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Falcon Reservoir 2013 Survey Report media download(PDF 834.1 KB)

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Falcon Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report

Prepared by Randall A. Myers and John A. Dennis
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-D, San Antonio, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 36-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Falcon Reservoir were surveyed using electrofishing in 2009, 2011, 2013-2014, gill nets in 2010, 2012, 2014, and trap nets in 2009-2010 and 2012-2013. Historical data are presented with the 2013-2014 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

Falcon Reservoir (83,654 acres when full) borders Mexico and was constructed in 1954 on the Rio Grande River. The reservoir experiences extreme water level fluctuations due to variable rainfall and water releases for downstream agricultural irrigation. During the survey period (6/2009-5/2014),water level ranged from 41 feet below (5/2013) to 4 feet above (10/2010) conservation pool elevation. Flooded terrestrial vegetation is the predominant structural habitat for fish.

Management History

Fish harvest is regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department according to the standard statewide restrictions and is unregulated by Mexico. A substantial commercial gill net fishery exists on the Mexico-side of the reservoir targeting primarily Blue Tilapia, Catfishes, and rough fish species. Striped Bass were stocked prior to 2003 to provide an additional angling opportunity, but were discontinued because of low water level and minimal angler utilization. White Bass and White Crappie stockings were conducted in the 2000s in an attempt to restore these two populations. Florida Largemouth Bass (FLMB) fingerlings have been stocked annually in recent years to increase FLMB genetic introgression and in turn, Largemouth Bass trophy potential.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Stock FLMB annually, increase frequency of surveys to monitor Largemouth Bass and White Bass populations, and conduct an intensive study of Alligator Gar.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

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