the lower reservoir, but scarce elsewhere

Management History

Important sport fish include White Bass and Palmetto Bass, Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish, and White Crappie and Black Crappie. Supplemental stocking of Largemouth Bass (genetics unknown) was conducted in 2013 and 2016. Requests for stocking of Palmetto Bass have been submitted annually and, in most years, stockings were conducted. An experimental 30- to 45-inch slot-size limit for Blue Catfish was established in 2009.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad continue to be the primary prey species and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey for sport fishes. Bluegill and other sunfish species provide additional prey, and most are less than 5 inches in length.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish are present in the reservoir, but abundance is low compared to Blue Catfish. Blue catfish continued to support a popular fishery. Size distribution comprised a wide size range and was like previous surveys.
• Temperate basses: Angling effort for temperate basses has continued to decline and this group is now less sought than Largemouth Bass. Although angler harvest of White Bass has continued to decline, harvest of Palmetto Bass was the highest recorded over the past three surveys. However, without reliable stocking this species is not sustainable.
• Largemouth Bass: Angling effort (particularly tournament effort) for Largemouth Bass has increased and they are now the most sought-after species. Improvement in water level stability and habitat have contributed to improved reproduction and recruitment. Growth and body condition of Largemouth Bass was good; age at 14 inches was 2.1 years and most relative weights exceeded 90.
• Crappie: Both Black and White Crappie were present and support a popular fishery with good angler catch rate. Inclement weather in fall 2018 and spring 2019 likely influenced angler effort which was lower than previous surveys.

Management Strategies

• Continue annual requests for Palmetto Bass fingerlings at 10 fish/acre.
• Request annual stocking of Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings at 1,000/km of shoreline and promote stocking on social media.
• Investigate change in catfish harvest regulations.
• Continue cooperation with the controlling authority in invasive species monitoring and management.

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