Coffee Mill Reservoir 2013 Survey Report (PDF 388.8 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.
Coffee Mill Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report
Prepared by John H. Moczygemba and Bruce T. Hysmith
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-A,
Pottsboro, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 21-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Coffee Mill Reservoir were surveyed in 2013 using an electrofisher and trap nets and in 2014 using gill nets. Habitat, vegetation, and angler access was surveyed in 2013. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Coffee Mill Reservoir is a 650-acre impoundment located on Coffee Mill Creek approximately 10 miles northeast of Bonham. Water level has been within three feet of the spillway since 2010. Coffee Mill Reservoir has moderate eutrophication. Habitat features consists mainly of native aquatic vegetation and open water. There is some standing timber.
Management History
Important sport fish include Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and White Crappie. The management plan from the 2009 report considered the lack of lighting at the boat ramp and parking lot, and invasive species awareness information. A recommendation was passed on to the U.S. Forest Service to install and maintain lighting. Zebra Mussel signage has been posted at the launch ramp area.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard and Threadfin Shad have increased. Over half of the Gizzard Shad are vulnerable to predation. Electrofishing catch rate of Bluegill has increased to above the historical average and most were four inches and smaller. The forage base is in excellent condition.
- Channel catfish: Gill net catch rate of Channel Catfish was good with most of the population being legal-size. They were in good to excellent condition.
- Largemouth bass: The electrofishing catch rate of Largemouth Bass was above the historical average, growth was good, and they were in excellent condition.
- Crappie: Trap net catch rate of White Crappie was good and the highest in the district. Black Crappie catch rate was the highest on record. Growth and condition for both species were excellent.
Management Strategies
Encourage the U.S. Forest Service to install and maintain lighting from the boat ramp to the west end of the parking lot. Recommend that the U.S. Forest Service repair boat ramp and remove vegetation on dam for safety reasons. Keep U.S. Forest Service informed about new exotic species threats to Texas waters, and work with them to display appropriate signage, educate constituents, and understand appropriate enforcement actions.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-4 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program