Lady Bird Lake - 2019 Survey Report

Prepared by Mukhtar Farooqi and Patrick Ireland
Inland Fisheries Division – San Marcos/Austin District

This is the authors' summary from a 33-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lady Bird Reservoir were surveyed in 2017 and 2019 using electrofishing. Historical data are presented with the 2017 and 2019 data for comparison. Aquatic vegetation was monitored by annual surveys.This report summarizes results of the surveys and contains a fisheries management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lady Bird Reservoir is a stable-level, 469-acre impoundment of the Colorado River located in the city of Austin, Travis County, Texas. Prior to 2007 the reservoir was named Town Lake. The reservoir runs through the mid-section of the city and was constructed in 1960 for purposes of flood control, municipal and industrial water supply, and recreation. The reservoir is owned and operated by the City of Austin. The reservoir lies within the Edwards Plateau ecological area and has a shoreline length of 18.3 miles and a drainage area of approximately 38,240 square miles. Some of the adjacent land has been developed into city parks. Other shoreline areas have been developed by private businesses.

Management History

Important sportfish included Largemouth Bass and Common Carp. Largemouth Bass were managed under a 14-inch minimum length limit until September 1, 2000 when a 14- to 21-inch slot length limit was initiated. Florida Largemouth Bass were initially stocked in 1998 to improve Largemouth Bass growth potential.

Lady Bird Reservoir is a popular destination for trophy Common Carp anglers from around the country and from abroad because of the opportunity to catch 30- to 40-plus-pound carp. The reservoir holds the rod and reel state record for Common Carp at 43.75 pounds. In 2009, a harvest restriction was implemented to protect trophy-sized Common Carp; only one carp 33 inches or greater may be retained per day.

Lady Bird Reservoir holds the state record (rod and reel) for nine species of fish, which is more than any other public waterbody in Texas.

Low vegetative coverage has been characteristic of Lady Bird Reservoir.

Fish Community

• Prey species:  Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, Gizzard Shad and Redear Sunfish were the predominant prey species. Catch rate for Redbreast Sunfish had increased since the previous survey, but Bluegill and Redear Sunfish had declined. Gizzard Shad abundance has declined since 2015.
• Common Carp:  Historical data indicates that Lady Bird Reservoir had a low-density carp population dominated by larger individuals and this is partially reflected in more recent data.
• Largemouth Bass:  Largemouth Bass abundance had declined since the previous two surveys, but was still moderate in 2019. The fish were in good condition, and displayed adequate growth. Population size structure was good.

Management Strategies

• Based on current information, the reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations.
• Biennial aquatic vegetation surveys should be conducted to monitor for the potential establishment of the non-native species hydrilla, and for changes to the aquatic vegetation community that could be attributed to the emigration of Grass Carp from upstream Austin Reservoir.
• Continue collection of information on Grass Carp and Common Carp populations in collaboration with the Carp Anglers Group (CAG).
• Conduct a standard electrofishing survey in 2023.
• Access and habitat surveys will be conducted in 2023.
• Schedule a creel survey as time permits.

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