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Lake O' the Pines 2022 Survey Report

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Lake O' the Pines - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by Timothy J. Bister and Quintin Dean
Inland Fisheries Division - Marshall District

This is the authors' summary from a 39-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake O’ the Pines were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, low-pulse electrofishing in 2022, and tandem hoop nets in 2023. Anglers were surveyed from June 2022 through May 2023 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2020-2023 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake O’ the Pines is a 16,269-acre reservoir located on Big Cypress Creek which was constructed in 1956 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood control, municipal and industrial water supply, and public recreation. Habitat features consisted of inundated timber, brush, creek channels, and riprap. Native aquatic vegetation covered less than 2% of the reservoir in 2022, while non-native invasive species (i.e., hydrilla, water hyacinth, and giant salvinia) accounted for approximately 11% of the reservoir surface.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, sunfish, and crappie. All fish species except for crappie are currently managed under statewide harvest regulations. From 1 December until the last day of February, anglers are required to keep the first 25 crappie they catch each day regardless of size to minimize excess mortality due to fish being caught in deep water.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

We will request Lone Star Bass stocking every other year to maintain contribution of Florida Largemouth Bass genetics in the reservoir. Additionally, electrofishing surveys in 2024 and 2026 will be used to monitor Largemouth Bass and prey fish populations. Tandem hoop netting for Channel Catfish and crappie 2027. An angler creel survey will be conducted from June 2026 through May 2027. Finally, annual vegetation surveys will be conducted to monitor invasive plant species.

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program