Lake Placid - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Spencer Dorsey and Dusty McDonald
Inland Fisheries Division
Corpus Christi District, Mathis, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 16-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Placid Reservoir were not sampled during the current sampling period due to extreme low water levels. On October 14, 2021, the spillgates on Placid Reservoir were opened to release storm water from the reservoir and a mechanical failure of the gates resulted in the reservoir being dewatered and returning to the historic river channel. Repairing the existing dam structure was deemed infeasible and the decision to replace it with a new structure was determined. Construction of the new structure is currently underway with completion anticipated by the end of 2025. A management plan for the reservoir has been prepared and will be initiated when construction of the new dam structure is complete, and the reservoir fills to conservation pool elevation.

Reservoir Description

Placid Reservoir is a 214-acre impoundment located on the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe County, one-half mile southwest of Seguin, Texas. This small impoundment, constructed in 1928, is fed by the Guadalupe River watershed and used for water supply, hydroelectric generation, and recreation. Following a dewatering event in 2021, water level has been restricted to the historic river channel. When at conservation pool, habitat features consisted of boat docks, piers, bulkhead, riprap, and several species of native aquatic vegetation including spatterdock, water willow, and cattail.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfish. Florida Largemouth Bass were introduced in the mid-1990s, mid-2000s, and most recently in 2017. The management plan from the 2020 survey report included highlighting the fishery through social media and press releases, stocking Florida Largemouth Bass when conditions are ideal, and continuing to monitor for invasive species. Historically, nuisance aquatic vegetation has caused access and recreational problems, however intensive herbicide treatments and intermittent scouring due to flooding appears to have mitigated vegetation issues. No vegetation management actions have been necessary over recent years.

Fish Community

• Due to reservoir conditions, fish community data were not presented. Historical fisheries data are available in Placid Reservoir Fisheries Management Survey Report (McDonald and Binion 2021).

Management Strategies

• Mainly work on rebuilding the reservoir sport fishery by surveying post-impoundment inventories and restoring habitat and fish communities in collaboration with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA).

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