Coleman Reservoir - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
Abilene District

This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Coleman Reservoir were surveyed in 2024 by using electrofishing and in 2025 by using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2024-2025 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

Coleman Reservoir is an 1,811-acre impoundment constructed in 1966 on Jim Ned Creek in the Colorado River Basin. The reservoir is used for municipal water supply, flood control, and recreation. The reservoir is controlled by the City of Coleman and has a history of water level fluctuation. Coleman Reservoir’s water level dropped to about 9 ft low prior to late spring 2024. Water level rose to conservation pool elevation after substantial rains in late spring through fall 2024.. Water level has fluctuated within 1 ft of conservation elevation since. Fish habitat primarily consisted of flooded terrestrial vegetation, standing timber, star grass, button bush, cattail, lotus, and water-willow. As of spring 2025 all boat ramps were useable. Bank-fishing access was limited to the boat ramp areas and near Press Morris Park.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and White Crappie. Sport fishes are currently regulated by statewide harvest regulations. Threadfin Shad were introduced in 1984 and 1985. Channel Catfish were first introduced in 1966. In order to maintain a Hybrid Striped Bass fishery, fish were regularly stocked beginning in 1976 until 2021. Florida Largemouth Bass were introduced in 1991 and were last stocked in 2019. ShareLunker Largemouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2022 and 2023. Lonestar Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2024. Largemouth Bass continue to be monitored for size structure, body condition, and Florida Largemouth Bass genetic influence. To stop the spread of invasive species, aquatic invasive species signage has been posted. Also, outreach efforts provided continued engagement with partners and the public about the negative impact of aquatic invasive species though the use of print media, social media, and public engagements.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and sunfishes were present and available for sport fish. Relative abundance of prey species was improved. Gizzard Shad catch rates improved and most individuals were optimal prey sizes. No Threadfin Shad were caught during the survey period. Bluegill catch increased since the prior survey, and they were the predominant prey species. Prey abundance should not limit sportfish growth.
• Catfishes: Catfish catches were low, and only seven fish were caught in the spring 2025 gill netting survey.
• Hybrid Striped Bass: Hybrid Striped Bass were present in the reservoir in low relative abundance. All fish sampled were harvestable size.
• Largemouth Bass: Catch rates of Largemouth Bass were high with improved numbers of legal length fish available to anglers. The Largemouth Bass population was dominated by smaller fish with most of the fish sampled < 8 inches. Mean relative weights were fair to optimal. Growth of Largemouth Bass appeared consistent to prior years.
• White Crappie: White Crappie catch was poor in the gill netting survey and was similar to the prior survey conducted in 2021. Most individuals were sub-legal lengths and had optimal body conditions.

Management Strategies

• Largemouth Bass will be surveyed in fall 2026 with bass-only electrofishing and Largemouth bass and prey will be surveyed in fall 2028 with electrofishing.
• Gill netting will be conducted in spring 2029 to maintain long-term trend data on Channel Catfish as well as sample for White Crappie, and presence or absence of Flathead Catfish. Access and habitat surveys will be conducted in summer 2028.
• Inform the public of the threat and negative impact of invasive species.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program