E. V. Spence Reservoir 2011 Survey Report (PDF 81.8 KB)
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E. V. Spence Reservoir - 2011 Survey Report
Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Mandy Scott
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-C, San Angelo, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 10-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in E. V. Spence Reservoir have not been surveyed since 2009 because of extreme low water level. This report contains a management plan for the reservoir.
Reservoir Description
E. V. Spence Reservoir is a 14,950-acre reservoir, when full, located on the Colorado River near Robert Lee, Coke County, Texas. It has a history of prolonged water level declines and has never filled to conservation pool. Golden algae Prymnesium parvum blooms caused substantial fish kills in the winters of 2001, 2002, and 2003 that effectively eliminated the fish community. Subsequently, toxic conditions have been recorded on an annual basis. In fall of 2011, water level was 83 feet below conservation level and prevented fish population sampling. There was no boat access via boat ramps or the shoreline.
Management History
The management of this reservoir has been impacted by chronic toxic golden alga blooms since 2001 and low water level. Florida-strain largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill and channel catfish were stocked in multiple years following major fish kills due to toxic golden alga blooms. These stockings failed to produce a viable fishery. No stocking has been conducted since 2008.
Fish Community
The status of all prey and sport fish is unknown, however, due to the extreme low water level and susceptibility to fish kills caused by golden algae, it is likely that few desirable fish species remain in the reservoir.
Management Strategies
Fish population sampling is contingent on the reservoir being accessible by boat. As soon as water level rises to the point where launching a boat is possible, conduct additional electrofishing, trap netting, and gill netting. Conduct standard monitoring in 2015/2016. Continue monitoring for toxic golden alga blooms at least annually. When water quality and quantity are suitable, stock sport fish and prey fish to re-establish those communities.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program