Lake Wood - 2015 Survey Report

Prepared by Greg Binion
Inland Fisheries Division – Corpus Christi District

This is the authors' summary from a 12-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Wood (H-5) were surveyed in 2015 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2016 using gill netting, yet these data will not be presented due to current reservoir conditions. In March 2016, the dam structure suffered a gate failure and dewatering of the reservoir occurred. A management plan for the reservoir has been prepared and will be initiated once the dam structure is repaired (scheduled summer 2017) and reservoir fills to conservation pool.

Reservoir Description

Lake Wood (488 acres) is located on the Guadalupe River in Gonzales County, and was constructed in 1931 by the Texas Hydroelectric Commission. Its main purposes are for water supply, hydro-power production and recreation. Angler and boat access is adequate with two public boat ramps; however there are no handicap-specific facilities at either location. Primary habitat consisted of boat docks, rocks, floating-leaved vegetation, emergent vegetation, non-native vegetation, and woody debris. In spring 2016, the reservoir suffered a gate failure on the dam structure and dewatering ensued. Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) has plans to repair the structure and is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2017.

Management History

Important sport fish include Channel and Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and crappies. Blue Catfish have been stocked in this reservoir but are not the dominant catfish species. The 2012 management plan focused on working with GBRA on the control of water hyacinth, monitoring water lettuce and East Indian hygrophila, and publicizing recreational fishing opportunity. Guadalupe Blanco River Authority controlled water hyacinth through contracted herbicide operations and winter lake drawdowns. Combined, these efforts were effective at controlling water hyacinth. Triploid Grass Carp were stocked in 2014 and were an effective control for hydrilla. TPWD monitored water lettuce and East Indian hygrophila, but neither plant was problematic. Reservoir fisheries were publicized through local media outlets.

Fish Community

Due to reservoir conditions, fish community data are not presented. Historical fisheries data are available in the 2011 Management Survey Report.

Management Strategies

• Continue to manage sport fish populations with existing regulations.
• Work with GBRA on habitat enhancement initiatives.
• When reservoir refills, stock with sport fish and forage species.
• Maintain cooperative relationship with GBRA to monitor and control nuisance aquatic vegetation.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-6 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program