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Buffalo Springs Reservoir 2012 Survey Report media download(PDF 266.8 KB)

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Buffalo Springs Reservoir - 2012 Survey Report

Prepared by John Clayton and Charles Munger
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-A, Canyon, Texas

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 Springs Reservoir were surveyed in 2012 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2013 using gill nets. Historical data are presented with the 2012-2013 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 is a 225-acre reservoir that was impounded in 1960 on Yellowhouse Draw, a tributary of the North Fork of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River, located 5 miles southeast of Lubbock, Texas. It is owned by the Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District Number 1 and used for recreational purposes. Water level has been stable and nutrient levels in the reservoir are extremely high. A large portion of fish habitat was cattail. Bank and boat access was good and handicap specific facilities were good. The reservoir has experienced Prymnesium parvum (golden alga) kills beginning in 2003 which have had a major impact on the fish populations.

Management History

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

Fish Community

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. Mitigation of kills by stocking should be conducted as soon as practical.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program