Bastrop Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report

Prepared by Marcos J. De Jesus and Mukhtar Farooqi
Inland Fisheries Division - San Marcos/Austin District

This is the authors' summary from a 26-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Bastrop Reservoir were surveyed in 2014 using electrofishing and in 2015 using tandem hoop netting. Historical data are presented with the 2014 - 2015 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

Bastrop Reservoir is a 906-acre impoundment of Spicer Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, and is located approximately 3 miles northeast of the City of Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas. The reservoir was constructed in 1965 to supply water for cooling a natural-gas-fired power plant operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The reservoir has a shoreline development index of 10.5, and lies within a unique ecological area known as the Lost Pines, a 70 square mile area of the Post Oak Savannah ecological area comprised of loblolly pine forests.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. The Florida subspecies of Largemouth Bass was last stocked in Bastrop Reservoir in 1992 to increase Florida Largemouth Bass genetic influence. A 14- to 21-inch slot length limit and a 5-fish daily bag limit (one greater than 21 inches) for Largemouth Bass was implemented in 1993.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Bluegill was the dominant prey species, with Gizzard Shad and other sunfish species available as forage.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish were present, but population statistics could not be determined due to low sample size. Flathead Catfish were known to be present in lower density.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass were abundant. Growth rate to 14 inches remained good. Individuals within the slot limit were abundant and healthy, while individuals above the slot length limit (≥21 inches) remained rare.

Management Strategies

The reservoir should continue to be managed under current regulations. The harvest of Largemouth Bass less than 14 inches in length should be promoted when possible. Aquatic plant coverage should be monitored annually. Invasive species awareness should be communicated.

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