Downloads:

Lake Wood 2007 Survey Report media download(PDF 393.2 KB)

If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.

 

Lake Wood - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Greg Binion and John Findeisen
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-E, Mathis, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Lake Wood (H-5) was surveyed in fall 2007 using trap nets and electrofishing and in spring 2008 using gill nets to assess important sport fish populations. This report summarizes the results of these surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Wood (448 acres) is located on the Guadalupe River in Gonzales County, and was constructed in 1931 by the Texas Hydroelectric Commission. Its main utility is for water supply, hydro-power production and recreational purposes. Angler and boat access is adequate with two public boat ramps; however there are no handicap-specific facilities at either location. Habitat consisted of boat docks, rocks, floating-leaved vegetation, limited emergent vegetation, exotic vegetation (water hyacinth, water lettuce, and recently East Indian hygrophila) and stumps. Hydrilla has not been observed in the reservoir since 2004. However, water hyacinth is still present and creates access problems. Floating fragments of East Indian hygrophila were present in the reservoir.

Management History

Important sport fish include channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. White bass are present in this reservoir but in low abundance. Blue catfish have been stocked in this reservoir but are not the dominant catfish species. The 2004 management plan focused on largemouth bass genetics, monitoring and controlling nuisance aquatic vegetation, and enhancing fish habitat. Florida largemouth bass were not stocked into the reservoir as recommended in the 2004 management plan. Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) contracted a certified commercial applicator to control nuisance vegetation, specifically water hyacinth. Beginning in 2007, GBRA and TPWD began working cooperatively towards a better focused control of water hyacinth. A nuisance aquatic management plan was drafted in January 2008 and mechanical removal of water hyacinth was initiated in the spring of 2008. No hydrilla has been observed in the reservoir since 2004. Enhancement of fish habitat was put on hold until water hyacinth is controlled. The controlling authority was concerned that brush piles would break loose and possibly damage the dam and its gates.

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-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program



Related Links: