Lake Travis - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Patrick Ireland
Inland Fisheries Division - San Marcos-Austin District

This is the authors' summary from a 30-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Travis Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2022 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

Travis Reservoir is an 18,622-acre impoundment of the Colorado River located in Travis and Burnet Counties, approximately 12 miles northwest of Austin, Texas. It was constructed in 1942 by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for purposes of flood control, municipal and industrial water supplies, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Travis Reservoir has a shoreline development index of 18.3. The basin is steep-sided with relatively few shallow coves and shoal areas. This reservoir experiences extreme water level fluctuations and lies within the Edwards Plateau ecological area. Land use is predominantly ranching in the upper reservoir, with residential properties common in the lower reservoir. Significant stands of aquatic vegetation have never been documented in the reservoir. In June 2017, zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha were discovered in the reservoir and since have established a sustained population.

Management History

The sport fish composition includes White Bass, Largemouth Bass, crappies, and catfishes. Florida Largemouth Bass were originally stocked in the reservoir in the late 1980’s to increase Florida Largemouth Bass genetic influence in the population. Blue and Channel Catfish were stocked in the 1970’s to help establish a sustainable population. Striped Bass were stocked since 1973 but stockings were terminated after 2017 due to low utilization. The lake is managed under statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad, Bluegill, and Redbreast Sunfish were the predominant prey species. Overall, the forage base was adequate to support sport fish.
• Catfishes: Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish are present in the reservoir. These species were not sampled thus population statistics could not be calculated.
• Temperate basses: White Bass and Striped Bass were present in the reservoir. White Bass fishing becomes popular during the spring spawning run up the Pedernales and Colorado rivers. Striped Bass stockings were terminated in 2017, however, there are likely a small number of Striped Bass still persisting in the reservoir. These species were not sampled thus population statistics could not be calculated.
• Black Basses: Largemouth Bass abundance remains consistent with the previous two surveys (2018 and 2020). Lake Travis also contains Guadalupe bass. Some Guadalupe bass in the 12- to 15-inch range are available.
• Crappies: Black and White Crappie are present in the reservoir. Crappie were not sampled thus population statistics could not be calculated.

Management Strategies

• Stock Lone Star Bass which are 2nd generation offspring of pure Florida strain ShareLunker Largemouth Bass that have proven to be able to grow to ≥ 13 pounds, if water levels are at or above 670 feet above mean sea level (amsl).
• Conduct a year-long creel survey in 2026-2027.
• Track Largemouth Bass fishing tournament results and Florida Bass genetics to track effectiveness of these stockings.
• Educate the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species, monitor and record potential impacts of zebra mussels on sport fish in the reservoir.
• Conduct bass-only electrofishing survey in 2024 and general monitoring electrofishing survey in 2026.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted 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