Champion Creek Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report

Prepared by Mandy K. Scott
Inland Fisheries Division - San Angelo District

This is the author's summary from an 18-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Champion Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2014 using electrofishing and trap netting, and in 2015 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2014-2015 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

Champion Creek Reservoir is a 1,560-acre impoundment at conservation pool (2,083 feet above mean sea level) located 7 miles south of Colorado City in Mitchell County, Texas, in the Colorado River drainage basin. The reservoir is primarily used for recreation. The reservoir was approximately 48 feet below conservation level at the time of sampling, and was at about 5 % capacity with a surface area of 219 acres. Habitat features consisted of rocks, natural shoreline, and flooded saltcedar. Access to the reservoir was sometimes restricted by a locked entrance gate. Gate keys could be procured for public use by contacting the Colorado City municipal office. There were no useable boat ramps, but boats could be launched off the shoreline.

Management History

Important sport fish historically included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, catfishes, and White Bass. The management of this reservoir has been impacted by chronic low-water levels and recently, toxic golden alga blooms.

Fish Community

Golden alga caused a massive fish kill in winter 2014-2015, reducing all fish populations to small numbers. No fish were collected in the spring 2015 gill net survey (5 net-nights).

Management Strategies

• Sportfish should continue to be managed with statewide regulations.
• Monitor water quality on a quarterly basis.
• When water level and water quality improves, re-establish fish populations with hatchery and management stockings.
• An electrofishing survey, along with access and vegetation surveys, will be conducted in 2018-2019.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program