Twin Buttes Reservoir - 2019 Survey Report

Prepared by Lynn D. Wright
Inland Fisheries Division – San Angelo District

This is the authors' summary from a 31-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Twin Buttes Reservoir were surveyed in 2017 and 2019 using electrofishing, trap netting and in 2018 and 2020 using gill netting. Tandem hoop netting was used in 2020. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2020 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

Twin Buttes Reservoir is a 9,080-acre impoundment located 3 miles southwest of San Angelo, Texas in Tom Green County. The reservoir consists of two pools (“North Pool” and “South Pool”) connected by an equalization channel. This eutrophic reservoir experiences dramatic water level fluctuations and has extensive fish habitat mostly in the form of flooded terrestrial vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfishes. Sport fishes have been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was poor and less than one-third of Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was adequate, but lower than previous surveys.  
• Catfishes: The Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish populations continued to be characterized by low abundance, but with quality sizes. Blue and Channel Catfish over 20 inches were common and one Flathead Catfish at 38 inches was collected.
• Temperate basses: White Bass were present in the reservoir at low abundance. However, large individuals have been observed.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate was the highest on record due to a strong spawn in 2019. The electrofishing catch rate of fish over 14 inches was low, but catch rates were likely influenced by the increase in water levels. Largemouth Bass growth was good and body condition was above average.
• White Crappie: White Crappie abundance was good with many crappie over 10 inches available to anglers. Most crappie reached legal size within two years and size structure was excellent.

Management Strategies

• Conduct additional electrofishing and trap netting surveys in 2021, and general monitoring surveys with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing surveys in 2023-2024.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2023.
• An access-point creel survey will be conducted from June 2023 through May 2024.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program