Marble Falls Reservoir 2013 Survey Report (PDF 589.3 KB)
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Marble Falls Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report
Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Marcos J. De Jesus
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-C,
San Marcos, 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 Marble Falls Reservoir were surveyed in 2013 using electrofishing and in 2014 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2013-2014 data for comparison. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Marble Falls Reservoir is a 573-acre main-stem stable-level impoundment of the Colorado River, located in the City of Marble Falls, Burnet County, TX. It was constructed in 1951 by the Lower Colorado River Authority for purposes of hydroelectric power, recreation and water supply. The reservoir is riverine in nature with a limited number of coves and creeks. The reservoir area represents a geological transition between granite outcroppings and limestone formations of the Edwards Plateau, and its shoreline length is approximately 19 miles. The majority of the shoreline is private; however, three public boat ramps are available.
Management History
Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and catfish species. Florida Largemouth Bass was stocked in Marble Falls Reservoir in 1999 to increase Florida bass genetic influence. Channel Catfish were last stocked in 2012. Trap netting for White Crappie was not performed due to historically low catch rates and the high cost/benefit ratio associated with collecting these data. The lake is managed under statewide regulations.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, and Gizzard Shad were the predominant prey species available. Larger Redbreast Sunfish (≥ 6 inches) were present in good numbers, providing fishing opportunities for panfish anglers. Redear Sunfish and Longear Sunfish were also present.
- Catfishes: Channel Catfish was the predominant catfish species. All Channel Catfish were of harvestable size and up to 18 inches in length. Flathead Catfish were present in low densities, but tended to be large. Blue Catfish were not observed.
- Black basses: Largemouth Bass were abundant, but the population was dominated by sub-legal-length fish. Electrofishing catch rate improved since the last two surveys. On average, bass reached 14 inches by 2 years. Body condition of Largemouth Bass was adequate. Guadalupe Bass were also present at low densities.
Management Strategies
- The reservoir’s fish population should continue to be managed with existing harvest regulations.
- Conduct general monitoring surveys with gill nets and electrofishing equipment in 2017-2018.
- Standard access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2017/2018.
- Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-4 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program