Mexia Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael S. Baird
Inland Fisheries Division – Waco District

This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Mexia Reservoir were surveyed in 2024 using trap netting and gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2024 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

Mexia Reservoir is a 1,009-acre impoundment located on the Navasota River within the Brazos River Basin, Limestone County. Mexia Reservoir’s water level has been within 6 feet of conservation pool (448.3 feet above mean sea level) since January 2020 and was within two feet of conservation pool during the 2024 surveys. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline, rocky shoreline, bulkhead, boat docks and piers.  

Management History

Important sport fish include catfishes and White Crappie. Sport fish have always been managed with statewide regulations. Blue Catfish were most recently stocked in 2008 and 2022. Recruitment was first observed in 2012, yet the population remained low density until 2020, when record numbers of the species were collected. A complete shoreline habitat survey was conducted in 2011 and no major changes have occurred on the reservoir since that time.  In 2012, information about the reservoir’s loss of volume was shared with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD’s) habitat branch and others who might take on the issue on a watershed scale. No work has been done on this issue since that time.  Electrofishing was discontinued in 2016 due to poor Largemouth Bass catch rates and anecdotal information suggesting the species was rarely sought by anglers on Mexia Reservoir. Data are currently collected on Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish and crappies during trap netting and gill netting surveys. The statewide regulation for Blue and Channel Catfish changed on September 1, 2021; the current regulations are listed in table 3. Recent management efforts consist of vegetation surveys and aquatic invasive species (AIS) education. 

Fish Community

• Prey species:  Prey species were not surveyed independently however based on the condition of collected catfishes, Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad populations are presumed to be stable and healthy.      
• Catfishes:  Collected catfishes included Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish.  Catch rates for both species were above historical averages, and body condition was good to excellent for most length classes.  Flathead Catfish were not collected. 
• White Crappie:  Collected crappies included White Crappie and Black Crappie.  White Crappie were abundant with excellent body condition. Black Crappie were collected in very low numbers.

Management Strategies

Continue managing sport fishes at Mexia Reservoir with statewide regulations. Conduct angler access, vegetation, and electrofishing surveys in 2027, and trap netting and gill netting surveys in 2028. Work to inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program