Palo Duro Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

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

This is the authors' summary from a 18-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Palo Duro Reservoir were not surveyed in 2018-2019 due to extreme low water conditions that prevented boat access and effective fish sampling. Limited historical data are presented from additional survey efforts conducted since the last report. This report summarizes the results of the previous surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

At conservation pool, Palo Duro Reservoir is a 2,413-acre impoundment located on Palo Duro Creek approximately 13 miles north of Spearman in Hansford County, Texas. At current elevation the reservoir surface area is estimated to be less than 150 acres. The reservoir is owned and operated by the Palo Duro Water District for municipal water supply. The dam was completed, and the reservoir began filling in 1991. The reservoir drainage area has experienced a drought of record since 2000 and the lakebed is prone to seepage resulting in extremely low water levels. At the time of this report there were no usable boat ramps nor ADA accessible areas. The entire shoreline is accessible to bank anglers.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfish. There were no stockings due to low water levels. All fish populations have been managed with statewide regulations since it was impounded.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and Bluegill were not sampled in 2018 due to extremely low water levels that restricted boat access.
• Catfishes: Catfishes were not sampled in 2019 due to extremely low water levels that restricted boat access.
• Largemouth Bass: Were not sampled in 2018 due to extremely low water levels that restricted boat access
• White Crappie: White Crappie were not sampled in 2018 due to extremely low water levels that restricted boat access.

Management Strategies

• Monitor lake levels at Palo Duro Reservoir and keep public informed of current conditions.
• If lake levels improve, stock fish and perform sport fish populations surveys as appropriate for the available habitat.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing in 2022-2023.
• 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