Stamford Reservoir 2006 Survey Report (PDF 405 KB)
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Stamford Reservoir - 2006 Survey Report
Prepared by Spencer Dumont and Mukhtar Farooqi
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B,
Abilene, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Stamford Reservoir were surveyed in 2006 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2007 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
Stamford Reservoir is a 5,200-acre impoundment located on Paint Creek in the Brazos River Basin approximately 10 miles southeast of Haskell. Water level has been within 5 feet of full pool since July 2002. From 1993 to 2000 the reservoir had low and dropping water levels. Stamford Reservoir had high productivity. Habitat features consisted of rocks, abundant flooded brush and trees, bulrush, and scattered submerged vegetation. There were two public boat ramps and limited bank-fishing access.
Management History
Florida largemouth bass were introduced in the late 1970s. Stockings of blue catfish, palmetto bass, and walleye also occurred during the 1970s. Blue catfish were also stocked in 1991. Florida largemouth bass and channel catfish were stocked in the early 2000s in response to increased water levels.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Gizzard shad abundance was high, and bluegill abundance has steadily increased since 1998. Overall, there was satisfactory prey for existing predators.
- Catfishes: Blue and channel catfish were present in the reservoir at low abundance. Their recovery from extended drought conditions has yet to be documented. Flathead catfish were present in the reservoir.
- Temperate basses: The white bass population had many fish in the 14- to 17-inch size range available to anglers.
- Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass have recovered from prolonged drought effects. Overall, this largemouth bass population was exceptional.
- White crappie: White crappie were in excellent shape, both in terms of numbers of fish and size distribution, as plenty of legal-sized crappie were available to anglers.
Management Strategies
Increase awareness of white bass population through articles in local papers.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-32 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program