Lake Arrowhead - 2019 Survey Report

Prepared by Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division – Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 36-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Arrowhead Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing, low-frequency electrofishing, and trap netting. Anglers (rod and reel and passive gear) targeting Blue Catfish were surveyed during a creel survey from September 2016 through February 2017. Anglers targeting all species were surveyed during a creel survey from June 2018 through May 2019. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2020 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 water elevation was near full capacity with the shoreline habitat consisting mainly of natural and rocky shoreline. 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 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. Fish attractors have been placed around the derricks located in the lower end of the reservoir in the past. More recent work includes placing artificial fish attractors around the state park piers and placing green lights under the fishing pier.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were very abundant in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was very low, but almost all Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was also low, with no Bluegill 6-inches long or greater sampled.  
• Catfishes: The Blue Catfish population continues to thrive providing an excellent fishery. Channel and Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir.
• White Bass: White Bass were present in the reservoir but are not that popular with the anglers. Angling effort targeting this species was considered low.   
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were not abundant compared to historical numbers. While the percentage of tournament anglers seeking Largemouth Bass was up over the previous creel survey, the overall percentage of non-tournament anglers seeking the species was down.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were the most popular species in the reservoir with nearly half of the anglers targeting this species. The population abundance has been relatively constant over the last eight years.

Management Strategies

• Request a stocking of fingerling Florida Largemouth Bass in 2020.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct additional electrofishing survey in 2020, and general monitoring surveys with trap nets, low-frequency electrofishing, and electrofishing surveys in 2023.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2023.

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