Clyde Reservoir - 2016 Survey Report

Prepared by Michael D. Homer and Natalie Goldstrohm
Inland Fisheries Division
Abilene District

This is the authors' summary from a 19-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Clyde Reservoir were surveyed in 2016 by electrofishing. This report summarizes the results of the survey and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on the findings. Historical data are presented for comparison.

Reservoir Description

Clyde reservoir is a 449-acre impoundment of the north prong of Pecan Bayou created in 1970. It is located 15 miles southeast of Abilene and is controlled by the City of Clyde. Primary water uses are municipal water supply and recreation. In 2016, shoreline habitat consisted of flooded terrestrial vegetation, Chara species, buttonbush, black willow, duckweed, exotic torpedograss, and exotic saltcedar. Severe, prolonged drought conditions from 2007-2016 caused the reservoir to nearly go dry. In spring 2016, substantial rainfall refilled the reservoir to above conservation level. A fee is required to access the two public boat ramps and bank.

Management History

Clyde Reservoir historically supported a quality Largemouth Bass fishery. The current lake record Largemouth Bass is 14.8 pounds and was caught 2001. Fathead Minnows and Bluegill were stocked in 2016 to re-establish forage for sportfish. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2004, 2005, 2016, and 2017 to re-establish the previously existing quality fishery. Channel Catfish were stocked in 2016 and 2017 to help re-establish the fishery devastated by severe drought conditions.

Fish Community

Fisheries were not sampled from 2008-2016 because of extreme drought conditions and low water level. Following substantial rainfall and water level increase in spring 2016, a fall exploratory electrofishing survey was conducted to determine statuses of the existing fisheries. Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, and Gizzard Shad were observed in the survey. Gizzard Shad and Green Sunfish were the dominant prey species observed. Largemouth Bass had relatively high abundance, and most fish were under legal size.

Management Strategies

Electrofishing and trap netting surveys will be conducted during fall 2018 and fall 2020. Tandem hoop netting will be conducted summer 2020 to monitor for Channel Catfish. Meet with City of Clyde to discuss fish habitat enhancement and establishment, as well as invasive species establishment and their control measures.

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