Lake McQueeney - 2005 Survey Report

Prepared by Todd Neahr and John Findeisen
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-E, Mathis, Texas

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 Lake McQueeney were surveyed in 2005 using trap nets and electrofishing, and in 2006 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake McQueeney is located on the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe County. The reservoir, impounded in 1928, is used for hydroelectric generation and recreation. The reservoir is mainstream and maintains a fairly constant water level. Substrate in the upper portion is composed of rock and gravel, while the middle and lower portions are composed of clay, sand, and silt. Land around the reservoir has been heavily developed for residential use. Approximately 73% of the shoreline has been modified with bulkhead. Littoral habitat consisted of boat docks, piers, overhanging brush, both emergent and submergent vegetation, and floating-leaf native aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include largemouth bass, white crappie, and channel catfish. The previous management focus has been on controlling nuisance aquatic vegetation and creating additional habitat. The first objective was to monitor for possible return of hydrilla and water hyacinth and conduct control measures as necessary. This was completed through vegetation surveys conducted every other year. In addition, there was a need to create a communication pathway among homeowner groups, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) Inland Fisheries district office. Creating additional fish habitat was discussed with GBRA but not implemented due to concerns between angling and recreational users.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard shad and bluegill continued to be the predominant prey in the reservoir. Availability of gizzard shad as prey for sportfish varied by year, and availability in 2005 was lower than in past years. Few bluegill were greater than 6 inches total length.
• Catfishes: Blue and channel catfish were present in the reservoir, with channel catfish being more abundant. Gill net surveys conducted in 2006 indicated the majority of channel catfish were greater than legal size.
• Sunfish: Redear and redbreast sunfish reached sizes greater than 8 inches total length in the reservoir. However, angling pressure was unknown at this time of publication.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass exhibited marginal body condition with few fish above legal size. Anecdotal reports from anglers in spring 2006 indicated moderate angling success.
• White crappie: Trap net catch rates of white crappie increased noticeably in 2005. The majority of white crappie were collected in the lower, more shallow section of the reservoir.

Management Strategies

• Continue to work with anglers, recreational users and the GBRA to enhance fish habitat.
• Monitor for return of hydrilla and water hyacinth.
• Obtain funding for a future creel survey on this reservoir.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-31 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program