Millers Creek Reservoir 2007 Survey Report (PDF 388.4 KB)
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Millers Creek Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report
Prepared by Robert Mauk and Mark Howell
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-E, Wichita Falls, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 24-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Millers Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2007 using trap nets and electrofishing and in 2008 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.
Reservoir Description
Millers Creek is a 1,794-acre impoundment located in Baylor county on Millers Creek in the Brazos River Basin approximately 77 miles southwest of Wichita Falls. The reservoir was completed in 1974 and is owned and operated by the North Central Texas Municipal Water Authority in Munday, Texas. At the time of the habitat survey the reservoir was over spillway elevation and the shoreline habitat consisted of flooded terrestrial vegetation. Shoreline and boat access are adequate, including limited handicapped access at normal pool levels. Conservation pool elevation is 1,333.9 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The improved three lane boat ramp is serviceable at elevations above 1,322 (MSL).
Management History
Important sport fish include catfish, white bass, palmetto bass, largemouth bass, and white crappie. The 2003 management plan recommended continuing the palmetto bass stocking program and promoting the palmetto bass fishery which was excellent. Also to promote the reservoir to anglers outside the district since creel data indicates 20% of the anglers are from the Lubbock area. Millers Creek has always been managed with statewide regulations.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Gizzard shad catch rate was higher than average for the reservoir indicating adequate prey for game fish. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) for bluegill was also higher than previous surveys.
- Catfishes: Blue catfish were well represented in the gill net survey of 2008, but CPUE was down from the previous two surveys. Body condition was down some from the previous two surveys. The gill net survey for the channel catfish population was similar to the two previous surveys. Flathead catfish were sampled during the 2007 and 2008 surveys.
- Temperate basses: White bass CPUE has declined the last two surveys. It is probable that the white bass population had not returned from their spawning run when the 2008 gill net survey was conducted. Palmetto bass CPUE declined from 2006, but was similar to 2004. Body condition declined slightly from 2006, but is still quite good. Growth rates were near or above the ecological region average.
- Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass had a lower electrofishing catch rate than during the 2003 survey but higher than 1999. Abundance of flooded terrestrial vegetation made electrofishing near shore difficult and possibly affected the catch rate.
- White crappie: The 2007 CPUE was lower than the 2003 survey but higher than in 1999. The abundance of legal-size fish among the adult population has increased over the previous survey. Body condition was considered to be very good.
Management Strategies
Millers Creek is recognized by anglers as an excellent reservoir for catfish, white bass, palmetto and largemouth bass and should be promoted to increase angler effort. An abundant gizzard shad population exists, so palmetto bass stockings can now be requested annually instead of every other year.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program