Buffalo Springs Reservoir - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by John Clayton and Caleb Huber
Inland Fisheries Division
Amarillo District, Canyon, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 27-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Buffalo Springs Reservoir were surveyed in 2022 and 2024 using electrofishing, 2024 using trap netting, and in 2023 and 2025 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2022-2025 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

Buffalo Springs Reservoir is a 225-acre impoundment constructed in 1960 on Yellowhouse Draw, a tributary of the North Fork of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River, approximately 5 miles southeast of Lubbock, Texas. It is controlled and operated by the Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District Number 1 and used for recreational purposes. Water level was stable and nutrient levels in the reservoir are extremely high. Fish habitat consists primarily of native emergent vegetation, boulders, and artificial fish habitats.

Management History

The sport fish populations have been managed with statewide regulations. Intensive Striped Bass stocking has been used to manage an overabundant Gizzard Shad population with good success.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was high, and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey to sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was also high, and most Bluegill were 6-inches long or smaller.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish abundance was good with most fish greater than 12 inches. Fish greater than 20 inches were also observed in the survey. Body condition for all sizes was good.
• Striped bass: Striped bass were present in the reservoir; however, catch rate was lower than expected. Low catch rate may be attributed to two fish kills at the reservoir prior to sampling.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. Body condition was good for all sizes.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. Body condition for most sizes was excellent.

Management Strategies

• Based on current information, the reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations.
• Continue stocking Striped Bass to help maintain control of the Gizzard Shad population.
• Striped Bass fingerlings should be stocked on an alternating basis at a rate of 15/acre and 40/acre in two consecutive years and then two years of no stocking based on protocols established during research conducted by Schramm et al. (2000).
• The reservoir should be monitored for P. parvum and associated fish kills.
• Mitigation of kills by stocking should be conducted as soon as practical.

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