Proctor Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael D. Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division - Abilene District

This is the authors' summary from a 34-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Proctor Reservoir were surveyed in fall 2022 by using electrofishing and trap netting, as well as in spring 2023 by using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2022-2023 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

Proctor Reservoir is a 4,615-acre impoundment constructed in 1963 on the Leon River and is located 10 miles north of the City of Comanche. Proctor Reservoir is controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Primary uses include flood control, water supply, and recreation. From 2016 to 2023, the reservoir experienced large water level fluctuations. In May 2019, the reservoir caught substantial water to 10 ft. over conservation pool elevation but dropped to 3 ft. below by 2020. In June 2021, the reservoir caught water to over flood stage, but the water level declined rapidly over the summer and continued to decrease to about 10 feet below conservation pool elevation. Since the water level fluctuated over time, aquatic vegetation was limited and was not observed in the reservoir. Habitat features included flooded terrestrial vegetation, rocks, and standing timber. An artificial habitat project was completed in 2019 and 2021 by using artificial habitat structures. Ample bank fishing access was in the park areas, but multiple ramps faced closures due to recent drought conditions.

Management History

Important sport fish included White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, crappie, and catfish. Sunshine Bass fry were stocked as part of a special study from 2014-2017. After fry stockings had poor recruitment, Palmetto Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2017 and 2018. Sunshine Bass fry were stocked in 2020 and fingerlings in 2021-2023. The most recent stocking of Florida Largemouth Bass was in 2019. In 2021, size and harvest limits for Blue and Channel Catfish were changed to a 14-inch minimum length limit and 15-fish daily bag limit. Other sport fishes were managed with the statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The prey base was primarily comprised of Gizzard Shad and Bluegill; however, other sunfish were present. The electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was high and most were suitable sizes to be utilized by most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was good and provided another prey resource, but few Bluegill were greater than 6-inches long.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir. Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish catch rates were low. However, both populations contained fish of legal length.
• Temperate basses: White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass were present in the reservoir. White Bass catch rates were good, and body conditions were excellent. Hybrid Striped Bass catch rate improved since the drought and possible escapement from the reservoir during flooding. However, few fish of legal length were available for anglers. With continued stocking, catch rates will likely improve.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were present in the reservoir in low relative abundance. There were few legal-length fish available to anglers. Nearly 25% of the Largemouth Bass sample at Proctor Reservoir were pure Florida Largemouth Bass.
• Crappie: White Crappie were more abundant than Black Crappie. White Crappie catch rates have been declining, but there were still harvestable length White Crappie available for anglers. Black Crappie continued to exhibit low catch rates.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Hybrid Striped Bass fingerlings at 15 fish/acre.
• Stock Blue Catfish fingerlings upon a substantial rise in water level.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct general monitoring for Largemouth Bass and prey fish with electrofishing in 2026.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets and gill nets surveys in 2026-2027.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2026.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program