Buffalo Springs Reservoir - 2020 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 32-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 2017 and 2019 using tandem hoop netting, in 2020 using electrofishing, and in 2021 using gill netting. Anglers were surveyed from April 2019 through September 2019 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2021 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

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 most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was also high, and most Bluegill were 6-inches long or smaller.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish population had many legal-sized fish available to anglers; the 2019 creel survey indicated a good catch rate, and 56% of all catfish caught were of legal size.
• Striped bass: Striped Bass abundance has improved due to regular stockings. Angling effort was low for Striped Bass.
• Largemouth Bass: While overall Largemouth Bass abundance has declined, the number of legal-sized has remained consistent. Sampled fish sizes ranged from 4 to 18 inches and were healthy with good body condition. About 99% of all Largemouth Bass caught by anglers were released.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were the 3rd most sought after fish species category in the reservoir.

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 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 used during research conducted by Schramm et al. (2000).
• The reservoir should be monitored for P. parvum and associated fish kills, and restocking of affected species 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