Lake Arrowhead - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division – Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 37-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Arrowhead Reservoir were surveyed in 2023 using gill netting, electrofishing, low-frequency electrofishing, and trap netting. Anglers were surveyed from March 2023 through May 2023 with a roving creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2024 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

Arrowhead Reservoir is a 14,969-acre impoundment located on the Little Wichita River in Archer and Clay Counties approximately 20 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. At time of sampling the elevation was around eight feet below conservation level. Habitat was limited to rock and natural banks with the low water. The dam is located in Clay County and the reservoir is owned and operated by the City of Wichita Falls as a municipal and industrial water supply. Arrowhead has a shoreline length of 106 miles at conservation level and a drainage basin of 832 square miles. Boat access is normally good with five improved public ramp sites around the reservoir. Public access includes 524-acre Lake Arrowhead State Park located on the northwest side near the dam. Bank access is adequate, but the only improved handicapped access is at the state park. Some standing timber remains in the upper reservoir and backs of coves.

Management History

Important sport fish include Blue and Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Bass and White Crappie. Arrowhead is managed under statewide regulations. Artificial fish attractors and brush were placed around the state park piers along with installing green lights under the fishing pier. Stockings included Bluegill in 2020, fingerling Florida Largemouth Bass in 2020, northern strain Largemouth Bass fry in 2021 and 2022 and fingerlings in 2021 and 2024 and White Bass adults in 2021.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad improved and majority were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch rate of Bluegill was low with no Bluegill over 6 inches in length.  
• Catfishes: Blue Catfish catch rate was good with a balanced size structure. Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir. Catfish were the second most sought-after sport fish
• White Bass:White Bass were abundant in the reservoir. Angling effort for White Bass was similar to past creel surveys.  
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were present in low abundance. During the creel survey, Largemouth Bass angling effort increased slightly from the previous survey.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were the most popular sport fish. The trap net survey catch was low. Body condition was good to great. Most crappie reached legal size within two years.

Management Strategies

• Work with the City of Wichita Falls to perform a stake bed habitat project.
• Continue working with the City of Wichita Falls to monitor for potential zebra mussel infestation, while informing the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct low-frequency electrofishing, daytime electrofishing, and trap netting surveys in 2027 for general monitoring. Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2027.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program