Striker Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Jacob D. Norman and Richard A. Ott Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
Tyler South District, 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 Striker Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using daytime electrofishing and in 2017 using tandem hoop nets. Historical data are presented with the 2016-2017 data for comparison where appropriate. 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 an impoundment of Striker Creek, a tributary of the Angelina River in the Neches River Basin. The Angelina-Nacogdoches County Water Control and Improvement District is the controlling authority. Primary uses are flood control, condenser cooling for a steam-electric generating plant, and recreation. This reservoir has a surface area of 1,920 acres at conservation pool (293 feet MSL), a shoreline length of 13.7 miles, and an average depth of 15 feet. Water level fluctuates 1-3 feet annually. Two public boat ramps are available and bank access is adequate.

Management History

Important sport fish include catfish, black bass, crappie, and White Bass. The management plan from the 2008 survey report included stocking Blue Catfish at 50 fish/acre in 2009 and 2010. Striker Reservoir has limited habitat which has resulted in reduced fish recruitment and angler catch. In 2010, brush piles were introduced to improve angler catch. Giant Salvinia was identified on the reservoir in fall 2012. Periodic herbicide treatments were initiated in 2014 and have continued to present. A treatment plan allowing property owners to remove and dispose of Salvinia mechanically was initiated in 2014. In 2015 a floating barrier was installed in early spring and Salvinia weevils were released in the fall. By 2016 the area of occupancy by Giant Salvinia was significantly reduced.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Historically, prey abundance has been relatively low. In 2016, Threadfin Shad abundance was higher than Gizzard Shad and few Gizzard Shad were suitable size as prey. Total electrofishing catch of sunfishes (Warmouth, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, and Redear Sunfish) was higher than shad and most were of suitable size.
• Catfishes: No Blue or Channel Catfish were collected in tandem hoop net samples but anecdotal information suggests catfish were still present.
• White Bass: White Bass were observed during electrofishing but are not a target species so were not collected.
• Black Bass: Spotted Bass were collected but are unlikely to support a fishery. Largemouth Bass size distribution is within the target range for a balanced population but relative abundance is low and condition is poor.

Management Strategies

Continue assisting the controlling authority with Giant Salvinia management. Continue annual vegetation surveys. Conduct the next full sampling cycle and report in 2019-2020.

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