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White River Reservoir 2022 Survey Report

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White River Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by John Clayton and Caleb Huber
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo District

This is the authors' summary from a 35-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in White River Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, in 2021 and 2023 using gill netting, and in 2021 using trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 2019-2023 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

At conservation pool (2,372.2 feet MSL), White River Reservoir is a 2,020-acre impoundment constructed in 1963 on the White River, a tributary of the Salt Fork of the Brazos River. The reservoir is located in Crosby County approximately 55 miles east of Lubbock, Texas. From 1992 to 2014, White River Reservoir experienced a declining trend in lake levels. A record low was set in May 2014 when the reservoir dropped to an elevation of 2336.7 feet MSL and a surface area of 239 acres. During sampling, the reservoir maintained an elevation near 2,350 feet MSL and 689 acres. Habitat features consisted of natural non-descript shoreline, rocks, and standing timber. White River Reservoir is owned and operated by the White River Municipal Water District as a municipal water supply and for recreational purposes. The reservoir has three boat ramps; during extremely low water levels there is a permanent low water launch site.

Management History

Sport fish in the reservoir included Walleye, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfishes. Past surveys have shown that White Crappie were overabundant in the reservoir and exhibited poor growth. Walleye stockings have been utilized in part to mitigate overabundance of White Crappie; Walleye were last stocked in May 2023. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in 1982, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019 in order to maintain a trophy Largemouth Bass fishery.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

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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