Alvarado Park Reservoir - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael S. Baird and John Tibbs
Inland Fisheries Division
Waco District

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

Fish populations in Alvarado Park Reservoir were surveyed in 2021 using electrofishing and in 2022 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2021-2022 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

Alvarado Park Reservoir is a 507-acre impoundment located near the City of Alvarado, Johnson County, Texas and is operated by the City of Alvarado. Primary water use is recreation and flood control. Public bank access is limited to the boat ramp area and boat access is good. Habitat features consisted mainly of natural shoreline, bulk heading, boat docks and piers, and emergent aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. Since 2013, management efforts have focused on posting and maintaining appropriate aquatic invasive species (AIS) signage at access points to try and prevent the spread of AIS into the reservoir - and supporting the statewide public relations campaign “Clean. Drain. Dry”. The City of Alvarado successfully applied for a federal Boating Access Grant administered through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and completed renovation and construction in 2020. Recent accomplishments include building and deploying fish attracting structures in the lower end of the reservoir. Management efforts from 2021-2022 include aquatic vegetation, boater access, electrofishing, and gill netting surveys.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The prey base as a whole is in excellent condition, based on the body condition of every sport fish sampled. Gizzard Shad were present in the reservoir in high numbers and Threadfin Shad were present in good numbers. About three-fourths of the Gizzard Shad population was available to predators as prey. Catch rates of Bluegill and other sunfishes was also good.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish were abundant, and most individuals were in excellent condition. Few Channel Catfish exceed the preferred length class of 24 inches. Catch rates of Blue Catfish have improved since the 2018 stocking.
• White Bass: Only one White Bass was collected despite doubling gill netting effort.
• Largemouth Bass: The Largemouth Bass population remains in good condition, with good catch rates, excellent body condition, and improved numbers of legal-length fish for anglers.
• White Crappie:The White Crappie catch rate was good and body condition was excellent across all length classes. Individuals commonly reach 14 inches.

Management Strategies

• Continue managing Alvarado Park Reservoir with existing regulations.
• Conduct monitoring surveys with fall electrofishing and spring gill netting in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
• Conduct aquatic vegetation and access surveys in late summer 2025.
• Continue efforts to educate the public about AIS issues and protect the reservoir from AIS introductions.
• Continue with future artificial habitat projects pending funding and reservoir priorities within the district.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program