Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir - 2017 Survey Report

Prepared by John Tibbs and Michael S. Baird
Inland Fisheries Division
Waco District

This is the authors' summary from a 25-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir were surveyed with one or more of the following gears annually since the last report: fall electrofishing and spring gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2018 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

Fish populations in Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir were surveyed with one or more of the following gears annually since the last report: fall electrofishing and spring gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2018 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Management History

Sport fishes in Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir have always been managed with statewide regulations. Important sport fish include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. The management plan from the 2009 survey report included forming a partnership with the USACE to introduce native vegetation into the reservoir and post invasive species signage at access points throughout the reservoir. Low reservoir levels have prevented native vegetation plantings since the last report. However, Invasive species signage was posted at all access points during summer 2013 and zebra mussel outreach interns were hired in 2014 and 2015 to interface with boaters at Stillhouse Hollow ramps. Zebra mussels were discovered in Summer, 2016 and a reproducing population is now established in the reservoir.

Fish Community

• Prey species: The forage base consisted primarily of Gizzard Shad, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish.
• Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish were collected in modest numbers. Most exceeded 18 inches and were in good condition.
• Black basses: Largemouth Bass catch rate was similar to previous years, with no fish larger than 18 inches collected. Smallmouth Bass are present in the reservoir but weren’t collected in the most recent electrofishing survey.
• White Bass: White Bass were collected in low numbers in the 2018 gill netting survey and were generally in poor body condition.

Management Strategies

• Continue managing Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir with existing regulations.
• Conduct general monitoring with electrofishing and gill netting in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
• Conduct aquatic vegetation and access surveys during summer 2021.
• Continue efforts to educate the public about invasive species and zebra mussel issues and protect the reservoir from zebra mussel introductions.
• Continue stocking Smallmouth Bass and seek opportunities to add additional habitat in the form of artificial structures.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program