Greenbelt Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Caleb Huber and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division – Amarillo District

This is the authors' summary from a 28-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Greenbelt Reservoir were surveyed in 2021 and 2023 using electrofishing, in 2023 using trap netting and 2022 and 2024 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2024 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

Greenbelt Reservoir is a 1,990-acre impoundment located on the Salt Fork of the Red River five miles north of Clarendon in Donley County, Texas. It is controlled by the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority, used for water supply and recreational purposes, and has a history of significant water level fluctuations. During spring 2024 the reservoir was about 46 feet below conservation pool and approximately 460 surface acres. Habitat features consisted primarily of natural shoreline with limited standing timber and rock bluffs. Eurasion watermilfoil is present in the waterbody but to date has not negatively affected boating or angler access. Bank access was good, but boat access was very poor.

Management History

Important sport fish included Largemouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, White Crappie, and catfish. Harvest of most species has been managed with statewide regulations. An experimental 18-inch minimum length limit, three-fish daily bag limit was implemented on Smallmouth Bass in 1994 with no documented success. The special regulation was rescinded in 2001. Smallmouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2021 and Walleye fry were stocked in 2022.

Fish Community

• Prey species:  Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was high, and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was low but improved. The majority of Bluegill were less than 6-inches long.    
• Catfishes:  The Channel Catfish catch rate was comparable to previous years with many harvestable sized fish available for anglers. Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir in small numbers.
• White Bass :  White Bass catch rates have declined in 2024. All sampled fish are 10 inches or greater.  
• Largemouth Bass:  Largemouth Bass catch rates have steadily declined with water levels. However, size structure and body condition remain good. There was limited Florida Largemouth Bass genetic influence.  
• White Crappie:  White Crappie were moderately abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. Size structure and body condition were good.
• Walleye:  Walleye catch rates were variable but generally improved. Walleye maintain a minimal population size with good size structure with acceptable body condition.   

Management Strategies

• Stock Lone Star Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye if reservoir water levels recover.
• Conduct electrofishing surveys in 2025 and 2027, Gill net surveys in 2026 and 2028, and a trap net survey in 2027 if water levels allow boat access.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2027.

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