Richland Chambers Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by David R. Smith and Jake Norman
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler South District

This is the authors' summary from a 39-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Richland-Chambers Reservoir were surveyed from 2021–2023 using electrofishing in 2022, gill netting in 2021 and 2023, and a three-quarter creel survey (June 1–August 31, 2022, September 1–November 30 2022, March 1–May 31 2023) from June 2022 to May 2023. Historical data are presented with the 2021–2023 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

Richland-Chambers Reservoir is a 41,356-acre reservoir (at full pool) on the Richland and Chambers Creek tributaries of the Trinity River. Boat access is adequate, but bank angler access is limited. At full pool, boats can be launched from nine boat ramps surrounding the lake, of which five are available without a fee. Aquatic vegetation has been historically limited in the waterbody.

Management History

Important sport fish include temperate basses (White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass), Largemouth Bass, catfish (Blue and Channel Catfish), and crappie (White and Black Crappie). Requests for stocking of Hybrid Striped Bass have been submitted annually.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were abundant in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was also high, and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish.
• Catfish: Blue Catfish were abundant and provide excellent angling opportunities and supported a popular fishery. Channel Catfish were also present at a lower relative abundance.
• Temperate basses: Temperate basses provided a popular fishery in the reservoir and were the second most targeted by anglers. While recent gill net surveys have not encountered many Hybrid Striped Bass or White Bass, angler catch rates were high among anglers.
• Black bass: The majority of anglers (55%) fishing the reservoir were targeting black bass. While angler catch rates were moderate, the number of fish caught at a memorable size was relatively high and greatly improved from the last creel survey. Electrofishing surveys indicate that Largemouth Bass were relatively abundant with good body condition and a size structure indicative of a balanced population.
• Crappie: Both Black and White Crappie were present and supported another popular fishery. Crappie provided good angler catch rates in the most recent creel survey.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Hybrid Striped Bass at 10–15 fish/acre annually.
• Stock Florida Largemouth Bass annually at 1,000 fish/km of shoreline, when adequate shoreline habitat is present.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct an electrofishing survey in 2026, gill net surveys in 2025 and 2027, a creel survey from 2026–2027, and a vegetation survey 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