Lake Placid - 2012 Survey Report

Prepared by Greg Binion and John Findeisen
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-E, Mathis, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Placid were surveyed in fall 2012 using electrofishing and trap netting and in spring 2013 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2012-2013 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

Lake Placid is a 214-acre reservoir located on the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe County one-half mile southwest of Seguin. This small impoundment, constructed in 1928, is fed by the Guadalupe River watershed and used for water supply, hydroelectric generation, and recreation. Substrate in the upper portion of the reservoir is primarily composed of rock and gravel, while the middle and lower portions substrate consisted of clay, sand, and silt. Habitat features consisted of boat docks, piers, bulkhead, riprap, and several native aquatic species including water willow, American lotus, and spatterdock.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth, Guadalupe, and Spotted Bass, Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie. The management plan from the 2008 survey report included additional surveys to assess and monitor declines in prey abundance and poor body condition of important sport fish species. Historically, nuisance aquatic vegetation (hydrilla, water hyacinth, and water lettuce) has caused access and recreational problems in the reservoir prior to herbicide treatments and grass carp introductions in 1996. Water hyacinth and water lettuce were observed in small quantities during the 2004 and 2008 vegetation surveys. District staff monitored expansion of nuisance vegetation through periodic surveys over the survey period. Non-native vegetation was not observed during 2012 vegetation survey. Most recent stockings included Florida Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish in 2005. Angler harvest of all sport fishes has been regulated according to statewide size and bag limits.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard and Threadfin Shads comprised the majority of the forage base for the predator assemblage. Bluegill, Redbreast, Redear, and Longear Sunfishes were present, with Bluegill being most abundant. Population size structure for prey species was suitable to support sport fish populations.
• Catfishes: Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfishes were present in the reservoir. Relative abundance of Blue and Channel Catfishes increased from previous surveys and both populations comprised a wide size-range of fish. Several Flathead Catfish were collected and a high percentage of the sampled population consisted of legal-sized (≥18-in) fish.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass abundance increased during the survey period. Several legal-sized (≥14-in) fish were collected and size structure indices indicated a balanced population. Largemouth Bass had adequate growth (mean age at 14 inches was 2.7 years).
• Crappies: Both White and Black Crappies were present in the reservoir; however White Crappie were more abundant. Relative abundance of White Crappie remained stable with legal-size (≥10- in) fish available to anglers. Body conditions were adequate.

Management Strategies

Continue to manage sport fish populations with existing harvest regulations. Conduct additional electrofishing in 2014 to monitor Largemouth Bass population dynamics. Increase habitat diversity through native vegetation plantings and solicit partners or funding for a Lake Placid habitat enhancement program. Monitor non-native exotic species as needed. Conduct access and vegetation surveys in 2016.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program