Striker Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared byJacob D. Norman
Inland Fisheries Division
Tyler District, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 26-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Striker Reservoir were surveyed in 2023 using low-frequency electrofishing and trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 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

Striker Reservoir is a 1,920-acre impoundment located on Striker Creek in the Angelina River Basin, approximately 10 miles southeast of New Summerfield, Texas. Primary water uses are flood control, condenser cooling for a steam-electric generating plant and recreation. Water level has remained within three feet of conservation pool since 2017. Striker Reservoir has moderate productivity. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline, boat docks, native vegetation and giant salvinia.

Management History

Important sport fish include crappie, black bass, White Bass and catfish. Blue Catfish were stocked in 2009 and 2010 and Channel Catfish were stocked in 2018. In 2010, brush piles were introduced to improve angler catch. Giant salvinia was identified on the reservoir in the fall of 2012. Periodic herbicide treatments were initiated in 2014 and have continued to present. A treatment plan allowing property owner to remove and dispose of giant salvinia mechanically was initiated in 2014. In 2015 a floating barrier was installed in early spring and giant salvinia weevils were released in the fall for further control.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Prey abundance has been low historically. Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad and sunfish species are present in low abundance. Due to consistently poor electrofishing results, prey species were not surveyed during this reporting period.
• Catfishes: Blue and Channel Catfish are present in the reservoir in low densities.. 
• Largemouth Bass: Historically, Largemouth Bass have been present in low densities, likely from a combination of turbid water and limited littoral habitat resulting in poor recruitment. Due to consistently poor electrofishing results, Largemouth Bass were not surveyed during this reporting period.
• White Bass: Historically, White Bass have been present in low densities, The poor prey base likely limits White Bass abundance. Due to consistently poor gill netting results, White Bass were not surveyed during this reporting period.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were present in the reservoir, but historical sampling data suggests variable population abundance, year-to-year.

Management Strategies

Continue assisting the controlling authority with giant salvinia management and continue annual Aquatic Nuisance Species surveys. Continue managing all sport fish with statewide harvest regulations. Survey Blue Catfish using low-frequency electrofishing and crappie using trap nets in 2027.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program