Lake O' the Pines - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Timothy J. Bister and Quintin Dean
Inland Fisheries Division - Marshall District

This is the authors' summary from a 39-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake O’ the Pines were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, low-pulse electrofishing in 2022, and tandem hoop nets in 2023. Anglers were surveyed from June 2022 through May 2023 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2023 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake O’ the Pines is a 16,269-acre reservoir located on Big Cypress Creek which was constructed in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood control, municipal and industrial water supply, and public recreation. Habitat features consisted of inundated timber, brush, creek channels, and riprap. Native aquatic vegetation covered less than 2% of the reservoir in 2022, while non-native invasive species (i.e., hydrilla, water hyacinth, and giant salvinia) accounted for approximately 11% of the reservoir surface.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, sunfish, and crappie. All fish species except for crappie are currently managed under statewide harvest regulations. From 1 December until the last day of February, anglers are required to keep the first 25 crappie they catch each day regardless of size to minimize excess mortality due to fish being caught in deep water.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad has been stable over the last few surveys with many being available as prey to most sport fish. The relative abundance of Bluegill was high providing good forage for sport fish. Electrofishing catch rate of Redear Sunfish increased in 2022, with fish up to 10 inches in length, providing an excellent angling opportunity.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish catch rates in tandem hoop nets have been variable over the past three surveys. However, abundance and size structure have been indicative of a quality population. Low frequency electrofishing was conducted to survey Flathead Catfish and only four fish were collected. Fishing for catfish accounted for 5% of total directed angling effort during the 2022/2023 angler creel survey.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rates have been stable in recent surveys. Growth rates were moderate and body condition indicated adequate prey availability. Sixty percent of overall angling effort was directed towards Largemouth Bass in the 2018/2019 creel survey.
• Crappie: Historically, crappie catches in standard trap nets were poor. In 2019 and 2013, crappie were surveyed using tandem hoop nets. The number of fish collected has been insufficient to meet sampling objectives. Crappie were the second highest targeted species by anglers during the 2022/2023 creel survey accounting for 32% of overall angling effort.

Management Strategies

We will request Lone Star Bass stocking every other year to maintain contribution of Florida Largemouth Bass genetics in the reservoir. Additionally, electrofishing surveys in 2024 and 2026 will be used to monitor Largemouth Bass and prey fish populations. Tandem hoop netting for Channel Catfish and crappie 2027. An angler creel survey will be conducted from June 2026 through May 2027. Finally, annual vegetation surveys will be conducted to monitor invasive plant species.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program