Leon Reservoir - 2006 Survey Report

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

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 Leon Reservoir were surveyed in 2006 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2007 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

Leon Reservoir is a 1,590-acre impoundment located on the Leon River in the Brazos River Basin approximately seven miles south of Eastland. Water was six to seven feet below conservation level during October to March sampling period, but it filled in late March. Habitat features during sampling period consisted of standing timber, rocks, and boat docks. There were two public boat ramps and limited bank-fishing access.

Management History

In the late 1970s palmetto bass and tiger muskies were stocked in Leon Reservoir. Threadfin shad were introduced in 1984. Florida largemouth bass were last stocked in 1994. Sport fish have always been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of gizzard shad was low, but bluegill catch was high.
• Catfishes: Over 80% of the channel catfish in the 2007 survey were legal length (12 inches) or longer. Flathead catfish were present in the reservoir.
• Temperate basses: The white bass population was excellent, with many fish in the 12- to 15-inch size range available to anglers.
• Largemouth bass: Reproduction and recruitment of fish to adult size has been very good the last few years. The largemouth bass population showed signs of improvement from the drought years of 1998-2002.
• White crappie: White crappie abundance was good in 2006 and has increased since 1998. However, only about one in ten crappie were legal size.

Management Strategies

• Conduct intensive electrofishing survey in 2007 as part of special project to evaluate genetic monitoring program for largemouth bass.
• Conduct additional trap net survey in 2007 to determine if significant increase in water levels translated to improved crappie size structure.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-32 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program