Hubbard Creek Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Hubbard Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2007 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2008 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Hubbard Creek Reservoir is a 15,250-acre impoundment constructed on Sandy Creek and Hubbard Creek, tributaries of the Brazos River. It is approximately 55 miles northeast of Abilene, Texas. It was constructed in 1962 for municipal water supply and flood control. There was a long-lasting drought from 1998 through summer 2007 as water level dropped to 18 feet below conservation level in 2002 and 2005. It nearly filled in summer 2007 with an increase of 12 feet and finally filled in spring 2008. Water level was about 3-foot below conservation level at time of sampling, and littoral habitat consisted primarily of rock, dense flooded-terrestrial vegetation, black willow, Illinois pondweed, and hydrilla.

Management History

Fish populations have always been managed with statewide harvest regulations. Threadfin shad were introduced in 1984 and remain an important prey species. Palmetto bass were stocked twice (1979 and 1982). No palmetto bass have been collected since 2000. Florida largemouth bass were introduced in 1979 and additional stockings occurred in 1986, 1990, 1991, and 2003.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Abundance of gizzard shad, threadfin shad, and bluegill for existing predators was excellent.
• Catfishes: Blue catfish numbers and size were such that good fishing opportunities should exist. Flathead catfish and channel catfish were present in the reservoir.
• Temperate basses : The white bass population was excellent, with many fish in the 10- to 14-inch size range.
• Largemouth bass: Abundance of fish from the spring 2007 spawn was very good which bodes well for the future of bass fishing in this reservoir. Adult fish, although relatively few in number, had a good size distribution. Growth and body condition were good as well. Florida largemouth bass were well established.
• White crappie: Numbers and size of adult fish have improved in the last few years and, in winter 2007-2008, there was an excellent fishery for white crappie in Hubbard Creek and Sandy Creek.

Management Strategies

• Monitor hydrilla coverage annually, beginning in 2008.
• Promote fishing through popular articles in local newspapers.
• Develop vegetation management plan and present to controlling authority.
• Monitor fish populations with electrofishing in 2009 and with gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing in 2011/2012.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program