Amon G. Carter Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Corey Clouse and Dan Bennett
Inland Fisheries Division
Denison District, Pottbsobor, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 26-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Amon G. Carter Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2017 using gill netting. 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

Amon G. Carter Reservoir is a 1,848-acre impoundment on Big Sandy Creek in Montague County. Water level was below conservation level, 920 feet above mean sea level (msl) from 2011 to 2015 but has been near conservation level since 2015. Habitat features consisted of rocky shoreline, standing timber, and native submersed aquatic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Channel Catfish. The reservoir has always been managed with statewide harvest regulations. A total of 492,258 Florida Largemouth Bass have been stocked since 1982 to enhance the trophy potential of the bass population.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin and Gizzard Shad catch rates were high and provide an excellent forage base for sport fish. Bluegill abundance is excellent.
• Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish were present in moderate abundance.
• White Bass: Gill net catch rate of White Bass was below the historical average but are still present in good numbers.
• Largemouth Bass: The Largemouth Bass population remains consistent. A 13.8-pound Largemouth Bass was caught in 2013 and was entered into the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) ShareLunker program.
• White Crappie: White Crappie catch rates continue to be very good and close to the historical average.

Management Strategies

• Amon G. Carter Reservoir should continue to be managed with existing harvest regulations. General monitoring using trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing will be conducted in 2020/2021.
• Reservoir has demonstrated trophy potential for Largemouth Bass with two entries into the ShareLunker program (1998 and 2013). Florida Largemouth Bass stockings should be conducted to enhance the trophy Largemouth Bass potential of the reservoir.
• Inform the public and controlling authority about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species and maintain appropriate signage at access points. Utilize various outreach methods including social media to promote and advise the public about fishing opportunities at Amon G. Carter Reservoir.

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