Kemp Reservoir - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by Wes Dutter and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Kemp Reservoir were surveyed in 2021 by trap netting and in 2022 by gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2021-2022 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

Kemp Reservoir is a 15,104-acre impoundment located on the Wichita River in the Red River Basin approximately 50 miles west of Wichita Falls. It has a primarily natural and rocky shoreline. Golden alga fish kills began in 2002 and have occurred periodically since. A minor golden alga bloom occurred during the winter of 2021. In addition to golden alga, the reservoir went through the drought of record from 2011 to 2015 decimating the fish populations. The reservoir filled up in early 2015 and stayed within 6 feet of conservation level since, inundating acres of terrestrial vegetation. Largemouth Bass and White Crappie appeared in the reservoir after catching runoff from ponds in the surrounding watershed. Kemp Reservoir water quality is saline and highly conductive.

Management History

Historically important sport fish include Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfishes. Striped Bass were stocked in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 with fingerlings and in 2018 and 2021 with fry. Advanced fingerling Striped Bass were stocked in 2021. Channel Catfish fingerlings were stocked in 2021 and Bluegill advanced fingerlings in 2020. Blue Catfish fingerling were stocked in 2022. White Bass have not been sampled since 2006. Kemp Reservoir has always been managed with statewide regulations. Starting September 1, 2021 the Blue and Channel Catfish statewide regulation changed to a 25 fish bag limit with no minimum length but only 10 fish can be 20 inches or greater in length.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and Bluegill are present in the reservoir as seen during the gill net survey and trap net survey. Threadfin Shad are present in the reservoir.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish population was above the historical average with few over 12- inches in length. Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish have not been documented since 2006.
• Striped Bass: Fewer Striped Bass were sampled in 2022 than during the 2017 gill net survey. All fish were over 21-inches in 2022.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass are present in the reservoir as evidence from informal angling trips. During a spring electrofishing survey for Common Carp in 2021 many Largemouth Bass were observed.
• White Crappie: White Crappie catch rate was slightly lower in 2021 compared to the 2017 trap net survey. More legal-length fish were sampled during the 2021 survey. Body condition was good for most fish.

Management Strategies

• Sample with 7 trap nets in 2025 and 10 gill nets in spring of 2024 and 2026.
• Stock Striped Bass fingerlings at a reduced rate every other year (5/acre).
• Since the water is highly conductive and thus difficult to sample with electrofishing, monitor Largemouth Bass through informal angler provided information and by angling

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