McClellan Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report

Prepared by Charles Munger and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-A, Canyon, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 11-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish Populations in McClellan Reservoir were not surveyed in fall 2013 and spring 2014 due to drought conditions.

Reservoir Description

McClellan Reservoir is a 405-acre reservoir located 64 miles east of Amarillo, Texas, on McClellan Creek in the Red River Basin. It is owned and operated by the United States Forest Service as part of the Black Kettle National Grassland and is used for recreational purposes. No water level data is recorded for the reservoir, but it has a history of extreme water level fluctuations. The maximum estimated water depth for the reservoir is 25 feet. Extensive excavation was done within the basin in 2001 and 2002 to allow for better water retention. Since the drought began in about 2000, the reservoir has filled to capacity twice and been completely dry 5 times, the latest in summer 2013. The reservoir currently (May 12, 2014) has a maximum depth of about 3 feet. Boat access consisted of two public boat ramps. The shoreline is 100% accessible to bank anglers. There are no handicap-specific facilities. Primary habitat was mud bank and cobble.

Management History

Important sport fish have included White Crappie and catfish. The US Forest Service did extensive excavation within the basin in 2001 and 2002 with the goal of improved water retention. Harvest of sportfishes is managed with statewide regulations. Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass were stocked when water conditions permitted. Saugeye were stocked to help reduce an overabundant crappie population.

Fish Community

• Prey species: No data collected due to drought.
• Catfishes: No data collected due to drought.
• Largemouth Bass: No data collected due to drought.
• White Crappie: No data collected due to drought.
• Saugeye: No data collected due to drought.

Management Strategies

Based on current information, and due to extreme water level fluctuations, sportfishes should continue to be managed with existing statewide regulations. The focus will be on providing a catfish fishery in the next few years, if water levels and drought conditions allow for continued survival. Blue and Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill will be requested and stocked as available and as water levels permit. Black Bullhead have become overabundant in the reservoir in the past. Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish adults will be collected and stocked to help manage the Black Bullhead problem if it recurs.

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