Aquilla Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Aquilla Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing and in 2023 with trap netting and gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2023 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

Aquilla Reservoir is a 3,066-acre impoundment supplied by Hackberry and Aquilla Creeks within the Brazos River Basin, Hill County. Water level fluctuated greatly between August 2019 and April 2023. Mean and maximum water depths are 16 and 60 feet respectively and the reservoir is considered eutrophic. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline and flooded timber.

Management History

Important sportfishes include White Crappie, White Bass, Largemouth Bass and catfishes. An 18-inch minimum length limit was placed on Largemouth Bass in 1994 to provide additional protection of brood stock, improve densities, and maximize trophy potential. The regulation was replaced with the statewide 14-inch minimum length limit in 2012 based on un-changed population indices during the period, and a 2006 creel which showed continued under-sized harvest for the species. Hydrilla was discovered in 2004 and monitored annually through 2013 but is no longer present. Efforts to mitigate the loss of important fish habitat from sedimentation and loss of reservoir volume have included native vegetation plantings and transplanting (2012 through 2017) and placement of artificial fish habitats (2016) throughout the reservoir. The statewide regulation for Blue and Channel Catfish changed on September 1, 2021; the current regulations are in this report. Recent management efforts include maintaining aquatic invasive species (AIS) signage and educating constituents about the threat of AIS, especially Zebra Mussels, whenever possible.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Forage abundance was low. Gizzard Shad were observed in below-average numbers while Threadfin Shad and sunfishes were not collected.
• Catfishes: Blue and Channel Catfish numbers were below the historical average and body condition was good to excellent for most length classes. Flathead Catfish were not collected.
• White Bass: White Bass catch rates were the highest on record for the species. Most individuals were legal length although body condition was only fair.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass catch rates were the lowest on record for the species and only 12 individuals were collected. Most individuals were legal length and body condition was generally good to excellent.
• Crappies: White Crappie abundance was low. There were good numbers of legal-length White Crappie and body condition was excellent across length classes. Black Crappie were present in low numbers.

Management Strategies

• Continue managing sportfishes at Aquilla Reservoir with statewide regulations.
• Conduct a daytime electrofishing survey in fall 2024 pending reservoir conditions.
• Conduct angler access, vegetation and daytime electrofishing surveys in 2026 and trap netting and gill netting surveys in 2027.
• Continue the placement of artificial fish habitat into freshwater reefs throughout the reservoir when possible; consider constructing spawning habitat in several areas of the reservoir to improve populations of nest spawners like sunfishes.
• Request supplemental Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Lonestar Bass and Bluegill when available, and work to educate the public about AIS issues and protect the reservoir from AIS introductions.

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