Arlington Reservoir 2006 Survey Report (PDF 377.5 KB)
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Arlington Reservoir - 2006 Survey Report
Prepared by Thomas Hungerford and Raphael Brock
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-D, Fort Worth, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Arlington Reservoir were surveyed in 2006 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2007 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Arlington Reservoir is a 1,939-acre impoundment constructed on Village Creek (a tributary of West Fork Trinity River) by the City of Arlington in 1957 to provide flood control, water for municipal and industrial purposes, and recreation. Arlington Reservoir is surrounded by urban development and is almost directly in the center of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. It is approximately 3.8 miles long, 1.6 miles wide (widest point), and has a 20-mile shoreline at 550 feet mean-sea-level. In addition to run-off from the 143 square-mile watershed, an average of 30,426 acre-feet of water, purchased annually from the Tarrant Regional Water District, is pumped from Cedar Creek Reservoir. Exelon operates a natural gas power plant on the reservoir, discharging hot water on the west side of the reservoir. Angler and boat access was adequate. There are three handicap specific facilities, three boat ramps, and several banks accessible to anglers. Fishery habitat is primarily nondescript.
Management History
Important sport fish include largemouth bass, white crappie, white bass, and channel catfish. All species have been managed with statewide regulations.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Gizzard and threadfin shad are in great abundance in the reservoir. Bluegill are also very abundant as prey and there are some larger fish (≥6 inches) available for anglers. Longear sunfish are moderately abundant as well.
- Catfishes: Arlington continues to be the best channel catfish reservoir in the district. The catch rate of channel catfish nearly doubled from the past sample. Flathead catfish are present as well.
- White bass: White bass catch rates decreased greatly from the past sample, especially lacking are the smaller fish.
- Largemouth bass: The largemouth bass population has fluctuated greatly in abundance over the past three surveys. Condition factors are good with mean relative weights above 90.
- White crappie: The white crappie population continued to be high in abundance with quality fish available for anglers. Relative weights for crappie were approximately 100 or higher.
Management Strategies
- General monitoring with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing surveys will be conducted in 2010-2011.
- Work with Exelon and the city of Arlington to improve fishery habitat with mandated mitigation from power plant impingement.
- Consider stocking Florida largemouth bass in 2008 to take advantage of increased from rise in water level.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-32 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program