Navarro Mills Reservoir - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Quintin Dean, David R. Smith and Jacob Norman
Inland Fisheries Division
Tyler South District, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 27-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Navarro Mills Reservoir were surveyed in 2024 using daytime electrofishing and trap netting and in 2025 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2024-2025 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

Navarro Mills Reservoir is a 4,336-acre impoundment located on Richland Creek in the Trinity River Basin approximately 9 miles north of Dawson, Texas. Navarro Mills is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); there is no residential shoreline development and angler access is excellent. Habitat features consisted of standing timber, rocks, and terrestrial vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fishes include Largemouth Bass, Blue and Channel Catfish, White Bass, and White Crappie. No stocking has been conducted at Navarro Mills Reservoir since 2003. Fish community surveys are conducted every four years. The reservoir is managed under statewide harvest regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were abundant in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was moderate and most were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was poor and all fish collected were less than 6-inches long.
• Catfishes: Blue and Channel Catfish are present in the reservoir. Blue Catfish were abundant and have the potential to provide excellent angling opportunities. Channel Catfish were present in moderate numbers and still have the opportunity to provide a meaningful fishery within the reservoir.
• Temperate basses: White Bass were present in the reservoir. Population densities continue to fluctuate in relation to reservoir elevation and spring-time precipitation.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass remained at low densities within the reservoir. The population is likely limited by high turbidity, extreme water level fluctuation, and poor littoral habitat.
• Crappie: Black and White Crappie are present within the reservoir. White Crappie continued to dominate the population and displayed good size structure during the 2024 survey. Growth of White Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey was fast, reaching legal length in ~1 year.

Management Strategies

Discussions will continue with USACE staff about potential remedies for reservoir aging and the use of natural or artificial structures throughout the lake. Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species. Continue managing all sport fish under statewide harvest regulations.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program