Lake Tyler West - 2011 Survey Report

Prepared by Richard A. Ott, Jr. and Daniel L. Bennett
Inland Fisheries Division
District 3-C, Tyler, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 34-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Tyler West were surveyed in 2011 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2012 using gill netting. Vegetation and angler access surveys were conducted in August 2011. A roving creel survey conducted from March 2012 through May 2012, collected angler use and harvest information. This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a management plan based on the findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Tyler West is a 2,224-acre reservoir on Prairie Creek, a tributary of the Angelina River in Texas. The reservoir was built to provide water for municipal and industrial purposes. Boat and bank access were adequate. Although facilities were generally accessible to the physically-challenged, none were specifically marked as ADA approved. Due to low water level, native emergent vegetation, normally forming a narrow fringe around the reservoir, was exposed. However, native submersed vegetation and hydrilla were more abundant than in previous surveys.

Management History

Important sportfish include sunfishes, channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and crappies. The reservoir is currently managed under the statewide fishing regulations. Biennial electrofishing surveys were conducted to assess the reservoir’s largemouth bass population. Advanced fingerling channel catfish stockings were conducted from 2004-2010. Supplemental largemouth bass sampling was conducted in 2009, and fingerling stockings were conducted in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin shad and gizzard shad were present in the reservoir, but bluegill were the primary forage species. Electrofishing catch rate of sunfishes ≤6 inches was higher than average and provide excellent prey availability for all sport fishes.
• Catfishes: Channel catfish were more abundant than they were in past surveys, but the fishery appears to be supported by cooperative stocking by TPWD and the City of Tyler Water Utilities rather than natural recruitment. Directed angling effort for catfish has increased.
• White bass: Stocked in 1993, white bass continue to provide a fishery but do not appear to recruit every year. Directed angling effort for this species is low.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass continue to be the most sought after species by anglers at Lake Tyler West. Strong year classes were produced in 2007 and 2011, and size structure and abundance continued to improve. Growth is average, and body condition is good.
• Crappie: Crappie were the second-most sought after sportfish group during creel surveys. Both white crappie and black crappie were present with black crappie the dominant species. Relative abundance continues to be low.

Management Strategies

• Continue biennial electrofishing, and stock Florida strain largemouth bass as warranted.
• Re-evaluate use of rearing ponds to produce advanced-size channel catfish.
• Continue annual vegetation monitoring.
• Promote Lake Tyler West angling opportunities through news releases.
• Continue providing TWU with information about the threat of invasive species.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program