Wheeler Branch Reservoir - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by John Tibbs and Michael S. Baird
Inland Fisheries Division
Waco 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 Wheeler Branch Reservoir were surveyed in 2021 using electrofishing and in 2020 and 2022 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2022 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

Wheeler Branch Reservoir is a 180-acre impoundment located within the Paluxy River system in Somervell County, Texas. Maximum depth is 85 feet. Water level is maintained by pumping water from the Paluxy River during periods of high flow. Wheeler Branch Reservoir is an oligotrophic reservoir with water transparencies typically ranging from 10 to 15 feet. Natural habitat features consist of flooded cedars and aquatic vegetation around the periphery, flooded standing timber in deeper water, brush piles, rock piles and ledges.

Management History

Since the reservoir’s opening, Wheeler Branch has been sampled extensively with electrofishing and gill netting, and a year-long angler creel survey was conducted from June 2013 through May 2014. Also in 2013, a public relations campaign began within the district to inform and educate constituents about aquatic invasive species (AIS), in order to prevent their spread into Wheeler Branch Reservoir. Somervell County employees were trained on AIS, and how to inspect boats and trailers entering the reservoir. Recent management efforts include attempting to improve the stocking success of Walleye and Smallmouth Bass, monitoring Channel Catfish abundance, maintaining AIS signage at access points, and including AIS speaking points during conversations and presentations with constituents.

Fish Community

• Prey species: No Threadfin or Gizzard Shad were observed with electrofishing. The prey base consists mainly of Bluegill and Redbreast Sunfish. Longear Sunfish, Green Sunfish and Warmouth were also observed. The electrofishing catch rate for Bluegill was low compared to the previous two surveys, but Bluegill up to 8-inches in length were observed.
• Channel Catfish: The catch rate of Channel Catfish was the lowest in three surveys; only nine individuals were observed during 2020 and 2022 gill netting combined. Body condition was good. No Blue Catfish or Flathead Catfish were observed.
• Black basses: The catch rate and percentage of legal-length Largemouth Bass was the highest in three surveys. Body condition was optimal for stock-length fish but decreased for most of the remaining length classes. No Smallmouth or Spotted Bass were observed.
• Walleye: Six Walleye were collected during the 2020 gill netting survey and only one was observed during the 2022 gill netting survey. The fish were all over 16 inches, and body condition was variable.

Management Strategies

• Continue managing Wheeler Branch Reservoir with existing regulations.
• Conduct monitoring surveys with fall electrofishing in 2025 and spring gill netting in 2024 and 2026.
• Conduct a vegetation and access survey during late summer 2025.
• Continue efforts to educate the public about AIS issues and protect the reservoir from AIS introductions.
• Stock Walleye fry with Oxygen-filled bags and advanced fingerling Channel Catfish through 2026.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program