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San Augustine City Lake 2022 Survey Report

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San Augustine City Lake - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Dan Ashe and Todd Driscoll
Inland Fisheries Division - Jasper District

This is the authors' summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in San Augustine City Lake were surveyed in 2022 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2023 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

San Augustine City Lake is an impoundment of Carrizo and Caney creeks. The City of San Augustine is the controlling authority, and primary uses are water supply and recreation. This reservoir has a surface area of 200 acres, a shoreline length of 5.5 miles, and a mean depth of 10 feet. Water level fluctuations average three feet annually. Boat and bank access are adequate, with one boat ramp present.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, White and Black Crappie, and Channel Catfish. Historically, hydrilla has been problematic. In 2002, coverage was 75% of the reservoir surface area, and Largemouth Bass growth and body condition were poor. During 2002 and 2003, Triploid Grass Carp were stocked at a rate of 4 fish/vegetated acre (600 fish total) in an attempt to reduce hydrilla coverage to 10-15%. In 2005, hydrilla coverage was reduced to a manageable level (50 acres), but drought conditions throughout 2006 (coupled with Triploid Grass Carp presence) resulted in the eradication of hydrilla. No hydrilla has been observed since 2006. Four artificial fish attractor sites were established in 2017. Largemouth Bass were managed with a 14- to 18-inch slot length limit from 2004 until 2018. In 2018, the regulation was changed to the statewide 14-inch minimum length limit due to ineffectiveness of the slot length limit to increase abundance of > 14-inch fish and to simplify regulations statewide.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Inspect artificial habitat structures in 2026 and repair or refurbish if needed. Coordinate with the City of San Augustine to control or eradicate any invasive aquatic vegetation infestations that may occur.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

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