Lone Star Lake - 2022 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lone Star Lake were surveyed in 2022 using electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 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

Lone Star Lake is a 1,516-acre impoundment located on Ellison Creek in the Cypress River Basin in Morris County. Structural habitat is sparse, but is comprised of brush, riprap, creek channels, and boat docks. Hydrilla was discovered in the reservoir in 2006 and has needed occasional herbicide treatment by homeowner groups. A fish consumption advisory was issued due to PCB contamination in 2005 and remains in effect.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass. White Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie, and Channel Catfish are present in this reservoir, but have low historical abundance and limited directed angling effort. All sport fish have historically been managed with statewide harvest regulations. Florida Largemouth Bass have been stocked in this reservoir to improve the quality of the Largemouth Bass fishery. Palmetto Bass stocking was discontinued in 2005 due to the fish consumption advisory. Hydrilla was discovered in the reservoir in 2006 and herbicide treatments were conducted in 2006 and 2007. Environmental conditions caused a reduction in native vegetation in 2010, but vegetation coverage returned to previous levels in subsequent years. Hydrilla was treated with herbicide in 2016 and 2022 by homeowners whose reservoir access was impeded by heavy growth. Giant salvinia was discovered in 2020 and has been managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Aquatic Habitat Enhancement team.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, and several species of sunfish were present, indicating good forage diversity. Bluegill were the most abundant sunfish species. Redear Sunfish catch rates have declined since previous surveys. The sunfish population generally displayed a small size structure with few large (>8 inches) sunfish for anglers but abundant smaller fish for predators.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were abundant with many fish over 14 inches observed. Largemouth Bass growth has been consistently fast in recent surveys, with good body condition indicating an excellent forage base. Many Largemouth Bass under 10 inches were observed during the 2022 survey, which should result in an increased number of larger fish in the population over the next several years. Spotted Bass were present but comprised a small part of the black bass community.
  

Management Strategies

Conduct electrofishing surveys in fall 2024 and 2026 to monitor the Largemouth Bass and prey populations. Annual vegetation surveys will be conducted to monitor hydrilla, alligatorweed, giant salvinia and any other invasive 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