Lavon Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Greg Cummings and Dan Bennett
Inland Fisheries Division - Denison District

This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lavon Reservoir were surveyed in 2022 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2023 using gill netting and jug lining. Historical data are presented with the 2022-2023 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

Lavon Reservoir is a 21,400-acre impoundment located on the East Fork Trinity River approximately 8 miles east of McKinney. Water level has fluctuated widely in the last decade yet has remained above or near the conservation elevation (492 feet above mean sea level) since 2015. Lavon Reservoir has high productivity. Habitat features consisted mainly of riprap along the dam and railroad bridges, dead trees and stumps, and rocky shoreline. Standing dead timber is prevalent in the upper reservoir. Aquatic vegetation is limited due to extreme water-level fluctuations.

Management History

Important sport fishes include White Bass, Largemouth Bass, crappie, and catfish. All species except Channel and Blue Catfish are managed with statewide regulations. Regulations meant to restrict harvest of large Channel and Blue Catfish were implemented in 2021. Florida Largemouth Bass have been stocked periodically to improve Largemouth Bass genetics. District staff served on a committee to develop a Watershed Protection Plan for Lavon Reservoir. Public education and monitoring for zebra mussels have focused on Lavon Reservoir to help prevent introduction and colonization.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad were present in moderate abundance and available as prey to most fishes. Bluegill and Longear Sunfish were abundant and provided a good prey base for sport fishes.
• Catfishes: Blue Catfish continued to be abundant with some larger individuals available to anglers. Channel Catfish continued to have low abundance.
• Temperate basses: White Bass abundance declined since the catch of record in 2019, but many legal-length fish were still available to anglers. Yellow Bass were numerous.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate was a new record. Elevated lake levels have improved reproduction and recruitment. Many legal-length fish were available to anglers.
• Crappie: White Crappie remained abundant with harvestable fish available to anglers. Most White Crappie reached legal-length by age one. Black Crappie were less abundant but catch rates have generally increased, with a record catch in 2022.

Management Strategies

• Conduct general monitoring with electrofishing surveys, trap nets, and gill nets in 2026-2027.
• Collect genetic data for Largemouth Bass from electrofishing survey in 2026.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2026.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Continue to evaluate mortality estimates for White Crappie.

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