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Fayette County Reservoir 2015 Survey Report media download(PDF 880.5 KB)

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Fayette County Reservoir - 2015 Survey Report

Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Marcos J. De Jesus
Inland Fisheries Division – San Marcos District

This is the authors' summary from a 27-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Fayette County Reservoir were surveyed in 2015 using electrofishing and hoop nets. Historical data are presented with the 2015 data for comparison. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Fayette County Reservoir is a 2,394-acre impoundment of Cedar Creek, an intermittent stream in the Colorado River watershed. It was constructed in 1978 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for the purpose of supplying cooling water for steam-electric power generation. The reservoir is located in Fayette Count, approximately seven miles east of La Grange, Texas. The reservoir lies within the Post Oak Savannah ecological area. Water in the reservoir is maintained at a near-constant level (1-2 ft. annual fluctuation). During periods of low rainfall, water is pumped into the reservoir from the Colorado River. Surrounding shoreline is mostly undeveloped. Shoreline length is approximately 20 miles. Fayette County Reservoir was opened to fishing in 1979.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and catfish species. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked into nursery ponds during 1977 prior to reservoir filling. Largemouth Bass have been managed since 1979 with several differing length limit regulations; but currently managed under a 14- to 24-inch slot length limit with a 5-fish daily bag, only one over 24 inches may be retained.

Trap netting for White Crappie was not performed due to historically low catch rates and the high cost/benefit ratio associated with collecting these data. Crappie have not been collected with any gear type since the early 1990s. There was no directed angling effort for crappie. A volunteer angler survey was conducted from October 2004 to May 2006 to determine catch trends and length distribution of trophy Largemouth Bass. Aquatic vegetation habitat surveys have been conducted annually to monitor invasive species and evaluate angler access conditions.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Based on current information, the reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations. Conduct an additional electrofishing and hoop net survey in 2017-2018, and general monitoring surveys with hoop nets and electrofishing surveys in 2019-2020. Aquatic vegetation surveys should be conducted annually to monitor invasive species.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program