Millers Creek Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Wes Dutter
Inland Fisheries Division – Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 36-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Millers Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2021-2023 using electrofishing, low-frequency electrofishing, and trap netting. A roving creel survey was also conducted from September 2023 thru May 2024. Historical data are presented with the 2021-2023 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

Millers Creek is a 1,794-acre impoundment located in Baylor County on Millers Creek in the Brazos River Basin approximately 77 miles southwest of Wichita Falls, Texas. The reservoir was completed in 1974 and is owned and operated by the North Central Texas Municipal Water Authority in Munday, Texas. The shoreline habitat consists of natural and rocky shoreline. Shoreline and boat access are adequate.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfish. The management plan from the 2016 survey report included ceasing the stocking of hybrid striped bass because of lack of fishing pressure targeting them. Florida Largemouth Bass were last stocked in 2016 in response to the reservoir refilling after a severe drought.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was very high, and most of the shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch rate of Bluegill was half the historical average with a majority below six inches in length.   
• Catfishes:The Blue Catfish population remained abundant with many quality-length fish available for anglers. Catfish were the most targeted fish during the creel survey. Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir.
• Temperate basses:White Bass and hybrid striped bass were present in the reservoir. Anglers targeting White Bass remained the same as the previous creel survey, while the hybrid striped bass anglers increased significantly.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass abundance has been declining since 2017. Electrofishing catch rate in 2023 was the lowest historically. Legal-length bass numbers declined slightly from previous surveys.
• White Crappie:The White Crappie abundance was the lowest historically recorded. Body condition was good for larger fish.

Management Strategies

• Stock Lone Star Bass in 2025 and 2026 as a result of the reservoir filling with water and inundating flooded terrestrial vegetation.
• Conduct a genetic analysis of Largemouth Bass during the electrofishing survey in 2027.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct general monitoring low-frequency electrofishing, electrofishing, and trap net surveys in 2027.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2027.

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