Wichita Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Tom Lang and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Wichita Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing and trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 2016 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Wichita Reservoir is a 1,224-acre municipal reservoir owned and operated by the City of Wichita Falls for flood control and recreation. The dam and most of the reservoir is in Wichita County and the southern portion is in Archer County. The reservoir was built in 1901, impounding Holliday Creek, a tributary to the Wichita River. Mean depth is 4.5 feet and maximum depth is 9.5 feet. Angler and boat access is adequate when reservoir elevation is within one foot of conservation pool. Habitat includes large stands of native emergent vegetation when full. Starting in 2004, the reservoir has suffered periodical golden alga caused fish kills. In 2012, a drought began that lasted until 2015 and nearly dried up the reservoir.

Management History

Historically important sport fish include Channel Catfish, White Bass, Palmetto Bass, and White Crappie. The 2012 management plan recommended minimum management activity because of the developing initiative to rehabilitate the reservoir which called for dewatering the reservoir.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The 2016 electrofishing survey catch rates of Gizzard Shad and Bluegill were well below previous surveys and were at historic lows for both species. Without stocking to reestablish these species after the drought, these populations are in poor condition.
• Catfishes: No survey work has been completed on catfishes since 2011.
• Temperate Bass: No survey work has been completed on White or Palmetto Bass since 2011.
• Largemouth Bass: The 2016 survey observed low abundance of Largemouth Bass. Historically, since 1995 when the reservoir elevation was lowered, Largemouth Bass presence in the reservoir would be characterized as rare.
• White Crappie: The 2016 trap net survey had the highest catch rate observed at this reservoir. White Crappie are quite abundant and should provide good fishing until work begins on excavating and revitalizing the reservoir.

Management Strategies

Continue working with the City of Wichita Falls’ Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee with the goal of deepening the reservoir, increasing fisheries habitat, increasing fishing access, and adding amenities around and to the reservoir. Management activities will consist of supporting the committee’s efforts. Traditional management activities will not be conducted until appropriate.

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