White River Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by John Clayton and Caleb Huber
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo 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 White River Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing, and in 2019 using gill netting. Anglers were surveyed from 1 April 2016 through 30 June 2016 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 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 2,348 feet MSL and 878 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 temporary launch site in place. There are no facilities for physically challenged anglers.

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. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in 1982, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2012, and 2016 in order to maintain a trophy Largemouth Bass fishery.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and Bluegill served as the primary prey species in the reservoir. The 2018 electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad declined, but still showed a good number available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was low, but all Bluegill were small enough to be consumed by predators.
• Catfishes: Gill net catch rate for Channel Catfish has increased slightly and indicate several legal-sized fish available to anglers. Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish were also present in the reservoir.
• White Bass: White Bass were present in the reservoir. All surveyed White Bass measured between 10 and 17 inches, and receive very little fishing pressure.
• Largemouth Bass: Electrofishing catch rate in 2018 for Largemouth Bass has declined since 2016. Approximately half of the surveyed fish were legal-size. Florida Largemouth Bass genetic influence increased from 17% in 2014 to 25% in 2018.
• Crappie: White Crappie were moderately abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. Some crappie reached legal size within two years.
• Walleye: Gill net catch rates of Walleye have increased, and all Walleye sampled were 18 to 25 inches with most measuring 23 inches and larger.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Walleye and Florida Largemouth Bass.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct additional electrofishing surveys in 2020, gill net survey in 2020, trap net survey with Age and Growth analysis in 2021, and general monitoring surveys with baited hoop nets, gill nets, and electrofishing surveys in 2022-2023.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2022.

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