Abilene Reservoir - 2003 Survey Report

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Prepared by Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-B, Abilene, Texas

This is the authors' summary from an 8-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Abilene Reservoir was not sampled during 2003-2004 survey period. The reservoir was too low (20%-30% capacity) to effectively survey fish populations. This report summarizes the condition of Abilene Reservoir since 1999, the last survey report.

Reservoir Description

Abilene Reservoir is a 640-acre impoundment owned and controlled by the city of Abilene. It was impounded in 1921 on Elm Creek, a tributary of the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. It is located eighteen miles south-southwest of Abilene MSA. The reservoir provides limited municipal water supply for the city of Abilene. The reservoir is also used for flood control and recreation. Since the late 1990’s, water level has been extremely low. The water level dropped in August 2001 to a point where approximately five acre-feet of water remained in the lake. At that time, lake renovation was attempted using rotenone, but overall results were inconclusive. The reservoir has not been stocked since that time because of continued drought conditions.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard shad were found in remnant pools in the watershed shortly after flooding in summer 2002; thus, it is likely that shad are present in the reservoir. Population status of all prey species is unknown.
• Channel catfish: There have been reports of anglers catching channel catfish at this reservoir since summer 2002. These fish are likely immigrants from upstream flooding, although some may be survivors of the renovation attempt. Population status is unknown.
• Blue Catfish: Although this species was present in the reservoir prior to renovation, there have been no reports of them since the renovation.
• Flathead Catfish: Presence unknown.
  
• Largemouth bass: Population status is unknown.
• White crappie: Small white crappie were identified in remnant pools of the watershed shortly after flooding in summer 2002, indicating their likely presence in the reservoir. However, population status is unknown.

Management Strategies

Continue to manage the reservoir with existing regulations. Stock the reservoir with channel catfish, blue catfish, Florida and northern largemouth bass, adult white crappie, gizzard shad, bluegill, and inland silversides when it fills to within five feet of conservation level.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-29 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program