Highlands Reservoir - 2023 Survey Report

Prepared by Niki Ragan and Dylan Kwak
Inland Fisheries Division – College Station-Houston District

This is the authors' summary from a 18-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Highlands Reservoir were surveyed in 2024 using tandem hoop netting. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2024 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

Highlands Reservoir is a 498-acre impoundment and canal system located in Harris County east of Highlands, Texas. It lies on Goose Creek in the San Jacinto River Basin and is located approximately 1 mile upstream from McNair, Texas and two miles north of Interstate 10. The reservoir is used for water supply and was opened to public fishing in 2015. Highlands Reservoir has high turbidity. Habitat features consist of standing timber, riprap, and overhanging brush.

Management History

Highlands Reservoir was opened to the public for fishing in 2015. Prior to 2015 the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) managed the reservoir based on water supply needs. Important sport fish include Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish and White Crappie.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Prey species in Highlands Reservoir included Gizzard Shad, Bluegill, and Longear Sunfish. 
• Catfishes: Blue and Channel Catfish are present in Highlands Reservoir; however, seemingly in low abundance,
• Largemouth Bass: Few Largemouth Bass have been collected during sampling, but those collected were in good condition.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were abundant with harvestable fish available to anglers.

Management Strategies

Highlands Reservoir has existing fisheries for White Crappie, Blue, and Channel Catfish. Due to lack of boat access, lack of aquatic fish habitat, shallow depths, and the primary function of the reservoir not being conducive to active fisheries management, Highlands Reservoir will be removed from the 4-year sampling rotation. Habitat improvements should be made to support production of Largemouth Bass, crappie, and sunfish. Exotic vegetation is present and will be monitored and controlled if necessary.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program