Daniel Reservoir - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by Jacob Wright and Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
Abilene District

This is the authors' summary from a 30-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Daniel Reservoir were surveyed in 2018-2022 using tandem hoop nets, electrofishing, and trap nets. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2022 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

Daniel Reservoir is a 950-acre impoundment constructed in 1948 on Gunsolus Creek. The reservoir is in Stephens County, approximately 65 miles northeast of Abilene, and it is owned and operated by the City of Breckenridge. The reservoir provides municipal water supply for the City of Breckenridge. Daniel Reservoir was nearly dry from fall 2003 to spring 2007. After filling in June 2007, the water level began to decline. By 2014, the reservoir was nearly 11 feet below conservation pool, but substantial rainfall refilled it in 2016. The reservoir’s water level has fluctuated since but has not caused problems for angler access.

Management History

Important sport fishes include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and crappie. Previous management history included re-establishment of all sport and forage fish by stocking, inform anglers of new fishing opportunities, discuss water conservation and stricter water restriction trigger points for municipal water use with the City of Breckenridge. The most recent stockings included Florida Largemouth Bass in 2016 and 2017 after the lake refilled. Angler harvest of all sport fishes has been regulated according to statewide length and bag limits.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and Bluegill were the dominant species sampled, though Green Sunfish, Longear Sunfish, and sunfish hybrids were also present. Gizzard Shad relative abundance was higher than the previous survey, and most individuals were desirable prey fish sizes and available to sport fishes. Relative abundance of Bluegill was high, and most fish were sub-stock length. Quality-length Bluegill were uncommon.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish relative abundance was high. Body conditions were poor to optimal though the size structure appeared to be desirably proportionate.
• White Bass: White Bass were recently discovered in the trap net survey in 2013. White Bass sampled were of harvestable sizes, and representation of smaller individuals indicated that the population had reproduction and recruitment.
• Largemouth bass: The reservoir had an excellent year producing its first two ShareLunker Legacy Class Largemouth Bass caught by anglers in 2022. During the monitoring survey, Largemouth Bass were relatively abundant. Catch of legal fish has declined since the last survey. Largemouth Bass body condition was optimal for most inch groups.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were greatly abundant, and legal fish up to 15 inches were available to anglers. Most crappie reached legal length within one or two years.

Management Strategies

• Survey Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and forage fish populations every four years.
• Meet with the City of Breckenridge to discuss water use plans for Daniel Reservoir and strategies for water conservation.
• Promote the quality White Crappie and Largemouth Bass fishery to constituents.
• Inform the public of the threat of invasive species and their impacts.

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