Wichita Reservoir - 2020 Survey Report

Prepared by Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division
Wichita Falls District

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Wichita Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2021 using gill nets. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2021 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 has suffered periodic 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, though recently White and Palmetto Bass have not been documented in the reservoir. The 2012 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: The 2020 electrofishing survey catch rates of Gizzard Shad and Bluegill were well above previous surveys and were at historic highs for both species. With few predators present in the reservoir, these populations are in great condition. Larger Bluegill were observed, and the fishery has been promoted for anglers seeking larger sunfish.
• Catfishes: The 2021 gill nets found an abundant Channel Catfish population and for the first time Blue Catfish were documented during survey work.
• Temperate basses: The reservoir went nearly dry in 2015 caused by severe drought and after refilling, no White or Palmetto Bass have been observed nor stocked.
• Largemouth Bass: The 2020 survey did not document any Largemouth Bass. Historically, since 1995 when the reservoir elevation was lowered, Largemouth Bass presence in the reservoir would be characterized as rare. After several attempts at establishing a population through stocking, requests were halted after 2010 citing lack of success.
• White Crappie: The 2020 trap net survey had the second highest catch rate observed at this reservoir. The catch rate was double the reservoirs historical average for White Crappie abundance.

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. A stocking request will be made for Blue Catfish to increase the population and to add predators to utilize an abundant prey base. Flathead Catfish will be collected and moved into the reservoir in addition to the Blue Catfish stocking request.

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