Buffalo Creek Reservoir 2016 Survey Report 
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Buffalo Creek Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report
Prepared by Robert Mauk and Tom Lang
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District
This is the authors' summary from a 20-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Buffalo Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing and trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 2016 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Buffalo Creek Reservoir is a 1,577-acre impoundment located on the North Fork of Buffalo Creek in the Red River Basin approximately 20 miles west of Wichita Falls. At full pool, its shoreline is characterized as natural with some rocks. Buffalo Creek would be characterized as turbid. The reservoir was essentially dry in 2014 and has since filled up.
Management History
Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfishes. Buffalo Creek has always been managed with statewide regulations. Stocking did not occur in 2015 because low dissolved oxygen. Florida Largemouth bass were stocked in 2016 and 2017 and Bluegill in 2016.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Small Gizzard Shad and Bluegill were present, but in low abundance.
- Catfishes: Channel Catfish fingerlings were stocked in 2016. Black Bullhead are currently very abundant in the reservoir.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2016, but few were sampled in the fall with electrofishing. Another stocking of fingerling Florida Largemouth bass occurred in 2017. About 90 retired broodstock bass were also stocked into the reservoir in 2017.
- White Crappie: White Crappie were present, but in low abundance.
Management Strategies
Monitor fish populations using trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing in 2018-2019 and 2020-2021.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program