Brady Creek Reservoir 2022 Survey Report
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Brady Creek Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report
Prepared by Lynn D. Wright and Blake Thornton
Inland Fisheries Division - San Angelo 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 Brady Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, 2020 and 2022 using trap netting, 2021 using tandem hoop netting, and in 2023 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2023 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
Brady Creek Reservoir is a 2,021-acre impoundment on Brady Creek located in the Colorado River basin. It was constructed in 1963 to provide water for municipal, recreational, and flood control purposes. From 2000 to 2018, water levels ranged from 2 to 16 feet below conservation pool elevation before filling in October 2018. From 2018 to 2023, the water level decreased to 11 feet below conservation pool. Boat and angler access is adequate, however launching larger boats becomes restricted at lower water levels.
Management History
Important sport fishes have included Largemouth Bass, White Bass, White Crappie, and Blue and Channel Catfishes. Smallmouth Bass were stocked in 1984 and 1986, but a self-sustaining population failed to develop. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2016 and 2017 to help these populations recover from the golden alga fish kills in 2012 and 2014. Angler harvest of sport fishes has been managed under statewide length and daily bag limits. Management of the reservoir was transferred from the San Antonio district office to the San Angelo district office in 2011.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad decreased from previous surveys, and less than 40% were available as prey to most sport fish in 2022 based on their size. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was high, but few Bluegills were over 6-inches in length.
- Catfishes:Channel Catfish relative abundance increased, and individuals up to 22 inches were observed in sampling. Blue Catfish were present in the reservoir in low abundance. Blue Catfish up to 26 inches were observed in sampling. Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir in low abundance.
- Temperate Basses:White Bass continued to be present in the reservoir in low abundance. Most of the White Bass observed during sampling were available to anglers.
- Largemouth Bass:Largemouth Bass abundance increased with many legal-sized fish available to anglers. Largemouth Bass up to 22 inches were observed in sampling. Largemouth Bass had slower than average growth (age at 14 inches long was 3.8 years), and they tended to be thin for most lengths.
- White Crappie: White Crappie were moderately abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. White Crappie up to 13 inches were observed in sampling. Most crappie reached legal size within three years.
Management Strategies
Conduct additional electrofishing and trap net surveys in 2024, and general monitoring surveys with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing surveys in 2026-2027. Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2026-2027.

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