Wheeler Branch Reservoir 2013 Survey Report (PDF 481 KB)
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Wheeler Branch Reservoir - 2013 Survey Report
Prepared by John Tibbs and Michael S. Baird
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-B,
Waco, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 33-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Wheeler Branch Reservoir were surveyed annually since the last report with fall electrofishing, spring gill netting and spring bass-only electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 2013-2014 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'. 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 three to five meters. Habitat features consist of flooded cedars around the periphery, flooded standing timber in deeper water, brush piles, rock piles and ledges.
Management History
Wheeler Branch opened to the public on September 1, 2011. Prior to opening, the reservoir was stocked with Florida Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad, Inland Silverside, Longear and Redear Sunfish – and sampled extensively with electrofishing and gill netting. Three important regulations were proposed and initiated September 1, 2011: 1) fishing by pole and line only; two poles per angler, 2) a 14” to 21” slot length limit, 5 fish bag only one of which can exceed 21” for Largemouth Bass, and 3) a 18” minimum length limit, 3 fish bag for Smallmouth Bass. Since the reservoir’s opening, Wheeler Branch has been sampled annually with fall electrofishing, spring gill netting, and spring bass-only electrofishing. Additionally, a year-long angler creel survey was implemented from June 2013 through May 2014. A public relations campaign began within the district to inform and educate constituents about zebra mussels in order to prevent their spread into Wheeler Branch Reservoir. Somervell County employees were trained about zebra mussels, and how to inspect boats and trailers entering the reservoir.
Fish Community
- Prey species: The forage base consisted of good populations of Bluegill, Green Sunfish and Longear Sunfish. Threadfin and Gizzard Shad are present in low density.
- Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish were collected in low numbers, and all individuals approached or exceeded the preferred size category of twenty-four inches. Channel Catfish were the second most sought after species (14%).
- Black basses: Largemouth Bass catch rates, size distribution, and conditions were all fair to good. Largemouth bass were the most popular fish species sought, with 64% of anglers targeting them. Smallmouth Bass were present (though seldom collected in standard sampling) but were sought and caught at low rates by anglers.
- Walleye: Walleye were collected in low numbers but are reaching harvestable size by age 3. Only 4% of anglers targeted this species, and catch rates were very low.
Management Strategies
- Continue managing Wheeler Branch Reservoir with existing regulations.
- Conduct general monitoring with electrofishing and gill netting biennially.
- Conduct an aquatic vegetation and access survey during summer 2017.
- Continue efforts to educate the public about invasive species and zebra mussel issues, and protect the reservoir from zebra mussel introductions.
- Stock Walleye fry annually and advanced fingerling Channel Catfish in 2015 and 2017.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-4 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program