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Pat Cleburne Reservoir 2019 Survey Report media download(PDF 779.3 KB)

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Pat Cleburne Reservoir - 2019 Survey Report

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

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 Pat Cleburne Reservoir were surveyed in 2019 using electrofishing and trap nets and in 2020 using gill nets.  Historical data are presented with the 2019-2020 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

Pat Cleburne Reservoir is a 1,568-acre impoundment located on the Nolan River within the Brazos River Basin, Johnson County. Water level has been within 4 feet of conservation pool (733.5 above mean sea level [MSL]) since 2016. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline, rocky shoreline and limited boat docks and piers.  There is extensive shore access for anglers.

Management History

Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, Channel and Blue Catfish, White Bass and White Crappie. Sport fish have always been managed with statewide regulations. The management plan from the 2012 survey report included conducting vegetation and physical habitat surveys and publicizing the reservoir’s angling opportunities. Structural habitat was surveyed during 2012. Full aquatic vegetation surveys have been completed every four years. Several fishing and angling articles have been released to local television and radio stations highlighting Pat Cleburne Reservoir opportunities since that time. The management plan from the 2016 report recommended deploying fish attractors and working with the City of Cleburne to purchase Sunshine bass fry from the private market.  Crappie condos were installed in 2016 and PVC cube structures in 2017. The City of Cleburne purchased Sunshine Bass fry in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and Palmetto Bass fry were stocked in 2017. Blue catfish were stocked in 2017 and 2018. Appropriate signage has been posted at access points to try and prevent the spread of invasive species into the reservoir.

Fish Community

Management Strategies

Continue managing sport fishes at Pat Cleburne Reservoir with statewide regulations. Continue collaborating with the City of Cleburne to stock Sunshine bass fry from the private market. Maintain invasive species signage and inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species. Conduct access and vegetation surveys in summer 2023, and general monitoring surveys with electrofishing and gill net surveys in 2023 and 2024. 

Sport Fish Restoration Logo

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