Coffee Mill Reservoir - 2017 Survey Report

Prepared by Dan Bennett and Greg Cummings
Inland Fisheries Division
Denison District, Pottsboro, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 23-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 2017 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2018 using gill nets. Habitat, vegetation, and angler access were surveyed in 2017. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2018 data for comparison.

Reservoir Description

Coffee Mill Reservoir is a 650-acre impoundment located on Coffee Mill Creek approximately 10 miles northeast of Bonham in the Caddo National Grasslands. The reservoir is surrounded by predominately natural shoreline with emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and crappie. The 2014 fisheries management plan recommended installing lighting at the boat ramp and parking lot, rip rap around the boat ramp, and removing woody vegetation from the reservoir dam.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, and Bluegill were abundant providing substantial forage for sport fish.
• Channel Catfish: The Channel Catfish population was of moderate abundance, and most fish were of quality size or larger ranging from 15 to 25-inches. Catch rate declined from previous surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were in excellent condition at Coffee Mill Reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate was lower, likely due to dense vegetation coverage. Fish were collected up to 18-inches.
• Crappie: White Crappie were more abundant than Black Crappie, and many legal-size fish were available to anglers. Catch rate of crappie was lower than the long-term average rate.

Management Strategies

Work with the United States Forest Service (USFS) staff to manage excessive aquatic vegetation. Request a stocking of advanced Channel Catfish fingerlings to maintain the fishery. Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species. An access survey and vegetation survey will be conducted in 2021. Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing in 2021 and 2022.

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