Mexia Reservoir 2007 Survey Report (PDF 375.8 KB)
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Mexia Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report
Prepared by Michael S. Baird and John Tibbs
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-B, Waco, Texas
This is the authors' summary from a 32-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Mexia Reservoir were surveyed in 2007 using electrofishing and trap nets 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
Mexia Reservoir is an 897-acre impoundment located on the Navasota River within the Brazos River Basin, Limestone County. Water levels were within one foot of conservation pool (448.3 above MSL) during the time of sampling. Shoreline fish habitat consisted of boat docks, brush, overhanging trees, and emergent shoreline vegetation. Boat access (one ramp) on the reservoir is adequate, yet there are currently no handicapspecific facilities.
Management History
Important sport fish include largemouth bass, white crappie, and catfish. The management plan from the 2004 survey report included evaluation of blue catfish recruitment and publicizing crappie angling. Florida largemouth bass were introduced in the mid to late 70s and stocked again in 1995 and 1998.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Threadfin shad continued to be present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch of gizzard shad was good and most were available as prey to sport fish. The electrofishing catch of bluegills was fair to good; however none over 5-inches were collected.
- Catfishes: Only one legal-sized blue catfish was collected in the spring 2008 gill net survey. The gill net catch of channel catfish was good in spring 2008, and condition increased with size. Length classes ranged from 12 to 25 inches.
- White bass: No white bass were collected from Mexia in the spring 2008 gill net survey.
- Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass were collected in very low numbers. Although the size structure indicated recent recruitment, only one legal-sized fish was observed. Condition was moderate.
- White crappie: The recruitment, abundance, and body condition of white crappie continues to be good, although fewer legal-sized fish were collected.
Management Strategies
Stock blue catfish to improve a poor blue catfish fishery. Conduct a general electrofishing survey and tier-IV trap net survey in 2011, and a general gill net survey in 2012. Also, perform a new littoral habitat survey prior to the 2012 report.
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