Lake Tyler East - 2015 Survey Report

Prepared by Richard A. Ott, Jr. and Jacob D. Norman
Inland Fisheries Division – Tyler South District

This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Tyler East were surveyed in 2015 using electrofishing. Vegetation and angler access surveys were conducted in August 2015. A roving creel survey, conducted from March 1 through May 31, 2016, collected angler use and harvest information. Historical data are presented with the 2015-2016 data for comparison. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a management plan based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Tyler East is a 2,276-acre reservoir on Mud Creek, Texas, a tributary of the Angelina River. Boat access was excellent at the three boat ramps during the survey due to stable water conditions. Bank access was available at several city parks. Although facilities are generally accessible to handicapped, none of the facilities provided were specifically marked as ADA approved. A substantial fringe of native emergent vegetation (primarily maidencane) provided littoral habitat around most of the reservoir. Lake Tyler East and Lake Tyler are connected by a canal and share common harvest regulations.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, and Black Crappie. Additional Largemouth Bass sampling was conducted in 2013, and stockings were conducted annually from 2012 through 2015. A hydrilla management plan was submitted to Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) in July 2006 and was revised in 2008. Littoral hydrilla treatments (up to 200 feet from shore) were conducted in 2007 and annually from 2009-2011; no additional treatments have been conducted since that time. A roving creel survey was conducted from March 1 through May 31, 2016.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Bluegill and other sunfishes were the dominant prey species and electrofishing catch rates of sunfishes ≤ 4 inches were very high; thus, providing sufficient forage to predator fishes. Threadfin and Gizzard Shad were present but most Gizzard Shad were too large for predators to consume.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish received little directed angling effort but harvest of Channel Catfish documented during the creel survey indicate they remain in the reservoir.
• White bass: White bass were lower in abundance than they were in the previous survey, but multiple year classes were present, indicating continued recruitment. No directed effort for white bass was recorded.
• Largemouth bass: Electrofishing catch rate of Largemouth Bass ≥ 8 inches was higher than previous surveys and suggests improved recruitment compared to drought years. Size distribution is expected to improve as individuals grow to harvestable size. Largemouth Bass continued to be the most sought after species by anglers at Lake Tyler East but directed fishing effort was reduced compared to past surveys.
• Crappie: Crappie were the second-most sought sport fish group during the spring creel survey in 2016. No trap net sampling was conducted but persistence of both white crappie and black crappie were documented in the creel survey.

Management Strategies

• Initiate necessary steps to manage Tyler and Tyler East as one water body.
• Continue biennial electrofishing; stock Florida Largemouth Bass as warranted.
• Continue annual vegetation monitoring and maintain invasive plant species control.
• Promote Lake Tyler angling opportunities through news releases.
• Continue providing the City of Tyler Water Utility with information about the threats of invasive species.

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