Leon Reservoir - 2010 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 26-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Leon Reservoir were surveyed in 2004-2011 using electrofishing, gill nets, and trap 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 level was 6 to 8 feet below conservation level during October to March sampling period. Habitat features during sampling period consisted of standing timber, open water, rocks, and boat docks. Hydrilla was found for the first time during the 2010 habitat survey. One public boat ramp was usable and bank-fishing access was limited to boat-ramp areas and LaMancha resort.

Management History

In the late 1970s palmetto bass and tiger musky were stocked in Leon Reservoir. Threadfin shad were introduced in 1984. Florida largemouth bass were last stocked in 2008. Sport fish have always been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Numbers and size range of gizzard shad, bluegill, and threadfin shad should be good enough to support existing sport fishes.
• Catfishes: Numbers and size range of channel catfish improved. Channel catfish should provide excellent fishing opportunities. Flathead catfish were present.
• White bass: Fewer white bass were collected in 2011 compared to previous surveys. However, the 2011 catch was more likely related to sampling variability than to an actual decline in white bass abundance.
• Largemouth bass: Adult largemouth bass were abundant. Size distribution indicated that few larger fish (> 14 inches in length) were present relative to smaller fish, but there has been improvement in recent years. Body condition was below what was expected for largemouth bass in this reservoir.
• Crappie: Crappie size distribution, based on a 2008 survey, indicated that few crappie of legal size were available to anglers. However, growth and condition of crappie were favorable. Fishing reports in winter of 2010/2011 indicated that catch of legal-size crappie (black and white) was excellent.

Management Strategies

• Closely monitor hydrilla distribution and inform controlling authority of the presence of hydrilla and control options.
• Continue long-term monitoring of largemouth bass, forage, and crappie populations. Cooperate with controlling authority to improve boat ramps.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-1 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program