Lake Tyler West - 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 33-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 2015 using electrofishing. Vegetation and angler access surveys were conducted in August 2015. A roving creel survey, conducted from March through May 2016, 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. Native emergent vegetation has formed a fringe around most of the reservoir. Native submersed vegetation is recovering following the 2010-2014 drought; no hydrilla was detected. Lake Tyler West and Lake Tyler East are connected by a canal and share common harvest regulations.

Management History

Sport fishes present include 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 2013, and fingerling stockings were conducted in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad were present in the reservoir, with a combined catch rate of 615/h. Electrofishing catch rate of sunfishes was 633/h and combined with shad provide excellent prey availability for all sport fishes.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish continue to support a minor fishery but overall abundance is likely low. In the past this fishery was supported by cooperative stocking by TPWD and the City of Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) rather than by natural recruitment.
• White bass: Persistence of White Bass was confirmed by electrofishing and they appeared to recruit at some level annually. However, no directed angler effort was documented in the spring 2016 creel survey.
• Largemouth bass: Largemouth Bass continued to be the most sought after species by anglers at Lake Tyler West. Strong year classes were produced in 2011 and 2015, and size structure (PSD) was within the target range. Growth was average, and body condition was good.
• Crappie: Crappie were the second-most sought after sportfish group during creel surveys. Both White Crappie and Black Crappie were present with White Crappie the most abundant in angler harvest.

Management Strategies

• Initiate necessary steps to manage Tyler West and Tyler East as one water body.
• 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 angling opportunities through news releases.
• Continue providing the City of Tyler Water Utility 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-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program