Lost Creek Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report

Prepared by Tom Lang and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division - Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 28-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Largemouth Bass and prey populations in Lost Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2014 using daytime electrofishing. Other species historically found in the reservoir were not surveyed since past creel surveys determined that the majority of anglers are targeting the Largemouth Bass population. Anglers were surveyed from June-November 2014 and March-May 2015 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2014-2015 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

Lost Creek Reservoir is a 385-acre impoundment located on Lost Creek, a tributary of the West Fork of the Trinity River approximately 58 miles south of Wichita Falls. It has a primarily rocky shoreline with flooded timber. Lost Creek water quality was good with very little turbidity.

Management History

Historically important sport fish include Channel Catfish, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, and White Crappie. The Largemouth Bass minimum length limit was reduced from 16 inches to the statewide 14-inch regulation on September 1, 2003. Stocking of advanced size Channel Catfish last occurred in 2008. Threadfin Shad were stocked at the reservoir in 2008 and 2009 in an effort to boost the amount of available prey.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The Gizzard Shad catch rate was below average for the reservoir, but Gizzard Shad abundance has historically been poor. The Gizzard Shad sampled were too big for predators to consume. Threadfin Shad were sampled in low abundance indicating that the introductory stockings have contributed to the prey base. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) for Bluegill was the lowest ever. Green Sunfish, Warmouth, Redear Sunfish, and Longear Sunfish supplemented the prey base. In addition to these species, Logperch and Inland Silversides were present with Inland Silversides being abundant but Logperch being scarce.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish have historically been present in low abundance. During the creel survey, several quality sized Channel Catfish were harvested. Channel Catfish have historically been present in low abundance. During the creel survey, several quality sized Channel Catfish were harvested.
• White Bass: White Bass were present in the reservoir and sought by anglers. This species was illegally introduced by the public. The reproducing population puts an increased demand on the somewhat limited prey base.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass had the lowest electrofishing catch rate recorded. This was caused by the low reservoir elevation at time of the survey. The littoral zone was almost exclusively standing trees which made boat maneuvering next to impossible and resulted in sampling deeper water than is ideal. Few legal length bass were sampled and body condition, as measured by relative weight was considered poor.
• White Crappie: White Crappie have historically been present in low abundance, though none were documented during the present survey year.

Management Strategies

Conduct an objective-based electrofishing survey in 2018 to gather in-depth information on the Largemouth Bass population, the most-targeted species in the reservoir based on creel survey results.

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