Walter E. Long Reservoir - 2010 Survey Report

Prepared by Stephan J. Magnelia and Marcos J. De Jesus
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-C, San Marcos, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 36-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Walter E. Long Reservoir were surveyed in 2010 using electrofishing and in 2011 using gill nets. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Walter E. Long Reservoir is a 1,269-acre impoundment of Decker Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, and is located east of Austin, Travis County, Texas. The dam was constructed in 1967 for supplying water to a power plant operated by the City of Austin. The reservoir has a drainage area of 9.3 square miles, a shoreline length of 16 miles, and a shoreline development index of 3.3. The reservoir lies within the blackland prairies ecological region.

Management History

Important sport fish included largemouth bass, palmetto bass, catfish species and white bass. Palmetto bass were stocked from 2007-2010 at reduced rates of 5/acre to evaluate density-dependent growth and condition of the predatory fish population. Largemouth bass have been managed since 1993 with a 14- to 21-inch slot-length limit. Aquatic vegetation habitat surveys have been conducted annually to monitor invasive species and evaluate angler access conditions.

Creel Survey

Angler catch rate for bank anglers at the city park was poor, although fishing effort was high. Submerged aquatic vegetation along the city park shoreline decreased bank angling efficiency and angler success. Boat angler catch rate was good.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Sunfishes, gizzard shad and threadfin shad were the predominant prey species available.
• Catfishes: Channel catfish were the predominant catfish species present. Flathead catfish were present in low density.
• Temperate basses: Palmetto and white bass were present in the reservoir. Palmetto bass were a popular sport fish. Legal-size (≥ 18 inches) palmetto bass were present.
• Black basses: Largemouth bass were abundant and displayed good growth and condition. Fish above the slot limit (≥ 21 inches) were present as well.

Management Strategies

The reservoir should continue to be managed with existing harvest regulations. Palmetto bass stockings should continue to be requested but at the reduced stocking rate of 5/acre. Continue to pursue the relocation of the fishing pier to a more suitable location.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-1 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program