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Hords Creek Reservoir 2013 Survey Report media download(PDF 398 KB)

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Hords Creek Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report

Prepared by Natalie Amoroso and Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 21-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Hords Creek Reservoir were surveyed in fall 2013 using electrofishing and trap netting and in spring 2014 using gill netting. 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

Hords Creek Reservoir is a 510-acre impoundment constructed in 1948 on Hords Creek. It is located in Coleman County approximately 55 miles south of Abilene and is controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Primary water uses included flood control and recreation. The reservoir has a history of large water level fluctuations. Water level reached conservation pool (CP) elevation in 2007, but has declined since summer 2007 to 19 feet below CP in May 2014. Habitat consisted of riprap, flooded terrestrial vegetation, and aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Boater access consisted of one usable ramp with several others out of the water and unusable. Bank fishing access was good, and there were three handicap-accessible fishing piers.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and crappie. The management plan from 2010 survey report recommended electrofishing biennially to monitor trends in relative abundance and size structure for Largemouth Bass and forage fish. The most recent stocking was Florida Largemouth Bass in 2006. Angler harvest of all sport fishes has been regulated according to statewide size and bag limits.

Habitat

The 2013 vegetation survey indicated that the majority of the lake had no vegetation and was classified as no vegetation. The most prevalent vegetation encountered during the survey was flooded terrestrial vegetation. During July 2013, water level increased 2.5 feet and increased the amount of flooded terrestrial vegetation present in the reservoir.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

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