Bachman Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Raphael Brock, Thomas Hungerford and Cynthia Fox Holt
Inland Fisheries Division - DallasFort Worth District

This is the authors' summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Bachman Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2019 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 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 is no longer used as a water supply. It is in Dallas County near Love Field Airport. Habitat was composed mainly of shoreline emergent vegetation in the form of water willow and bulkhead in the form of rock gabions. Bachman Reservoir was dredged in 2003 to increase depth and provide better access for boaters. However, siltation has continued since the 2003 dredging, and the reservoir needs to be dredged again. A large, multi-focal group enhancement plan has been approved for Bachman Reservoir and the surrounding area. The enhancement plan includes dredging the lake and repairing the dam and spillway.

Management History

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

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir in low numbers. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was very high, and all Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was high, but very few Bluegill were over 6-inches long.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish catch rates were very low and the size structure suggests limited recruitment. No Flathead or Blue Catfish were collected during surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were abundant, with high numbers of legal-size fish available to anglers. Body condition was good and proportional size distribution (PSD) suggests that size structure has shifted to a population of larger individuals.
• White Crappie: White Crappie: White Crappie were moderately abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers. Body condition was good for all size classes.

Management Strategies

• This reservoir will be monitored with electrofishing and trap netting in 2022.
• Partner with Dallas Water Utilities and stake holder groups to enhance fish habitat and fish community in cooperation with the City of Dallas Master Plan to enhance Bachman Reservoir and the surrounding recreational areas.
• Keep public informed about TPWD involvement in Master Plan projects through media sources.
• 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