Arlington Reservoir 2014 Survey Report (PDF 590.9 KB)
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Arlington Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report
Prepared by Raphael Brock and Thomas Hungerford
Inland Fisheries Division
Dallas-Fort Worth District
This is the authors' summary from a 33-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Arlington Reservoir were surveyed in 2014 using an electrofisher and trap nets, and in 2015 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Arlington Reservoir is a 1,939-acre impoundment constructed on Village Creek (a tributary of West Fork Trinity River) by the City of Arlington in 1957 to provide flood control, water for municipal and industrial purposes, and recreation. Arlington Reservoir is surrounded by urban development and is almost directly in the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It is approximately 3.8 miles long, 1.6 miles wide (widest point), and has a 20-mile shoreline at 550 feet above mean-sea-level. In addition to run-off from the 143 square-mile watershed, an average of 30,426 acre-feet of water, purchased annually from the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), is pumped from Cedar Creek and Richland-Chambers Reservoirs. Exelon operates a natural gas power plant on the reservoir, discharging hot water on the west side of the reservoir. Angler and boat access was adequate. There are three handicap specific facilities, three boat ramps, and several bank areas accessible to anglers. Fishery habitat is primarily native emergent vegetation (water willow and button bush) along with riprap and rocky shorelines.
Management History
Important sport fishes include Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, White Bass, and Channel Catfish. All species have been managed with statewide regulations.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Gizzard and Threadfin Shad were in great abundance in the reservoir. Bluegill were also abundant as prey and there were some larger fish (≥ 6 inches) available for anglers. Longear Sunfish were moderately abundant as well.
- Catfishes: Arlington continues to be the best Channel Catfish reservoir in the district. The catch rate of Channel Catfish was an all-time high. An abundance of quality fish is available for anglers. Flathead Catfish are present but none were sampled.
- White bass: White Bass catch rates continue to be low. This could be caused by minimal flow entering the reservoir during the spring or the proliferation of the Yellow Bass population.
- Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass is the most sought after species by anglers. The Largemouth Bass population has fluctuated slightly in abundance over the past three surveys. The catch rate decreased when compared to the previous survey.
- White crappie: The White Crappie population continued to be high in abundance with quality fish available for anglers. Relative weights for crappie averaged over 100.
Management Strategies
- Standard monitoring with electrofishing, trap netting, and hoop netting surveys will be conducted in 2018-2019.
- Request the stocking of Florida Largemouth Bass in 2016 and 2017 to increase trophy potential of Largemouth population.
- Work with the City of Arlington and local angler groups to establish more artificial habitat in the reservoir.
- Monitor the reservoir for the spread of invasive species, specifically zebra mussels that may be introduced via recreation boats and/or a pipeline from other reservoirs within the Trinity River watershed.
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