Canyon Reservoir - 2019 Survey Report

Prepared by Patrick A. Ireland and Mukhtar Farooqi
Inland Fisheries Division – San Marcos District

This is the authors' summary from a 55-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Canyon Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing and in 2020 using gill nets. Historical data are presented with the 2019-2020 data for comparison. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Canyon Reservoir is an 8,308-acre impoundment of the Guadalupe River located in Comal County. It was constructed in 1964 by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) for purposes of flood control, water conservation and recreation. Canyon Reservoir has a drainage area of approximately 1,452 square miles and a shoreline length of 90.5 miles. The reservoir lies within the Edwards Plateau ecological area.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and catfish species. Striped Bass were introduced in 1973 and stocked until 1983, then restocked at a lower rate (5/acre) in 1989. White Bass were managed under an experimental 12-inch minimum length limit. The regulation was rescinded in 2004 after analysis indicated environmental factors, not angler harvest, were probably more influential in determining White Bass population density. Largemouth Bass were present in the reservoir and have been managed under statewide regulations. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2008, 2010, and 2014 through 2019 to influence genetics. Blue Catfish were introduced in 1991 to provide enhanced catfish opportunities for anglers.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Sunfishes and Gizzard Shad were the dominant prey species available. Threadfin Shad and Inland Silversides were present in low densities.
• Catfishes: Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish were present in low densities.
• Temperate basses: Striped Bass and White Bass were present in the reservoir. A fish consumption advisory was placed on Striped Bass in 2006, but limited consumption was allowed and the species still offered excellent catch-and-release opportunity. Striped Bass abundance remained relatively consistent from 2016, 2018, and 2020 with legal-size (≥18 inches) Striped Bass still present. White Bass abundance declined in 2010 and has remained low.
• Black basses: Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate, rebounding slightly from previous surveys. Smallmouth Bass were present in low densities and have declined since 2007.   

Management Strategies

• Annual Striped Bass stockings should continue to be requested at the present stocking rate of 5/acre.
• Fish attractor sites should continue to be replenished with brush and artificial structure as needed.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with electrofishing (2023) and gill nets (2022, 2024).
• Access and habitat surveys will be conducted in 2023.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program