Oak Creek Reservoir - 2010 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Oak Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2010 using electrofishing gear and trap nets, and in 2011 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

Oak Creek Reservoir is a 2,375-acre impoundment at conservation pool and is located 45 miles north of San Angelo in the northeast corner of Coke County, Texas, in the Colorado River drainage basin. Primary uses included municipal water supply, recreation, and until 2002, cooling water for a power plant. Water level declined 31 feet from January 1998 to April 2003, severely limiting fish production and angler use. Reservoir water level rebounded by October 2007, when it was less than a foot below conservation level. The reservoir was about 9 feet below conservation pool at the time of sampling. Habitat features consisted of natural and rocky shoreline with standing timber and flooded terrestrial vegetation. There were three public boat ramps available.

Management History

Important sport fish included largemouth bass, white crappie, catfishes, and white bass. A variety of fish species have been stocked in the reservoir including threadfin shad, channel and blue catfishes, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin shad continue to maintain a population in the reservoir with a catch rate of 49.0/hr in fall 2010. Electrofishing catch of gizzard shad was high (385.0/h) with 42% of the fish available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of bluegill was low (52.0/h), and most were between 4 and 5 inches in length.
• Catfishes: Blue catfish were relatively abundant and exhibited the broadest size distribution compared to other catfishes. Channel catfish catch rate was low and has declined since the previous survey. Flathead catfish were present in low numbers.
• White bass: White bass abundance was moderate (4.2/h); some large fish (14-15 inches) were captured.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass abundance was low (64.0/h) compared to previous surveys. However, catch rate of harvestable-size fish had improved. Body condition and growth of largemouth bass was adequate.
• White crappie: Abundance of white crappie had increased compared to the last two surveys. Size distribution and body condition of white crappie were good.

Management Strategies

• Sportfish should continue to be managed with statewide regulations.
• Conduct electrofishing and trap net surveys in 2012 and 2014.
• Conduct standard gill netting survey in 2015 and additional gill netting in 2013 to complement additional low frequency electrofishing surveys in 2013 and 2015.
• Conduct access survey in 2014.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-1 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program