Lake Brazos - 2024 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael S. Baird and Andrew L Althoff
Inland Fisheries Division
Waco District, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 31-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Brazos were surveyed using electrofishing in 2024 and trap netting and gill netting in 2025. For comparison, historical data are presented with the 2024-2025 data. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Brazos is a 523-acre impoundment of the Brazos River located in downtown Waco, McLennan County, Texas. Bank and boat access on the reservoir are good, and include ADA-compliant facilities such as walkways, picnic shelters and fishing piers. Habitat features consisted mainly of natural shoreline, limited bulkheading, piers, bridge pilings and emergent aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, catfishes, temperate basses and White Crappie. The management plan from 2008 recommended annual monitoring of giant reed and working with the City of Waco on control efforts if necessary. Giant reed was monitored annually through 2014, at which time it was determined that it was not increasing in coverage and there was little probability that it would require treatment. Management plans from 2009 and 2013 included addition of new fish habitat, and to date, over 50 bamboo crappie condos have been placed into the reservoir (Tibbs and Baird 2009; Tibbs and Baird 2013). More recent management efforts focused on posting appropriate aquatic invasive species (AIS) signage at access points and providing technical support and informational materials for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) “Clean, Drain and Dry” campaign. A roving creel survey was conducted from June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019 to determine the extent game fishes were sought and harvested. Management efforts from 2024-2025 include aquatic vegetation, boater access, electrofishing, trap netting, and gill netting surveys.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Collected prey species included Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, Bluegill, and a variety of other sunfish species. The catch rate for Gizzard Shad was lower than previous years, while catch rates increased for most sunfish species. Most Gizzard Shad (83%) were available as prey to sport fish.
• Catfishes: Collected catfishes included Blue, Channel, and Flathead catfishes. The catch rate for Flathead Catfish was above average, Blue Catfish catch rate was at historical average, and Channel Catfish catch rate was below historical average. Condition of Channel Catfish was excellent, while Blue Catfish condition varied among size classes.
• Temperate Bass: Collected temperate bass included Striped Bass and Hybrid striped bass (HSB). Striped Bass were collected in low numbers and body condition was average. HSB catch rate improved from the previous survey and a low-density population currently exists.
• Largemouth Basses: Largemouth Bass catch rate increased in comparison to previous surveys. Relative weights varied among size classes but were mostly average or slightly below. Proportional size distribution decreased compared to previous surveys.
• Crappie: White and Black Crappie are present in the reservoir, though White Crappie makes up most of the crappie community. White Crappie catch rate was the highest on record and body condition was at or above average (Wr = 90) across most length categories. One Black Crappie was sampled in 2025.

Management Strategies

• The sport fishes in Lake Brazos will continue to be managed with statewide regulations.
• We will continue to maintain AIS efforts.
• Access, vegetation, and electrofishing surveys will be conducted in summer and fall 2028 and trap netting and gill netting surveys will be conducted in spring 2029.
• Promoting the fishery and the unique opportunities it provides to urban anglers will also be a priority.

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