Hords Creek Reservoir 2017 Survey Report (PDF 511.9 KB)
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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
- Prey species: Forage was abundant and consisted primarily of Gizzard Shad with some sunfish available. Approximately half of the Gizzard Shad were available to most sport fish. Some Bluegill were present and of vulnerable size to most sport fish.
- Catfish: Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish were present. Channel Catfish were not abundant; however, most were of a harvestable size. Few anglers targeted Channel Catfish when fishing, and tend to harvest legal-sized fish.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were relatively abundant in electrofishing surveys, and the quantity of legal-size fish sampled was fair. Body condition for legal-size fish was optimal to excellent, which suggested that prey availability was not an issue. Most anglers (71%) released legal-size Largemouth Bass during the creel survey period.
- White Crappie: In 2017, White Crappie numbers in trap netting surveys dramatically declined from the previous survey. Some legal-size White Crappie were available to anglers. Body condition for most inch classes were poor to excellent depending on length.
Management Strategies
- Electrofishing will be conducted in fall 2021 to monitor prey species and Largemouth Bass.
- Trap netting will be conducted in fall 2021 to monitor White Crappie.
- Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in summer 2021.
- Develop collaborative efforts for habitat enhancement projects.
- Media outlets, social media, and popular press will be used to inform the public of the threat and detriments of invasive species.
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