Cisco Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Cisco Reservoir were surveyed in 2007 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2008 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Cisco Reservoir is a 1,050-acre impoundment constructed on Sandy Creek approximately 45 miles east of Abilene, Texas. It is located in the Brazos River Basin, and its primary use was municipal water supply. From 1999 to the end of 2004 water level dropped about 12 feet, but this drop was corrected in 2005. Water level fell again in 2006 and 2007 before heavy rains in June and July 2007 added 15 feet. Water level was 4-foot below conservation level at time of sampling, and littoral habitat consisted primarily of rock, flooded terrestrial vegetation, and black willow. Boat access consisted of one public boat ramp. Bank fishing access was limited to the boat ramp area.

Management History

Fish populations have been managed with statewide harvest regulations. Attempts to introduce smallmouth bass in the 1990s were unsuccessful. Introductions of blue catfish were also unsuccessful.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Prey fish primarily consisted of various sunfish species and gizzard shad. Although prey fish numbers appeared low, body condition and growth of largemouth bass seemed to indicate that the current forage base was good.
• Catfishes: Channel catfish were present with low abundance.
• Temperate basses: White bass numbers appeared to be increasing and most of the fish collected were 14-17 inches long.
• Largemouth bass: Body condition, size structure, and growth improved in 2007 compared to previous years.
• White crappie: White crappie abundance, according to trap net surveys, was poor. However, fish up to 14” were collected and the overall size structure of the crappie population was much better than it was in 2003, meaning that more legal-size crappie may be available to anglers.

Management Strategies

Conduct geo-referenced habitat survey. Conduct fish monitoring surveys in 2011/2012 including bass-only electrofishing in the spring 2012.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program