Proctor Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Proctor Reservoir were surveyed by low-frequency electrofishing in 2014, electrofishing in 2012 and 2014, trap netting in 2014, and gill netting in 2015. Historical data are presented with the recent 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 4,610-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 water uses included flood control, water supply, and recreation. The reservoir has a history of large water level fluctuations. Water level reached conservation pool (CP) in 2007 and 2012 but declined to 12 feet below CP in April 2015. During the beginning of the 2014 survey period, boater access was reduced to only two usable ramps. In early May 2015, the water level increased to CP allowing for the re-opening of all ramps. Bank fishing access was good, and there were handicap-accessible fishing piers.

Management History

Palmetto bass (female Striped Bass x male White Bass) have been stocked almost every year since 1978 to maintain the population. Sunshine bass (female White Bass x male Striped Bass) were stocked in 2014 and 2015. The most recent stocking of Florida Largemouth Bass was in 2014. Harvest of all sport fishes are currently regulated by statewide size and bag limits.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Forage was abundant and consisted primarily of Gizzard Shad. Threadfin Shad, Bluegill, and Longear Sunfish were also available as prey. Prey species were of sizes that were available to most sport fish.
• Catfishes: Blue, Channel, and Flathead catfishes were present in the reservoir but in low relative abundance.
• White Bass: White Bass relative abundance in 2015 was lower than previously reported, and all fish sampled were harvestable size.
• Hybrid Striped Bass: In 2015, relative abundance of hybrid Striped Bass was higher than previously reported in 2011 with a wide size range of fish sampled. An adequate number of hybrid Striped Bass were harvestable size.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass relative abundance and number of large fish decreased from 2010 to 2014. Low water level and lack of suitable habitat may have decreased Largemouth Bass reproduction and recruitment.
• Crappies: White and Black crappies were present in the reservoir; White Crappie were more abundant in the survey. In 2014, White Crappie CPUE increased compared to previous years. Size distribution was comprised of smaller fish, and few fish were harvestable size.

Management Strategies

Largemouth Bass, forage fish, and crappie will be surveyed in 2016. Trap netting, gill netting, electrofishing surveys, and low-frequency electrofishing will be conducted in 2018-2019 for relative abundance, size structure, and mean relative weight data. Access and habitat surveys will be conducted in 2018. Work on possible boat ramp extension projects. Stock hybrid Striped Bass. Inform the public of the threat and impact of invasive species.

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