Meredith Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Caleb Huber and John Clayton
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo District

This is the authors' summary from an 27-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Meredith Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and in 2019 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 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

Meredith Reservoir is a 16,411 acre impoundment on the Canadian River 35 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas. It was built in 1965 to provide municipal and industrial water. It experiences substantial water level fluctuations and covered approximately 6,990 acres during 20182019, up from 1,718 acres in 2014-2015. Golden alga kills have ceased with increased water levels and the fishery is recovering. Habitat was primarily silt and rock, with some non-native macrophytes and flooded timber. At the current elevation there are three usable boat ramps and two ADA compliant fishing piers.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Channel Catfish. The management plan from the 2015 survey report included golden alga monitoring. Meredith Reservoir was managed using statewide regulations. Gizzard Shad, Flathead Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Walleye were stocked to rebuild the fishery following low water conditions and golden alga related fish kills.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was moderate and is still recovering. The availability of Gizzard Shad is fair with approximately half of the population available as prey to the existing sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill is improving, but few Bluegill were over 6inches long.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish population is low, and the size structure is weighted toward smaller fish. Flathead Catfish were not sampled in 2019 but were stocked in 2016.
• White Bass: White Bass were present in 2019. Limited survival following golden alga kills is likely. The population will be monitored in the future.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass catch rates were fair. The survey was dominated by fish less than 10 inches. Angling opportunities should improve as the population matures.
• Walleye: Walleye catch rates were good and size structure appears to be balanced. Angling opportunities should be excellent for Walleye.

Management Strategies

• Develop water temperature profiles and assess the feasibility of a biennial Walleye stocking strategy.
• Collect angler survey data in Spring and Summer 2022. Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct additional electrofishing and gill net surveys in 2020-2021, and general monitoring surveys with gill nets and electrofishing surveys in 20222023.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2022.

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