Proctor Reservoir - 2010 Survey Report

Prepared by Ben Neely and Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Proctor Reservoir were surveyed in 2008 – 2011 with electrofishing, gill nets, and low-frequency electrofishing. 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 4,610-acre reservoir constructed on the Leon River 10 miles north of Comanche, Texas. It has a history of substantial water level fluctuations. The reservoir filled in spring of 2001 after dropping to 20 ft. below conservation level in fall 2000. Substantial flooding occurred in 2007. Water level has stayed within eight feet of conservation level since flood waters receded in late 2007. Habitat features at time of 2010-2011 sampling consisted primarily of dead brush and featureless shoreline. Boat and shoreline access were excellent.

Management History

Important sport fish included largemouth bass, palmetto bass, white crappie, white bass, and channel catfish. Palmetto bass have been stocked almost every year since 1978 to maintain the population. Florida-strain largemouth bass were stocked in 2001, and a 16-inch minimum length limit was implemented in 2002 to help the drought-affected population recover.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Relative abundance of both gizzard shad and bluegill were very high. Additionally, size structure of both species suggested that forage for sport fishes was abundant.
• Catfishes: Blue catfish were present in the reservoir but not in great numbers. The channel catfish population continued to have high relative abundance and was comprised of a wide size-range of fish. Approximately 85% of sampled channel catfish were legal-harvest length.
• Temperate basses: The white bass population was in excellent condition in terms of relative abundance and size distribution. Relative abundance of palmetto bass was low, but a wide size range of fish was sampled. Angling opportunities are plentiful for both white bass and palmetto bass.
• Largemouth bass: Relative abundance of largemouth bass increased from previous samples, but the population was mostly comprised of small individuals. Condition of largemouth bass was good and reflected ample forage availability.
• White crappie: The white crappie population has not been sampled since the 2007 survey report. At that time, the population was in excellent shape, both in terms of numbers of fish and size distribution.

Management Strategies

A 16-in minimum length limit was placed on largemouth bass in 2002 to protect mature fish while the population recovered from drought. Since that time, the population has recovered and the reservoir has not dropped below 10 ft under conservation elevation. Further investigation is required to determine whether to retain the current regulation or revert to the statewide regulation. Palmetto bass should continue being stocked annually to maintain the population.

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