Medina Reservoir - 2008 Survey Report

Prepared by John Dennis and Randy Myers
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-D, San Antonio, 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 Medina Reservoir were surveyed in 2008 using electrofishing and in 2009 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

Medina Reservoir (5,410 acres), constructed in 1913, is located on the Medina River in Medina and Bandera counties, Texas. It was built primarily for irrigation water supply. Angler access is adequate with one public boat ramp and four private ramps open to the public. Bank angling access is fair and available at the boat ramps. The reservoir is deep, having an average depth of 46 feet, and infertile with a secchi depth that exceeds 6 feet. Most of the shoreline (75%) is characterized as rock bluff or rocks and gravel. Boat docks occur along 24% of the shoreline. The reservoir contained no aquatic vegetation in 2008.

Management History

Important sport fish include largemouth bass, palmetto and white basses, and blue and channel catfishes. Harvest of these species is managed according to standard state-wide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species:Gizzard shad abundance was slightly decreased in 2008 compared to previous years and few were of a suitable size as prey for predators. Bluegill abundance has increased dramatically over previous years with the majority suitably-sized as forage for predators.
• Catfishes: Blue catfish abundance increased, but size structure declined in 2009 compared to previous years. The population is comprised mainly of fish <16 inches. Channel catfish abundance and size structure in 2009 was similar compared to previous years. The population remains comprised mostly of fish >12 inches.
• Temperate basses:Abundance of white and palmetto basses was greater in 2007 than 2009. Population size structures declined in 2009 for both species.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass abundance was greater in 2008 than in previous years but population size structure declined; few fish >14 inches were present in the population.

Management Strategies

Based on survey results all species should continue to be managed under current harvest regulations. Monitor fish populations with standard sampling conducted in 2012-2013, with the exception of gillnet sampling which will occur every other spring (2011 and 2013). Maintain the palmetto bass fishery by stocking every other year.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-34 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program