Downloads:

Choke Canyon Reservoir 2007 Survey Report media download(PDF 626.2 KB)

If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document, contact the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division for assistance.

 

Choke Canyon Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by John Findeisen and Greg Binion
Inland Fisheries Division
District 1-E, Mathis, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations at Choke Canyon Reservoir were surveyed in fall 2007 using trap nets and electrofishing, and in 2008 using gill nets to assess population trends for important sport fish communities. A creel survey was conducted. This report summarizes the results and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Choke Canyon is a 25,989-acre reservoir (averaged 25,623 acres in 2007-2008) located on the Frio River in the Nueces River Basin, approximately 80 miles south of San Antonio. Its main utilities are water supply and recreational opportunities including angling and pleasure boating. The reservoir has a history of substantial water level fluctuations. Habitat consisted of standing timber and colonies of native and exotic vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish species included blue and channel catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and white crappie. Since the previous report, northern largemouth bass were stocked as part of a research project. Water hyacinth became an issue on this reservoir in 2006. Herbicide treatments on water hyacinth were conducted in both 2006 (25.5 acres) and 2007 (174.5 acres). The 2004 management plan focused on monitoring hydrilla, publicizing improving fisheries, and removing the annual creel survey. District staff annually monitored access areas where hydrilla could restrict use. District staff publicized the fisheries through written press releases and telephone interviews. The creel survey was moved to Coleto Creek Reservoir from June 2005 through May 2006 but returned to Choke Canyon beginning in September 2006.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program