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Hords Creek Reservoir 2021 Survey Report media download(PDF 787.2 KB)

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Hords Creek Reservoir - 2021 Survey Report

Prepared by Jacob Wright and Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division
Abilene District

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 in Hords Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2021 by using tandem hoop nets, electrofishing, and trap nets. Historical data are presented with the 2021 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

Hords Creek Reservoir is a 510-acre impoundment constructed in 1948 on Hords Creek in the Colorado River Basin. The reservoir is in Coleman County approximately 55 miles south of Abilene and is owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Primary water uses included flood control and recreation. Hords Creek Reservoir has experienced long periods of drought broken by occasional heavy precipitation events. In 2015, the reservoir refilled, but water level has declined to nearly 12 feet below conservation pool elevation by June 2022. Habitat consisted of riprap, flooded terrestrial vegetation, and aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. Boater access consisted of three useable ramps. Bank fishing access was ample throughout the USACE park areas, and there were two handicap-accessible fishing piers.

Management History

Sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and White and Black Crappie. Electrofishing was conducted to monitor trends in relative abundance and size structure for Largemouth Bass and forage fish. Hoop netting was conducted to monitor trends in relative abundance, size structure, and body conditions of Channel Catfish. Trap netting was conducted to monitor trends in relative abundance, size structure, and body conditions of White Crappie. Sport fishes have been managed with statewide size and bag limits.

Habitat

The 2013 vegetation survey indicated that the majority of the lake had no vegetation and was classified as no vegetation. The most prevalent vegetation encountered during the survey was flooded terrestrial vegetation. During July 2013, water level increased 2.5 feet and increased the amount of flooded terrestrial vegetation present in the reservoir.

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-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program