Coleman Reservoir 2012 Survey Report (PDF 631.6 KB)
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Coleman Reservoir - 2012 Survey Report
Prepared by John Dennis and Spencer Dumont
Inland Fisheries Division
Region 1, San Angelo, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 21-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Coleman Reservoir were surveyed in 2012 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2013 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2012-2013 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
Coleman Reservoir is a 1,783-acre impoundment owned and controlled by the City of Coleman, Texas. It was impounded in 1966 on Jim Ned Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, and is located 11 miles north of Coleman. The reservoir provides municipal and industrial water supply for the City of Coleman and is also used for flood control and recreation. Water levels steadily declined since 2007. At the time of sampling, the reservoir was approximately 15 feet low. Some aquatic vegetation was still present. Boat access is limited to one shoreline area near a private RV park at current water levels.
Management History
Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Palmetto Bass, White Crappie, and Channel Catfish. Largemouth Bass have been managed with several different regulations, and are currently managed under statewide regulations and Florida Largemouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2012. Palmetto Bass are stocked when available to sustain the population. Native vegetation was planted to enhance habitat, but long term increases in native vegetation have not been realized.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Gizzard and Threadfin Shad provide ample forage for predators. Relative abundance of Bluegill and other sunfishes was low.
- Catfishes: Channel Catfish abundance has been consistent, with a large proportion of the fish available for harvest. Flathead Catfish were present in the reservoir.
- Palmetto bass: Palmetto Bass abundance has declined and no fish below 15 inches were collected in the last two samples.
- Largemouth bass: Total Largemouth Bass abundance has declined, but proportion of legal sized bass has increased.
- White crappie: White Crappie abundance decreased dramatically over the reporting period.
Management Strategies
Continue stocking Palmetto Bass at 15 fish/acre. Discuss boat ramp improvements with the City of Coleman. Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species. Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets, gill nets, and electrofishing surveys and access and vegetation surveys in 2016-2017.
Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program