Jacksboro Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Tom Lang and Robert Mauk
Inland Fisheries Division - Wichita Falls 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 Jacksboro Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing, 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

Jacksboro Reservoir is a 116-acre impoundment constructed in 1951. It is located in Jack County approximately 60 miles southeast of Wichita Falls and is controlled by the City of Jacksboro. The primary use is for municipal water supply. Maximum depth is 30 feet. Habitat consists of rocks and emergent vegetation. Boat access consists of a single, one-lane public boat ramp and an undeveloped gravel launching area. Shoreline fishing access is available along most of the lower half of the lake and includes a city park and a fishing pier. Jacksboro Reservoir’s spillway flows directly into 385acre Lost Creek Reservoir. Despite their proximity, characteristics between the two reservoirs differ considerably.

Management History

Historically important sport fish include Channel Catfish, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, and White Crappie. Stocking of advanced fingerling size Channel Catfish occurred in 2016

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad were present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was similar to the previous survey in 2014 but size structure was different with most of the Gizzard Shad exceeding 10 inches in length, thus not available as prey to most predators because of their large size. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was well below previous surveys catch rates which was influenced by reservoir levels being above spillway, which lowered sampling efficiency.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish relative abundance was similar to previous surveys with few fish available to anglers. A good population of Flathead Catfish was documented in the reservoir.
• White Bass: White Bass were present in the reservoir in higher relative abundance than previous surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass relative abundance was good, though it was lower than previous electrofishing surveys. The lower catch rate was likely influenced by reservoir elevation being above spillway at time of sampling. There was also evidence from Lost Creek Reservoir sampling that suggested that Largemouth Bass escaped from Jacksboro Reservoir by the emergency spillway that feeds into Lost Creek Reservoir. However, despite the possible escapement, legal-length fish were readily available to anglers.
• White Crappie: White Crappie abundance was very low compared to previous surveys. This was probably a result of reduced sampling efficiency due to reservoir conditions at the time of sampling. It is also possible that White Crappie escapement via the spillway into Lost Creek Reservoir could have occurred and contributed to the low abundance.

Management Strategies

Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species. Promote the White Bass angling opportunities at the reservoir. Conduct a general monitoring survey with electrofishing and trap net surveys in 2022. Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2022.

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