Meredith Reservoir 2022 Survey Report
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Meredith Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report
Prepared by Caleb Huber and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo District
This is the authors' summary from an 46-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Meredith Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, in 2021, 2022 and 2023 using gillnetting, and in 2022 using trap netting. Anglers were surveyed March through November 2022 and March through May 2023. Historical data are presented along with the 2022-2023 data for comparison. This report summarizes the survey results and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Meredith Reservoir is a 16,411-acre impoundment on the Canadian River 35 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas. It was constructed in 1965 to provide municipal and industrial water. Meredith Reservoir has experienced substantial water level fluctuations and covered approximately 6,500 acres during 2022-2023, down from 6,990 acres in 2018-2019. Habitat was primarily silt and rock, with some non-native macrophytes. At the current elevation there are three usable boat ramps and one ADA compliant fishing pier.
Management History
Important sport fish include Channel Catfish, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Walleye. The management plan from the 2019 survey report included stocking Walleye and completing an angler creel survey. Additionally, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill were stocked in 2022-2023. Meredith Reservoir is managed using statewide regulations.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was fair, and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was very low.
- Channel Catfish: The Channel Catfish population remained low and stable. There was little directed effort targeting Channel Catfish.
- White Bass: White Bass populations continue to expand and size structure is good. Directed effort targeting White Bass was low but angler catch rates were high.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rates were low. Low catch rates were likely due to decreased electrofishing efficiency caused by increased conductivity. Angler effort was low and angler success was fair.
- Crappies: White Crappie catch rates were very low in trap nets. Angler catch data indicated that directed effort was low but catch rate was good. Black Crappie were also present.
- Walleye: Walleye catch rates were good but size structure is skewed toward fish less than 16 inches. Walleye growth was slow and directed angling effort and catch was high. Walleye are the most sought after species according to angler survey data.
Management Strategies
- Reduce Walleye stocking frequency to decrease competition and increase growth rates.
- Monitor Channel Catfish populations and stock if necessary to reestablish populations.
- Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
- Conduct electrofishing surveys in 2024 and 2026, and gill net annually.
- Access, habitat, and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2026/2027.
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