Bonham City Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Todd R. Robinson and Dan Bennett
Inland Fisheries Division
Denison District, Pottsboro, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 33-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Bonham City Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2017 using gill netting. Anglers were surveyed from March 2017 through May 2017 with a creel survey. Habitat and aquatic vegetation was surveyed in 2016. Historical data are presented with the 2016-2017 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

Bonham City Reservoir is a 1,020-acre impoundment on Timber Creek, a tributary to Bois d’Arc Creek, which is a tributary to the Red River in Fannin County Texas. Water level has been within 3 feet of conservation elevation since April 2013 and nearly crested the spillway elevation of 571 feet in November of 2015. The reservoir has high nutrient productivity. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline, bulkhead and boat docks, rip-rap, and native submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Blue and Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and White and Black Crappie. Blue Catfish were stocked from 2009 through 2011. Florida Largemouth Bass were last stocked in 1998. The reservoir has always been managed with statewide fishing regulations.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad was moderate and below historical averages. Bluegill and Longear Sunfish catch rates remained excellent and provide an adequate forage base.
• Catfishes: Gill net catch rate of Blue Catfish was above average, and legal length Blue Catfish made up 100% of the sample population. Gill net catch rate of Channel Catfish remains consistent and natural reproduction is evident. Most of the sample population was of legal length and in good condition. Catfishes were the second most sought-after fish by anglers with good sizes and numbers being harvested.
• White Bass: White Bass were collected for the first time when three mature females were collected in gill nets in 2012. No White Bass were collected in 2015 or 2017; however, a lake record White Bass was submitted by an angler in spring of 2017. Few were harvested by anglers and there was no directed effort.
• Black basses: Electrofishing catch rate of Largemouth Bass was below the historical average, although the population structure was favorable with quality fish present and adequate recruitment. Largemouth bass were the third most sought-after fish with most fish being released. Spotted Bass are also present in the reservoir in low abundance.
• Crappie: White Crappie and Black Crappie exhibited the highest catch rates since 2004. White Crappie are more abundant than Black Crappie. The majority of Crappie were 6 to 9 inches long. Crappie were the most sought-after fish by anglers.

Management Strategies

• Based on current information, Bonham City Reservoir should continue to be managed with existing fish harvest regulations.
• The controlling authority will be informed of erosion around the edges of the north public boat ramp.
• Stock Florida Largemouth Bass at 1,600/mi in 2018.
• Install fish attractors around public T-pier at the south boat ramp.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• General monitoring with electrofisher, trap nets, and gill nets will be conducted in 2020-2021.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-2 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program