McClellan Reservoir - 2017 Survey Report

Prepared by Charles Munger and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division
Amarillo District, Canyon, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 20-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in McClellan Reservoir were surveyed in 2017 using electrofishing and in 2018 using trap netting and gill nets. Historical data are presented with the current 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

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 reservoir has gone dry three times since 2000. The reservoir was completely dry in 2014 and filled to near capacity in May, 2015. The maximum estimated water depth for the reservoir is 25 feet. The reservoir currently (April 5, 2018) has a maximum depth of about 7 feet. Boat access consisted of two public boat ramps. Only the north ramp is accessible to anglers. The shoreline is 100% accessible to bank anglers. There are no handicap-specific facilities. Primary habitat consisted of smartweed growing along mud bank mixed with cobble.

Management History

Important sport fish have historically included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie and Channel Catfish. The US Forest Service did extensive excavation within the basin in 2001 and 2002 with the goal of improved water retention. Harvest of sport fishes is managed with statewide regulations. Since refilling in 2015, the reservoir was stocked with Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish in 2016.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Bluegill catch rate increased from 2016 to 2017, and the population was dominated by 5-inch fish. No Gizzard Shad were sampled in 2016 or 2017.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish ranging from 9 to 22 inches total length were surveyed with gill nets.
• Largemouth Bass: The electrofishing catch rate for Largemouth Bass has increased from 58.0/h in 2016 to 154.7/h in 2017. Size structure was still dominated by smaller individuals, but there has been an increase in the number of legal-size fish.
• White Crappie: No White Crappie were collected during the sampling period.

Management Strategies

Based on current information, and due to extreme water level fluctuations, sport fishes should continue to be managed with existing statewide regulations.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program