Lake Holbrook - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Kevin W. Storey and Evan C. Cartabiano
Inland Fisheries Division
Tyler North District, Tyler, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 34-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Holbrook were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing, and in 2017 using baited hoop nets. A roving creel survey was conducted between March 1, 2017 and May 31, 2017 to assess angler utilization. Access and aquatic vegetation surveys were conducted in July 2016. Historical data are presented with the 2016-2017 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

Lake Holbrook is a 650-acre impoundment located in Wood County, Texas, on Lankford Creek, a tributary of the Sabine River. The reservoir was constructed by Wood County in 1962 for flood control and recreation. Aquatic vegetation is limited in the reservoir amounting to less than 5% of reservoir surface area. The aquatic vegetation community consists of a mixture of native submersed and native emergent species.

Management History

Largemouth Bass and crappies are the most prominent sport fishes present. Florida Largemouth Bass were most recently stocked in 2014 and 2015. Work began in 2006 to establish native emergent vegetation in Lake Holbrook to enhance littoral habitat. District personnel collaborated with the Holbrook Association to construct and deploy fish attractors constructed from brush (2007 and 2008) and bamboo (2009, 2012, and 2014). District staff created a map for use by anglers, which is available for download from the agency website showing geo-referenced locations of fish attractors.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The predominant prey species include Bluegill, and other less abundant sunfish species. Gizzard and Threadfin Shad were also present, though they were low in abundance.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish abundance has historically been low and directed angling effort accounted for 1% of total effort.
• Black basses : Largemouth Bass were moderately abundant. The size distribution of the population has improved and Florida Largemouth Bass (FLMB) allele frequency has increased to 38% following stockings of FLMB in 2014 and 2015. Largemouth Bass growth rates were fast and fish exhibited good body condition, indicating adequate prey availability. Largemouth Bass angling accounted for 50% of directed angling effort in spring 2017 divided almost equally between live-release tournaments (26%) and non-tournament anglers (24%). Spotted Bass were collected, though at much lower abundances than Largemouth Bass.
• Crappie: Crappies accounted for 27% of total directed fishing effort in the spring 2017 creel. Both White and Black Crappie were documented in hoop net catches and an age and growth sample of Black Crappie was collected in supplemental gill netting. Black Crappie grew to legal length in about 3 years.

Management Strategies

• Stock Flordia Largemouth Bass to increase FLMB alleles. Document catch of big Largemouth Bass (> 8 pounds).
• Continue working with the local homeowner’s association to enhance fish habitat in the lake by supplementing existing fish attractors and constructing new ones as opportunities arise.
• Improve fish habitat by planting more aquatic vegetation.
• Inform the public about the threat of aquatic invasive species.

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