Nocona Reservoir - 2019 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Nocona Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing and trap netting. Aquatic vegetation was surveyed in 2019. Historical data are presented with the 2019 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 during the study period. In 2019, 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.  Threadfin Shad and 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 2015 survey report included recommendations to stock Threadfin Shad and Florida Largemouth Bass (FLMB), evaluate genetics, and continue to educate the public about the threats from invasive species.

Fish Community

• Prey species:  Threadfin Shad were collected in 2019, whereas they were not collected in the previous survey. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was lower in 2019 than in previous years.  Most Gizzard Shad were suitable length to be prey for predator species. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill remained high in 2019.    
• Catfishes:  Sampling was not conducted for catfish in 2019. Historically, Blue and Channel Catfish have been present in low-density. 
• White Bass:  Sampling was not conducted for White Bass in 2019.  Historically, White Bass have been present in low-density.
• Largemouth Bass:  Largemouth Bass abundance was similar to previous surveys. However, more legal-length fish were available to anglers. Genetic introgression of FLMB increased in 2019.
• White Crappie:  Trap net catch rate of White Crappie was a new record. The catch rate of legal-length crappie was also a new record. Most crappie are in good condition, but growth rate has declined.  Elevated water levels have allowed White Crappie to flourish.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking FLMB to maintain genetic influence and trophy potential.  
• Promote the White Crappie and Largemouth Bass fisheries in Nocona Reservoir.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets and electrofishing surveys in 2023. 
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2023. 
• 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