Bachman Reservoir - 2014 Survey Report

Prepared by Raphael Brock, Thomas Hungerford and Stephanie George
Inland Fisheries Division - DallasFort Worth 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 Bachman Reservoir were surveyed in 2014 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2015 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2014-2015 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

Bachman Reservoir, a 132-acre reservoir located on Bachman Branch (a tributary of the Trinity River), was constructed in 1903 by the City of Dallas for water supply. The reservoir is currently used for recreation only and no longer used as a water supply. It is located in Dallas County near the Love Field Airport. Habitat was composed mainly of shoreline emergent vegetation in the form of water willow, Justicia americana, and bulkhead in the form of rock gabions. Bachman Reservoir was dredged in 2003 to increase depth and provide better access for boaters.

Management History

Important sport fishes include Largemouth Bass and White Crappie. All fish species have been managed by statewide regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch rates of Gizzard Shad were above average when compared to previous samples. Threadfin Shad were present but the population was very low in abundance. The total catch rate of Bluegill was above average and much higher than 2010. Longear Sunfish were also present in moderate abundance. Other sunfishes including Green Sunfish and Warmouth were present in low numbers.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish were present in the reservoir although the total catch rate was lower than 2010. Blue Catfish were stocked in 2003 and only one was captured in 2015 by gill netting. This was the only Blue Catfish caught during sampling since the initial stocking in 2003.
• White Bass: No White Bass have been captured during the last three gill netting surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: The Largemouth Bass total catch rate in 2014 continues to be well above average when compared to previous sample years. Population structure and body condition of the population remain good.
• White Crappie: Trap netting total catch rate in 2014 was much higher than previous sample years. However, the size distribution is skewed toward smaller fish.

Management Strategies

• This reservoir will be monitored with electrofishing and trap netting in 2018 and gill netting in 2019.
• Partner with bank angling groups to assist in building artificial habitat structures.
• Continue to promote the utilization of the reservoir by news releases and media.
• Stock Florida Largemouth Bass to increase genetic potential and conduct a category 2 survey to determine on average how long it takes to attain 14 inches.
• Continue to maintain public awareness of aquatic invasive species.

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