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Possum Kingdom Reservoir 2006 Survey Report media download(PDF 851.5 KB)

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Possum Kingdom Reservoir - 2006 Survey Report

Prepared by Mark Howell and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-E, Wichita Falls, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 40-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Possum Kingdom Reservoir were surveyed in 2006 using trap nets and electrofishing and in 2007 using gill nets. A creel survey was conducted during June–November 2006 and March–May 2007. This report summarizes the survey results and contains a management plan based on the findings.

Reservoir Description

Possum Kingdom Reservoir is a 15,588-acre impoundment located on the Brazos River approximately 76 miles west of Fort Worth. It has a primarily rocky shoreline with many boat docks. The reservoir was within 7 feet of conservation pool (1,000 ft. above mean sea level) from July of 2004 through May 2007.

Management History

Important sport fish include catfish, white bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, and white crappie. Possum Kingdom was managed under statewide regulations until September 1, 2002 when the largemouth bass minimum length limit was raised to 16 inches and the striped bass bag limit was lowered to two per day in response to a golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) fish kill that occurred in early 2001.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Populations of catfish, white bass and largemouth bass are in good shape and should be promoted to increase angler effort. The striped bass population and fishing effort has declined since the initial golden alga induced fish kill in 2001. Striped bass annual stocking efforts should continue. Previous golden alga kills may have given anglers a more negative image than warranted about current fish populations. Additional sampling will occur as gill net surveys will occur every other year starting in 2009 with the effort doubled to 30 net nights per survey. Electrofishing will also occur every other year.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-32 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program