Gilmer Reservoir - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Timothy J. Bister and Quintin Dean
Inland Fisheries Division
Marshall District, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Gilmer Reservoir were surveyed in 2022 and 2024 using electrofishing and in 2025 using tandem hoop netting. Aquatic vegetation has been surveyed annually from 2021-2024. Historical data are presented with the 2021-2025 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

Gilmer Reservoir is a 1,010-acre impoundment constructed on Kelsey Creek in the Big Cypress River basin and controlled by the City of Gilmer. Structural habitat consists primarily of natural shoreline features. Habitat is dominated by hydrilla and limited amounts of native aquatic plants.

Management History

Largemouth Bass have been managed with an 18-inch minimum length limit since the reservoir was opened to public fishing. The reservoir has developed a well-known trophy Largemouth Bass fishery. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has stocked Florida Largemouth Bass from 1996 to 2019, offspring of ShareLunker brood fish in 2011, 2020, and 2022 and Lone Star Bass in 2022 and 2024 to maintain this trophy fishery. Channel Catfish have been stocked in the reservoir, but a self-sustaining population failed to establish.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was very low, and few Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish were the primary prey species in recent surveys.
• Catfishes: Only five Channel Catfish were collected during a recent hoop netting survey. All fish were over 20 inches, but this reservoir has never had a substantial catfish population.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass have been abundant in recent surveys. The size structure has been consistent and has provided good angling opportunities for fish greater than 18 in. Fish typically grow fast and have excellent body condition, which is an indication of excellent prey availability.
• Crappie: White Crappie have been present in the past, but only Black Crappie have been collected in the past two hoop netting surveys. Fish body condition indicated prey abundance was adequate. Crappie growth was fast.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Lone Star Bass at 1,000 fish/km of shoreline every other year beginning in 2026.
• Conduct electrofishing surveys every other year beginning in 2026.
• Continue to use baited tandem hoop nets in spring 2029 to collect and monitor Black Crappie.
• Monitor hydrilla and giant salvinia annually.

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