Nocona Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Dan Bennett and Greg Cummings
Inland Fisheries Division – Denison District

This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Nocona Reservoir were surveyed in 2023 using electrofishing and trap netting. Aquatic vegetation was surveyed in 2023. Anglers were surveyed from March 2023 through August 2023 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 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

Nocona Reservoir is a 1,362-acre impoundment of Farmers Creek, a tributary of the Red River, located in Montague County. In 2015, water level returned to conservation pool elevation after having been at a much lower level for a prolonged period. Water level remained near conservation pool elevation until fall of 2021 and has declined since. In 2023, the reservoir contained minimal vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and White Crappie. Blue and Channel Catfish as well as White Bass are available to anglers. Sport fishes were managed with statewide regulations. Regulations to decrease harvest of large Blue and Channel Catfish were implemented in 2021 as part of a statewide effort to direct harvest to smaller individuals. Florida Largemouth Bass (FLMB) have been periodically stocked in the reservoir. Aquatic vegetation was problematic in the past but has become minimal in recent years. The management plan from the 2019 survey report included stocking FLMB, promoting the White Crappie and Largemouth Bass fisheries, and continuing to educate the public about the threats from invasive species.

Fish Community

• Prey species:  Threadfin Shad were more abundant in 2023 compared to 2019. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad has declined since 2015. Most Gizzard Shad were not suitable length to be prey for predator species. Electrofishing catch rate of Bluegill in 2023 was lower than 2019.     
• Catfishes:  Sampling was not conducted for catfish in 2023. Historically, Blue and Channel Catfish have been present in low-density. Flathead Catfish are also present. 
• White Bass:  Sampling was not conducted for White Bass in 2023. Historically, White Bass have been present in low-density.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass abundance was similar to previous surveys. Legal-length fish were available to anglers, with occasional trophy-length fish reported.
• White Crappie:  Trap net catch rate of White Crappie declined since the catch of record in 2019. Legal-length crappies were still available to angers. Crappie populations tend to be cyclical with the ability to rebound quickly.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking FLMB every several years to maintain genetic influence and trophy potential.
• Promote the Largemouth Bass fishery at Nocona Reservoir.
• Discuss access improvements with the City of Nocona and add habitat structures to the fishing pier at Joe Benton Park.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets and electrofishing surveys in 2027.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2027.
• Continue public education about invasive species.

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