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Balmorhea Lake 2021 Survey Report

If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.

 

Balmorhea Lake - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by Lynn Wright and Blake Thornton
Inland Fisheries Division
San Angelo District

This is the author's summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Balmorhea Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using hoop netting and electrofishing, and in 2021 using hoop netting, electrofishing, and trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2021 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

Balmorhea Reservoir is a 573-acre impoundment located in the Pecos River Basin approximately 5 miles southwest of Balmorhea. Due to heavy irrigation demand, the reservoir water level usually drops severely each summer, reaching a low point in the fall, and then refills from spring inflows during the winter. Balmorhea Reservoir experienced a mild golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) bloom and subsequent fish kill in winter 2004. A severe bloom and fish kill occurred in winter 2006, and moderate blooms were observed in 2007, 2008, and 2010. However, no fish kills have been documented since 2010. Habitat was mostly nondescript (natural) shoreline or flooded dead terrestrial vegetation, with a small amount of native emergent vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fishes have included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfish species. Fish populations were mostly eradicated in August 1998 in an effort to eliminate the introduced Sheepshead Minnow and improve the sportfish population that had been overtaken by Common Carp, large Gizzard Shad, and small sportfish. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) re-stocked the reservoir with Channel and Blue Catfish, Northern Largemouth Bass, sunfish species, and White Crappie during 1998-2001. A special research project included the introduction of triploid Florida Largemouth Bass from 1999 through 2003. Genetic analyses demonstrated that some cross-breeding was occurring between Northern and Florida Largemouth Bass, indicating that not all of the stocked Florida Largemouth Bass were sterile. TPWD restocked the reservoir with fingerling Blue and Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Florida and Northern Largemouth Bass, and adult White Crappie following golden alga fish kills from 2004-2010. Standard gill netting and trap netting have been discontinued due to poor catch rates.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Conduct additional monitoring survey with electrofishing in fall 2023 and general monitoring electrofishing survey in fall 2025. Conduct spring tandem hoop net and fall trap net surveys in 2025 to monitor Channel Catfish and the presence/absence of White Crappie. Continue habitat enhancement with local partners.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

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



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