Lake Tawakoni - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Jacob Norman and David Smith
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler North District

This is the authors' summary from a 37-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Tawakoni were surveyed in 2021 and 2023 with gill nets and in 2022 with electrofishing. Anglers were surveyed from June through May 2021/2022 with a creel survey. 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

Lake Tawakoni is a 37,325-acre impoundment located on the South Fork and Cowleech Fork at the headwaters of the Sabine River, approximately 50 miles east of Dallas, Texas. Primary water uses included municipal water supply and recreation. Water level has remained within 3.5 feet of conservation pool since 2016. Lake Tawakoni has high productivity. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline, floating and emergent vegetation, standing timber and boat docks.

Management History

Important sport fish include Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, White Bass, Blue and Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and crappie. Annual requests are submitted to stock Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass to maintain these fisheries. The Blue and Channel Catfish regulation was first changed from statewide regulations in 2016, to a trophy-oriented regulation allowing the harvest of 25 fish with no minimum length limit, with no more than seven over 20-inches, and no more than two of those over 30-inches. This regulation was further adjusted in 2021, allowing 25 fish per day (no minimum length limit), with no more than five fish over 20-inches and only one of those could be over 30-inches.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were abundant in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was moderate and 82% were available as prey to most sport fish. Only six sunfish were observed during the 2022 electrofishing survey; the reservoir has historically contained a very low-density sunfish population.
• Catfish: Both Blue and Channel Catfish exist in the reservoir; Blue Catfish remained more abundant and trophy fishing opportunities are still excellent. Catfish continued to provide a quality fishery and angler catch rates were comparable to the previous survey. However, directed effort and harvest in the most recent creel survey declined from the previous three surveys.
• Temperate Bass: Lake Tawakoni contains a diverse mix of temperate bass including White Bass, Striped Bass, and Hybrid Striped Bass supported by an ample prey base and abundant open water habitat. Temperate bass were the most targeted fish at Lake Tawakoni, accounting for 23% of angling effort. Annual requests are submitted to stock Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass.
• Largemouth Bass: Traditional electrofishing surveys produced variable and low catch rates for Largemouth Bass, and subsequently hadn’t been conducted since 2014. Creel surveys and tournament data suggested a popular fishery exists. A biologist selected daytime electrofishing survey was conducted in 2022 to further asses the bass population; 31% of the fish collected in 2022 were > 14-inches.
• Crappie: Black and White Crappie were present in the reservoir and continued to provide a popular fishery. Crappie were one the most popular species (equivalent to temperate bass) targeted during the most recent creel survey, accounting for 23% of all angling effort. Directed effort towards crappie increased from previous creel surveys, however, angler catch rate declined.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass to maintain the quality temperate bass fishery.
• Inform Lake Tawakoni angling groups about ongoing management and research efforts.
• Continue managing Blue and Channel Catfish with the current trophy-oriented regulation.

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