Mineral Wells Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Dan Bennett and Greg Cummings
Inland Fisheries Division - Denison District

This is the authors' summary from a 23-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Mineral Wells Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and trap netting. Aquatic vegetation and angler access were surveyed in 2018. Historical data are presented with the 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

Mineral Wells Reservoir is a 440-acre impoundment located on Rock Creek, a tributary to the Brazos River in Parker County, situated at the east edge of Mineral Wells. The reservoir was constructed in 1920 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Water level declined from conservation elevation (863 feet above mean sea level) from January 2012 until late April 2015, when rains caused the reservoir to rise and flow over the spillway. Mineral Wells Reservoir has moderate primary productivity. Habitat features consisted mainly of rocky shoreline with native emergent vegetation.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass and White Crappie. The management plan from the 2014 survey report recommended installation of fish attractors around the six fishing piers, promotion of the fishing opportunities available at the reservoir, and cooperating with Lake Mineral Wells State Park with invasive species education and prevention. Stocking of advanced fingerling Channel Catfish and monitoring with gillnets has been discontinued since a catch card survey indicated low directed effort and harvest for that species (Moczygemba 2015).

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad abundance remained high. Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was below the historical average, but most were available as forage. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was the highest on record, with most fish ≤4 inches in length.
• Catfishes: Channel Catfish were present in the reservoir. Flathead Catfish have been present in previous surveys.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass abundance has increased since 2014. Electrofishing catch rate was slightly higher than historical average. Most bass reached legal size after two and a half years.
• White Crappie: White Crappie trap net catch per unit effort (CPUE) has declined since 2014; yet, catch of stock size and larger fish increased. Legal size crappie were available to anglers, and most reached legal size in two and a half years. White Crappie are the most sought-after fish in Mineral Wells Reservoir.

Management Strategies

• Continue promoting fishing opportunities available at Mineral Wells Reservoir.
• Investigate extending the boat ramp.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct general monitoring surveys with trap nets and electrofishing in 2022.
• 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