Downloads:

Hords Creek Reservoir 2017 Survey Report media download(PDF 511.9 KB)

If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.

 

Hords Creek Reservoir - 2017 Survey Report

Prepared by Natalie Goldstrohm and Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
Abilene 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 Hords Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2014-2018 by using tandem hoop nets, electrofishing, and trap nets. Historical data are presented with the 2014-2018 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. Hords Creek Reservoir is 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 substantial water level fluctuation. Water level reached conservation pool (CP) elevation in 2007 but dropped to 19 feet below CP by May 2014. In 2016, the water level nearly reached CP but declined steadily since. Habitat consisted of riprap, flooded terrestrial vegetation, and aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Boater access consisted of three useable ramps. Bank fishing access was ample throughout the USACE park areas, and there were three handicap-accessible fishing piers.

Management History

Sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and crappie. Electrofishing was conducted biennially to monitor trends in relative abundance and size structure for Largemouth Bass and forage fish. Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2016 and 2017 and Channel Catfish fingerlings were stocked in 2017. Sport fishes have been managed with 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-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program