Worth Reservoir - 2006 Survey Report

Prepared by Raphael Brock and Thomas Hungerford
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-D, Fort Worth, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Worth Reservoir were surveyed in 2006 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2007 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Worth Reservoir is a 3,489-acre impoundment, located on the West Fork Trinity River. The reservoir is located entirely in the city limits of Ft. Worth in Tarrant County and was constructed in 1914 by the City as a municipal water supply. The elongated and serpentine reservoir extends approximately 6 miles upstream from the dam. Shoreline length is approximately 36 miles. Many areas of the reservoir are very shallow and limit boat traffic. Angler and boat access was adequate. There was one handicap-accessible fishing pier on the reservoir. Fishery habitat was primarily rocky and gravel shoreline and boat docks. Worth Reservoir is currently under a fish-consumption advisory. The advisory was implemented by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in April 2000 because of elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish tissues.

Management History

Important sport fish include, largemouth bass, white crappie, white bass, and blue and channel catfish. All species have been managed with statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard and threadfin shad are in great abundance in the reservoir. Bluegills and longear sunfish are also very abundant as prey but few fish over 6 inches are available for anglers.
• Catfishes: The blue catfish population is slightly above average in abundance with quality fish available for anglers. The catch rate of channel catfish increased greatly from the past sample. Flathead catfish are present but none were captured this past survey year.
• White bass: White bass catch rates remained below the district average but an adequate population exists for anglers.
• Black basses: The largemouth bass population has increased in abundance from the previous survey. However sized distribution is still poor. The spotted bass population has increased from the past survey with the size distribution being average.
• Crappie: The white crappie population continued to be high in abundance with quality fish available for anglers. Black crappie are present but in very low abundance.

Management Strategies

• General monitoring with electrofishing, trap netting, and gill netting surveys will be conducted in 2010-2011.
• Conduct creel survey in 2010-2011 to obtain baseline angler catch and harvest information.
• Work closely with the City of Fort Worth during planning stages of possible future dredging project.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-32 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program