Wichita Reservoir - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Wes Dutter and James York
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 21-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Wichita Reservoir were surveyed in 2024 by trap netting and in 2025 using gill nets. Historical data are presented with the 2024-2025 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 near conservation pool. Habitat includes large stands of native emergent vegetation when full. Starting in 2004, the reservoir suffered periodic golden alga caused fish kills. Severe droughts occurred between 2012-2015, and 2022-2024.

Management History

Historically important sport fish include Channel Catfish, White Bass, Palmetto Bass, and White Crappie, though recently White and Palmetto Bass have not been documented in the reservoir. The 2021 management plan recommended minimum management activity because of the developing initiative to rehabilitate the reservoir which called for dewatering the reservoir and excavation.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad, Bluegill, Green Sunfish and Longear Sunfish are present in the reservoir.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish are present in the reservoir in low abundance. Black Bullhead are present with some healthy specimens to target.
• Temperate basses: No White Bass or hybrid striped bass were found during the 2024-2025 surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: No sampling took place for Largemouth Bass. Largemouth Bass were not documented in any of the other survey types. Historically, Largemouth Bass are present in very low abundance.
• White Crappie: The 2024 trap net survey catch rate was average. The majority of White Crappie were below 10-inches in length. Body condition was considered robust.

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 and surveying with trap nets in 2028 and gill nets in 2029. Flathead Catfish will be collected and moved into the reservoir.

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