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
- There were no existing populations of sportfish or forage fish.
Management Strategies
- Fish stockings will be requested when elevation reaches 2,855 ft/msl.
- Initial survey efforts will occur 2 years following fish stockings.
- Once fish populations are detected and reestablished, survey objectives, fisheries metrics, and survey schedule will be reevaluated, and a more detailed survey plan will be developed.
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