Highlands Reservoir - 2019 Survey Report

Prepared by Niki Ragan and Alice Best
Inland Fisheries Division – College Station-Houston District

This is the authors' summary from a 27-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Highlands Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing and trap nets, and in 2020 using baited hoop nets. Data from the previous 2015-2016 survey are presented with the 2019-2020 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 1,437-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. The Index of Vulnerability for Gizzard Shad indicated most Gizzard Shad are available to predators for consumption. Sunfish were small and available to predators, but not large or abundant enough to provide a panfish fishery. 
• Catfishes: Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish are present in Highlands Reservoir; however, few were collected in 2020, likely due to a failure of hoop nets as a collection gear. The 2016 gill net survey exhibited good catch rates for both species.
• Temperate basses: There is no evidence of a temperate bass fishery in Highlands Reservoir.
• Largemouth Bass: Few Largemouth Bass were collected, but those that were collected were in good condition.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were abundant with legal-sized fish available to anglers. Most crappie reached legal size (10 inches) at age 2.

Management Strategies

Highlands Reservoir has existing fisheries for Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, and management goals will focus on improving angling opportunities for catfishes and crappies and supporting production of sunfish as prey. Exotic vegetation is present and will be monitored annually 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