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New Ballinger Reservoir 2008 Survey Report media download(PDF 325.8 KB)

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New Ballinger Reservoir - 2008 Survey Report

Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Mandy K. Scott
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-C, San Angelo, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 18-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in New Ballinger Reservoir were surveyed in 2008 using electrofishing and trap nets, 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

New Ballinger Reservoir is a 591-acre impoundment located on Valley Creek in the Colorado River basin in Runnels County, Texas. It was constructed in 1984 for municipal water supply and recreation. The reservoir water level dropped dramatically from 1997 to 2004, and the boat ramp was closed to the public for several of those years. The reservoir returned to conservation pool elevation by March 2005. Boat and shoreline access are good, and habitat is predominantly flooded saltcedar. Watershed land use is primarily ranching.

Management History

Important sport fish included largemouth bass, white crappie, white bass, channel catfish and blue catfish. Following its construction in 1984, the reservoir was initially stocked with threadfin shad, coppernose bluegill, redbreast sunfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, palmetto bass, smallmouth bass, Florida largemouth bass and walleye. A severe drop in water level from 1997 to 2004 left the reservoir nearly dry. In 2005 the reservoir reached conservation level and was subsequently stocked with adult gizzard shad, bluegill, largemouth bass, white crappie, and fingerling channel catfish, Florida largemouth bass and walleye to re-build the fishery. Sport fish harvest has been managed according to statewide regulations.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Based on current data, New Ballinger Reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations. The reservoir should be monitored to evaluate the recovering fish populations. A mandatory standard survey is scheduled in 2012-2013 with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing gear to assess important fish populations. Additional sampling is scheduled for 2010-2011 with electrofishing gear and gill nets to monitor the recovery of fish populations.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

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