SDAFS Reservoir Committee

SDAFS Reservoir Committee

Spring 2008 Project Summaries

Arkansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi
Missouri Oklahoma North Carolina South Carolina
Texas      

 

Arkansas

The Bull Shoals Nursery Pond, an 1135 Restoration Project on Bull Shoals Lake, is almost complete and should be operational for this production year.  This pond, which cost $1.3 million to construct, was built adjacent to the upper end of the lake and contains 21 surface acres.  The pond and its crop can be drained directly into the lake.  It will be used for stocking white and black crappie and walleye on a rotational basis.  Located in north central Arkansas. 

This project will utilize purchased triploid grass carp (60,000 every 3 years) and herbicide treatments to attempt to control fanwort and hydrilla in this relatively shallow 15,000-acre lake in south Arkansas (near the Louisiana border).  Angler access is more and more limited by spread of vegetation.  Fish kills result from DO deficiencies in the summer.  The spread has been greater of late due to mild, dry winters (a situation that may become the norm as climate changes).  Partners are the USFWS, AGFC, and local environmental groups.

Results will be presented at this conference (Spring SDAFS 2008 at Wheeling, WV). This was a 3-year creel survey conducted both during the day and until midnight at night.  Night-time effort was different and a significant portion of total effort.  The night-time portion of the creel was conducted by a roving boat clerk using night-vision technology.  Instantaneous aerial counts were used to estimate daytime angling pressure. 

A 1-year creel survey, utilizing aerial pressure counts and on-site interviews, was conducted on this Arkansas River mainstem reservoir.  Report is not complete and another 2 years of surveying will follow.  This is one of Arkansas’s best bass fisheries.  

North central Arkansas and south central Missouri.  43,000 acre COE reservoir.  A 5-year large-scale fish habitat improvement project (National Fish Habitat Action Plan and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (morefish.org) project that involves both in-reservoir and tributary and watershed activities.  Bass Pro Shops is a major funder and partner. 

Arkansas is investigating hydroacoustics for shad sampling, striped bass population sampling, bathymetric mapping, estimating nursery pond crops, assessing habitat use, habitat typing. 

Through a contract with Arkansas State University, AGFC assesses 4 or 5 florida bass lakes every year. 

Lake Ouachita Fisheries Management Plan:  Through a facilitated public (stakeholder) process, a comprehensive fisheries management plan was developed for L. Ouachita, a 40,000-acre COE reservoir in West Arkansas.  This process took one year to complete and cost about $45,000.  Contact:  Stu Wooldridge, DFB, 877-525-8606 and available on AGFC website (www.agfc.com).

A 3-year creel survey was started on this lake in December 07. 

Zebra mussels were found last fall for the first time the same week in both waters.  The discovery of zebra mussels forced us to implement zebra mussel protocols for distributing fish from the Bull Shoals Net Pen Facility.  This floating facility is used to grow-out nearly ½ million catfish and trout for distribution around the state.  Extensive searching has not turned up any other zebra mussels in either lake. 

2 tournament weigh-in facilities were completed.  These are walled and covered facilities, with fish handling equipment and structures, and restrooms, that specially designed to accommodate tournament weigh-ins.  There were multiple partners involved in the development and construction of both.  A 450-gallon fish distribution trailer is stationed at both facilities.

A habitat barge was purchased from Tracker Marine for $53,000 for habitat work in south Arkansas reservoirs.  This is a heavy-duty barge with an hydraulic dump bed, electric winches fore and aft, and an outboard motor on each pontoon. 

Aquatic macrophyte establishment continues.  On Bull Shoals, after five years, quite a bit of spread, of several species, has been observed.  There have been no major high water events since the implementation phase of the Bull Shoals project began. 

Primary changes- increased number of shorter (10-minute) samples and random sampling locations.  Data may not be directly comparable to previous sample results.  Surprisingly, catch-rates were not greatly reduced from previous years.  There was resistance to the changes and the adoption of the new protocol.

Kentucky

Poor sportfish populations have plagued A.J Jolly Lake, a 175 acre reservoir in north Kentucky, for almost a decade.  Different strategies involving stocking intermediate-sized largemouth bass and stocking blue catfish to remove overcrowded sportfish populations have resulted in little success.  KDFWR acquired 417 flathead catfish from Georgia Wildlife Resources Division that were stocked on June 29, 2007.  The goal was to reduce stunted bluegill and channel catfish populations in A.J. Jolly.  The stocked fish ranged in total lengths from 8.4 to 36.0 inches and weights ranged from 0.5 to 20 pounds.  Flathead catfish were stocked at a rate of 2.0 fish per acre and 6.5 pounds per acre.  KDFWR plans to monitor the results of this stocking through sampling of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. 

Small impoundments support a multitude of recreational fishing opportunities for Kentucky anglers.  Primary targets of anglers in these waters are sunfish species.  Nationally, the number of sunfish anglers ranks second behind only black bass anglers and in Kentucky fishing for sunfish ranks third in popularity.  Because the growth potential of redear sunfish is greater on average than bluegill and their low reproductive rate keeps them from becoming overcrowded, redear sunfish are well suited to provide quality sunfish fisheries in waters where they occur.  The KDFWR recently imposed a statewide 20 fish creel limit on redear sunfish, but no length limits have ever been imposed.  When considering harvest restrictions such as length limits, preliminary data is necessary to calculate growth and mortality rates for bluegill and redear sunfish.

Objectives:
Determine the 1) growth, mortality, and exploitation of bluegill and redear sunfish in three central KY impoundments (Beaver Lake-158 acres, Elmer Davis Lake - 149 acres and Corinth Lake – 78 acres); 2) index recruitment; and 3) monitor the seasonal physicochemical characteristics of each lake and relate to population dynamics.

Status: Each of three lakes was sampled in March, April and May last year to assess the timing of sampling.  Cursory analysis reveals that larger fish of both species were disproportionately more abundant in the March and April samples because of a relative lack of small sunfish.  It appears that sampling in May gives a better representative sample of the population.  A 12-month exploitation study on bluegill and redear sunfish in Beaver Lake will be starting in April 2008.

Despite their notoriously variable recruitment, white bass have supported very popular fisheries in many Kentucky reservoirs.  In recent years, these populations have experienced severe declines.  It has been speculated that the declines are due to deficiencies in physical parameters such as rainfall and/or reservoir inflow in consecutive dry years.  Even in wet years, white bass recruitment could remain low at reservoirs experiencing extreme siltation problems as incoming sediment accumulates over gravel bars needed for spawning, smothers eggs, and impedes foraging success.  Because these fisheries are typically seasonal in nature, fisheries managers have accepted their cyclical nature and focused management efforts on other species.  Current angler dissatisfaction in these white bass fisheries has resulted in the need to try new management strategies. 

Although they have been widely introduced, there is no evidence of supplemental stocking of white bass to enhance existing populations.  Through supplemental stocking of white bass, it is expected that the number of fish surviving to reproductive age can be boosted to offset poor year-classes and the population would again be self-sustaining.  To test this hypothesis, white bass were marked with oxytetracycline and stocked into Dewey and Barren River Lakes while two other existing populations of white bass were used as controls (Green River Lake -8,210 acres and Taylorsville Lake- 3,050 acres).  White bass populations were then monitored using gill nets   

Objective
Determine if the stocking of white bass fingerlings at Barren River (10,000 acres) and Dewey Lakes (1,100 acres) can enhance the existing white bass population and recruit to the reproductive stock, ultimately leading to the restoration of a self-sustaining, high quality fishery.

Status
In general, we have seen poor success in supplemental stocking to enhance white bass populations. Very high stocking contribution has been observed in Dewey Lake but gill net catch rates remain low. This watershed is highly impacted by coal mining operations, resulting in high levels of incoming sediment.  It is likely that a low level fishery can be maintained but there will probably never be significant natural reproduction in the main tributary, Johns Creek.  At Barren River lake, stocking contributions at age-1+ of 24% and 19% have been observed and there was another year where no year class was produced (natural or stocked).  Gill net catch rates have also been consistently low at Barren.

The objective is to study the limnological and ecological progression of a newly constructed reservoir with an emphasis on developing a trophy bass fishery.  The reservoir (784 acres) itself was impounded in 2005 and stocked with Largemouth bass in the fall of 2006.  The highly restrictive 1 fish over 20 inches limit is used solely to promote the development of a trophy largemouth bass fishery.  Constant monitoring of relative abundance, growth rates, prey abundance, and food habits is used to gauge the fishery’s progress.  

The bass stocking initiative is a project where year class strength of largemouth bass are predicted by CPUE of Age-0 LMB in the fall, and, if needed, reservoirs are preemptively stocked in order to offset a possible poor year class.  Predictions are made via regression equations using historical data, comparing the CPUE of Age-0 largemouth bass in fall with the CPUE of Age-1 largemouth bass from the following spring.  If it results in a significant regression equation, then it is used to predict year class strength from fall Age-0 data.  If the prediction falls below the mean year class strength, then it is stocked with LMB fingerlings that fall.  Spring evaluations are used to determine the contribution of the stocked fish, and whether or not a poor year class has been prevented.

Small reservoirs in Kentucky have been stocked with channel catfish on a regular basis for years.  But research into the success of the stocking program has been limited.  At the request of some anglers looking to catch larger channel catfish, a 12-inch minimum size limit was placed on several of Kentucky’s state-owned lakes.  The size structure and abundance of larger channel catfish is being compared to lakes that did not receive the new regulation.  Data is used to determine if the abundance of larger fish increases due to the new regulation, and may have future implications on how we manage other lakes that are continuously stocked with channel catfish throughout the state.

Blue Catfish were first stocked into Taylorsville Lake (3050 acres) in 2002 in the hopes of creating a new fishery.  Since then the new population has flourished, mainly due in part to a very large forage base of stunted gizzard shad.  The blue catfish have been stocked every year since and growth rates have been much greater than expected.  A new project has started in order to determine if the exceptional conditions at Taylorsville Lake will lend itself to the creation of a trophy blue catfish population.  Data is collected several times a year to determine relative abundance, age and growth, and food habits.  A tagging study is in the works to determine the exploitation rate of this newly created fishery.  Currently, there is no regulation on blue catfish, but if trophy potential is realized then a regulation may be enacted in the distant future to facilitate such a fishery.

Two different size groups of blue catfish are being stocked into 3 small reservoirs in North Central Kentucky to determine if size at stocking has any impact on future growth.  Previous studies have shown that there is a large disparity in the size of blue catfish that were of the same year class.  It is speculated that when larger fish (12 in or greater) are stocked, they have a head start and are able to feed on a forage base (primarily consisting of centrarchids) immediately, thus experiencing accelerated growth rates.  This is compared to smaller blue catfish (< 10 in) which may not be able to take advantage of the forage, and thus experience much slower (or possibly stunted) growth.  Each reservoir is stocked with both size ranges on blue catfish, which are tagged accordingly, and growth rates will be monitored throughout the study to determine if size at stocking does indeed influence future growth.

Louisiana

There is no current sampling plan that effectively involves detection and assessment of invasive Asian carp species in the waterbodies of District 2.  Nor, is there a sampling strategy that targets new and unknown invasive finfish species. Grass, Bighead, Silver, and Black carp are now known to populate many of the rivers of Louisiana, but unfortunately are not adequately sampled by current standardized sampling methods.  Very little baseline data is available on the population dynamics of these species in the waters of northeast Louisiana where Grass, Bighead, and Silver carp are now known to exist.  Early detection is a key to prevention or elimination of nuisance populations and may help preserve the biological integrity of our native aquatic habitats.  The knowledge gained from this project would be an invaluable resource for broader-based data collection efforts such as statewide and national task forces.

The primary objective of this project is to develop and implement a plan to adequately sample invasive Asian carp.  A secondary objective is the discovery of new and possibly unknown exotic fish species in District 2.  Sampling methods will be determined by review of literature and experimentation.  An inventory of invasive carp species will be developed, as will a prioritized list of problem populations. Data will also be collected to gain information on the population dynamics in the rivers of northeast LA by developing effective sampling techniques for identification of possible breeding areas, estimating population numbers, and movement patterns.   

Commercial length limits on channel catfish have long been a controversial subject in Louisiana, particularly in the areas of Lakes Des Allemands and Maurepas.   In addition to Wildlife and Fisheries authority, channel catfish harvest restrictions have been controlled through both judicial and legislative means.   In 1990 the current 11-in minimum limit was imposed statewide.  In an effort to determine the effects of the regulation, current age and growth data will be compared with McElroy et al. (1990). 

Hoop nets will be used as primary collection gear but electrofishing will also be used to obtain fish in age classes needed to conduct the study.  We estimate that 30 fish in each age class (I-V) would be sufficient for comparison.  Sufficient numbers of age IV and V fish will be harder to obtain and we might not reach our goal of 30 fish from each of these age classes.  Sampling attempts will be made to coincide with that of McElroy et al. (1990).

Alligatorweed has been found on Lake Bistineau for many years and has primarily been treated with 2, 4-D.  It is critical to find the best treatment solution possible for each species of aquatic plant because several factors continue to place a larger demand on the program’s employees and budget.  Factors such as an ever increasing demand for vegetation control on area waterbodies, possible reduced efficiency of 2,4-D on certain populations, shortages of man-power for herbicide applications, and increased need to treat new infestations of exotic species such as giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), aging waterbodies with increasing plant populations;  have made it crucial to find a herbicide that will more affectively control alligatorweed and lower the need/number of times  to retreat areas to obtain a control of the plant.

The following herbicides were tested: Habitat (Imazapyr), Riverdale Weedestroy (2, 4-D amine), Aquastar (glyphosphate), combination of Aquastar and Weedestroy, and Rennovate (triclopyr).  Each herbicide was applied to alligatorweed at the lowest standard label rate and at the highest label rate.  Also each one was applied with Timberland 90(a non-ionic surfactant) and also with Optima (multi-surfactant + buffering agents) to test the differences of the two surfactants.  Plots were established in the lake and the herbicides applied at the various rates and combinations.  Results were documented and photographed to see how quickly the plants showed signs of stress, how quickly re-growth occurred, and how much plant material sank (i.e. remaining percent coverage).       

To determine the life history cycle of the alligator gar (Astracosteus spatula) in Louisiana and to generate preliminary population estimates.    To profile its economic importance and benefits to the state, and to determine what management, if any, is needed to insure sustained populations. 

Alligator gar will be captured at multiple sites within four different geographical areas, in an attempt to adequately sample the wide range of habitats the alligator gar occupies in Louisiana.  These areas represent respectively; salt/brackish water lake and surrounding estuary, large man-made freshwater impoundment, an intermediate river, and a large river system and its surrounding floodplain.  We will attempt to collect 100 specimens from each of these habitat areas.

 

Mississippi

There has been an increasing trend in recent years in the proportion of crappie anglers fishing by trolling on Mississippi’s flood control reservoirs.  Perceived harvest inequities have precipitated several petitions and/or political pressure from single pole anglers calling for MDWFP to ban or regulate trolling.  To obtain data suitable to support or refute such actions, crappie anglers were identified as single pole (pole) or multiple pole (troll) fishing while they were interviewed during routine roving creel surveys on Enid, Grenada, and Sardis Lakes.  Additionally, the total number of poles fished was recorded on Sardis Lake.  Statistical analyses indicated party size was similar between the two groups.  The proportions of the two groups varied seasonally and similarly on all lakes; pole anglers predominated in spring, and troll anglers predominated in summer and fall.  CPE varied from lake to lake, but trolling CPE was constantly higher on all lakes.  CPE also varied seasonally, but the differences between the two methods were consistent over months.  Crappie CPE declined with party size for both groups, but trollers were more efficient at larger party sizes.  Crappie CPE was directly related to the number of poles fished per person.  We modeled different levels of trolling and potential pole limits to prognosticate likely effects on exploitation.

Flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris is known to be one of the most sought after species of catfish in Mississippi due to its capability to reach large sizes, aggressiveness, and edibility.  Biologist have noticed over the years that hand grabbing is an increasingly popular method of catching catfish on Ross Barnett Reservoir, located in central Mississippi.  Only two reports could be found where fisheries personnel strictly sampled for flathead catfish in the past, but had noted that hand grabbing was a growing sport on the reservoir and that flatheads seemed to be the primary target species.  We performed a roving creel targeting hand grabbing anglers during the 2007 Mississippi hand grabbing season to estimate harvest and effort.  We used low-frequency electrofishing to determine the size structure and population abundance.  We also extracted pectoral spines for determining growth and mortality rates for flathead catfish in this reservoir.  During the roving creel surveys, we asked anglers questions concerning how they fished, such as depths of boxes, types of probes, the number of boxes they have in the reservoir, etc.  Creel data showed that 73% of the anglers targeted flathead catfish while hand grabbing and 73% of the fish harvested were flatheads.  The overall CPE was 16 fish per Km.  The highest catch rates (47 per Km) occurred along rip rap covered levees and were dominated by smaller fish.  Larger fish were found in deeper waters along river channels and oxbows located within the reservoir.  PSD value was 73 and Wr was 92.  With little information available from the past, we wanted to gain a better understanding of the flathead catfish population at Ross Barnett Reservoir and determine if hand grabbing was having an effect on the population.

The hatchery complex is located below Enid Lake dam in Yalobusha County.  The goal of this new project is to develop a state-of-the-art hatchery facility for fish production, education/tourism, and research.  New fish production facilities include a state-of-the-art hatchery that will be used to grow sport fish fingerlings for stocking into the states public waters with an emphasis on northern MS and the delta.  We have constructed a new visitor center that will contain an exhibit room, a large aquarium, gift shop, and fishing pond.  We will also be active in performing and supporting research in different areas of aquaculture.  The complex is constructed on 58 acres of land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Interstate 55 is located less then a quarter mile away making our facility highly visible and easily accessible to residents and visitors of Mississippi. 

Current Status
The first phase of construction completed in November 2006 includes 12 1-acre ponds, a hatchery building and office, visitor center, shop building, two 80 ft observational raceways, and a visitors fishing pond.  The spring of 2007 was the hatchery’s first year of fish production.  We raised the northern largemouth bass, walleye, triploid hybrid crappie, bluegill, triploid grass carp, and flathead catfish.  The visitor center is not open to the public at this time.  The exhibits are still being prepared as well as other landscaping projects around the building.  Once the facility is open to the public school groups, church groups, family groups, or just any group is welcome to stop by and learn more about our new hatchery, sport fishing, and other natural resources in our state.  We are planning to open in March 2008.  Hours of operations have not been determined but more than likely it will include both week and weekend hours.

This coming production season we will be responsible for the majority of the states fish production needs.  Several species will be propagated at the hatchery this coming spring starting in mid-March with Southern Walleye, then moving onto late March with Florida Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Triploid Hybrid Crappie.  The Florida Largemouth bass we raise this year will actually be sent to the Pascagoula River to help restore populations to pre-hurricane fishing levels.  In April we will begin Flathead Catfish and Triploid Grass Carp production.  In May we will begin with Bluegill and Redear and also be busy stocking fingerling fish spawned earlier in the year at locations in north Mississippi and the delta.  The best time to visit the hatchery if you would like to see “fish squeezing” in action is March through June.

Historically, the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks estimated angler trips at State Fishing Lakes by counting the number of fishing permits sold at a particular lake.  Each angler was required to posses a daily or annual fishing permit.  Each daily permit was counted as one fishing trip and each annual permit counted as 10 fishing trips. 

Uncertainty about the estimates of angler trips made from permit sales data prompted the need to estimate angler effort by another method.  In 2007, lake managers counted the number of bank anglers and the number of boat trailers present at the beginning and end of each work day.  Monthly estimates of effort calculated from count data was compared to effort estimates derived from daily permit data.  Angler trips estimated from count data far exceeded estimates made from daily permit data at six State Fishing Lakes.  Monthly percent error values between the two effort estimates ranged from 20 to 1,300.  Count data always provided larger estimates compared to estimates derived from daily permit data.

The contribution of annual permit holders to these large differences will be investigated in 2008.  Lake managers will identify the number of annual permit holders present during each count, enabling us to estimate effort of annual permits holders.

An estimated loss of 1,325 acres of aquatic habitat in the Mississippi portion of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (TTW) occurred during the system’s first 20 years. Losses exceeding 5 to 44% of acreage that was present in 1985 have occurred in specific habitats throughout the TTW; loss of habitat thought to be important in fish production such as backwaters and bendways.  We recognized these habitats have unique spatial arrangements in the pools of the TTW and there exists a need to understand the influence of different habitat types on the fish populations contained therein in order to forecast and overcome the effects of habitat loss.  We developed a comprehensive sampling protocol to examine the spatial patterns of fish populations in three pools of the TTW.  We sampled the fish assemblages in all accessible habitats in Aliceville, Columbus, and Aberdeen Lakes during late Fall 2007.  Distributional maps of fish populations in each of these lakes were developed to visually examine the spatial patterns of populations in relation to sampled habitats.  Preliminary analyses suggest higher abundances of recreationally important species such as largemouth bass and crappies in off-channel habitats such as backwaters and bendways.  These species also appear to increase in abundance in habitats farther from the main navigational channel and those in the lower portion of the lakes. 

We plan to sample fish again in Spring 2008, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 in addition to characterizing the physical habitat to further develop a spatial database of fish and habitat in the TTW.  This database will be used identify certain habitats with risk factors that may negatively impact certain fish species in these lakes.  Risk factors in certain habitats may not negatively impact all fish.  Recommendations such as habitat restoration and dredging can then be made to ensure losses in habitat do not affect the future of the fisheries in the TTW.

Missouri

Improve fish habitat

  • Fully staffed, new fisheries biologist and temporary help hired
  • New habitat barge from Bass Pro Shops in use
  • Begun brush pile installation
    • as of 2/22/08, installed 250 brush piles and 4 stump fields in four different reaches of Table Rock Lake
    • New fish attractors marked on GPS map available to public
  • Contract process for hauling trees and rocks to lake nearly completed
    • Sources of trees and stumps secured
  • Main lake rock project in planning stage

Promoting project publicity

  • Many television, radio, and newspaper spots to increase public awareness of project objectives
  • Several focus meetings held and more planned to solicit public opinion and promote public involvement
Improve water quality within Table Rock Lake and its tributaries
  • Improving stream and riparian habitats
    • Numerous landowner stream visits made, projects underway
    • Plans to utilize habitat funds to cost-share on several more projects in the near future
  • Monitoring watershed conditions
    • GIS Survey planned and in the works
      • Assess stream corridor conditions in the Table Rock Lake watershed
      • Survey will help to identify improvement opportunities in the future and create a useful tool for future use
  • Manage nutrient inputs
    • Contributed funding to NGO’s such as the James River Basin Partnership and Table Rock Lake Water Quality, Inc. to assist with septic tank pumpout programs within the Table Rock Lake watershed.
    • Designed to target non-point sources of nutrient input such as failing or overflowing septic tanks within the watershed
    • Significant media coverage has helped to make this a popular and utilized program
    • Part of the James River Basin Partnership’s “Pump a million” campaign
      • Reached 1 million gallon goal in December 2007 and still going

Lake Taneycomo habitat improvements

  • Trout habitat project in upper Lake Taneycomo in planning stages
  • Focus group meetings planned to solicit public opinion and promote public involvement

Improve water quality within Lake Taneycomo

  • We have directed funds to re-assess a forebay liquid oxygen diffuser system for Table Rock Dam
    • Funds are being matched (50%/50% cost share) by the Corps of Engineers (White River Comprehensive Study)
    • Scope of work finalized
    • Tennessee Valley Authority selected as the contractor
    • First step in quest to improve dissolved oxygen levels in upper Lake Taneycomo

Monitor effectiveness and longevity of structures and projects employed

  • Plans to monitor new and old brushpiles in coming year
    • Scuba surveys, electrofishing, creel surveys, etc.

Primary objective is still to develop a framework for broader national program focused on habitat protection and restoration in reservoirs and their watersheds.  For more information, contact Shane Bush, MDC Fisheries Biologist, at 417-334-4859.

We are heading into year 3 of 5 for the Bull Shoals recruitment study.  This study examines the benefits to age-0 largemouth bass of adding brush to coves in Ozark highland reservoirs.  We selected two locations on the lake (6/4 sites) and paired controls and treatment coves.  Treatment coves received cedar brush that resulted in coverage of over 20%.  Cover extended from MSL to a 12 foot depth allowing for reservoir fluctuations.  Controls were left unchanged.  All brush installation was completed by Fisheries Division as part of a management evaluation project.

Resource Science Division is monitoring three specific variables at each site: number of largemouth bass nests, the number of age-0 largemouth bass within each site, and the number of potential predators within each site.  Nests are documented with weekly snorkel surveys.  Night electrofishing is conducted monthly (June through October) to examine numbers of age-0 bass.  Because adding brush could attract predators to the sites, we are also monitoring the number of potential predators at each site.

Missouri’s biologists have accumulated over 300+ “reservoir years” worth of data on our large reservoirs.  In an attempt to better understand forces driving fisheries in these large water bodies, we will compile this fisheries data and couple it with abiotic and biotic factors for each reservoir.  By doing this, we hope to gain a better understanding of the forces driving black bass and crappie recruitment in these systems.

We are currently contacting biologists and compiling and quality-checking data for use in this study.  We hope to have all data organized and ready for analysis by summer 2009. 

Oklahoma

2007 was the year of the flood in Oklahoma.  Following several years of drought conditions, the summer of 2007 was a season for record rainfalls and flooding.  High water events in Oklahoma reservoirs were numerous, with several cases of water exiting via emergency spillways.  Impacts were both positive and negative in regards to fisheries.  A positive impact should be seen in the form of a quality year class of bass and other species due to excellent nursery cover (in the form of inundated terrestrial vegetation).  A negative impact was seen in some recent aquatic vegetation plantings being setback due to prolonged periods of submersion in turbid water.

In contrast to the potential problems regarding large blue catfish mentioned above, another project has found that we may be underestimating large blue catfish in our electrofishing samples.  Total catch rates of blue catfish averaged about 250 fish per hour across three project lakes.  However, less than 2% of the electrofishing catch is blue catfish > 30”.  Catch rates were higher and more consistent when water temperatures were above 70˚F.  Several habitat variables are being analyzed in an attempt to refine our sampling and minimize sampling bias.  Kris Bodine (ODWC) is presenting this work in the technical session. 

A blue catfish telemetry study is ongoing at Lake Texoma.  To date, 50 blue catfish have been implanted with acoustic transmitters.  From Dec. 06 through June 07, 33 fish were implanted ranging from 7 to 73 lbs.  From Dec. 07 through Feb. 08, 17 more fish were implanted ranging from 11 to 66 lbs.  Movements of some of these fish have been as little as 1 km from one relocation to the next, and as much as 45 km from one relocation to the next.  Tracking was interrupted during late June through most of July due to flooding in the lake.  Movements and habitat use of large blue catfish is ongoing.  Corey Lee (U of OK graduate student) is presenting this work in the technical session.

CONTACT LISTING:

  • Kurt Kuklinski, Chas Patterson, Greg Summers, and Corey Lee, Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab, 500 E. Constellation, Norman, OK 73072; 405-325-7288
  • Kris Bodine, ODWC Lawton Office, 19333 State HWY 49, Lawton, OK 73507; 580-529-2795
  • Eric Brinkman, Oklahoma State University, Eric.brinkman@okstate.edu

North Carolina

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) conducts a variety of activities to enhance fish habitat complexity in many reservoirs, including placement of tree canopies in deep water, securing fallen trees to shorelines and adding structure to public fishing areas.  The goal of these activities is to realize the multiple benefits of increased habitat complexity, including food production and cover for fishes, shoreline protection, and concentrating fish to enhance angling opportunities. 

The Habitat Enhancement Program (HEP) was formed via a cooperative initiative by Duke Energy, the NCWRC and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  In an effort to foster continued environmental stewardship along the Catawba-Wateree River and its reservoirs, the HEP awards funds to support habitat enhancement projects within this system.

In 2007, HEP awarded a grant to the NCWRC to purchase supplies and materials for approximately 400 5-foot diameter porcupine-fish attractors.  These structures will be placed in Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Hickory and Lookout Shoals Reservoir by NCWRC personnel and volunteer assistance.  Sites for fish attractor deployment will be selected by NCWRC personnel and based on the individual reservoir’s need for increased habitat diversity, historic angling locations and opportunities for enhancing angling success.  In addition, all fish attractor sites will be marked with fish attractor buoys identifying their locations. 

The NCWRC will seek public involvement for the installation of the majority of these fish attractor structures.  Local fishing clubs will be the primary groups targeted, but appropriate civic groups may also be contacted.  By engaging these organizations, the NCWRC will be able to promote community involvement in the maintenance and enhancement of these public resources. 

A tagging study was used to determine the general magnitude, timing, and location of the walleye catch and harvest in Lake Gaston.  Walleye have been stocked since the early 1980’s in Lake Gaston.  Additionally, there is evidence of natural reproduction.  A total of 500 walleye were collected by electrofishing and tagged in March of 2004.  A monetary reward, ranging from US$1 to $100, was offered for the return of each tag along with a completed survey on angling effort, catch, and harvest.  A total of 46 (9.2%) walleye tags were returned.  Most of the tags were returned within 5 months of the initial tagging.  The majority of walleye anglers fished during the day during the warmer months of the year and harvested their catch.  It appears that walleye exploitation is low, particularly during spawning migrations at Lake Gaston.  However, we recommend further analysis of angler exploitation and natural reproduction before curtailing the walleye stocking program entirely at Lake Gaston.

Catch rates of crappie Pomoxis spp. collected using trapnets in Lake Hickory, an impoundment of the Catawba River, have declined dramatically since stock assessments were first conducted in the late 1990’s.  In 1999, catch rates of black crappie P. nigromaculatus were >8 fish/net night, but since that survey, catch rates of black crappie have declined during all five of the surveys that have been conducted, with catch rates in the 2006 survey being only 0.5 fish/net night.  Additionally, approximately 3 white crappie P. annularis were collected per net night in 1998, but catch rates since 2000 have been ≤ 0.5 fish/net night. 

The reason for the decline of the crappie populations in Lake Hickory is unknown.  Angler harvest does not appear to be a factor, and no changes in primary productivity of the reservoir have been detected.  It is possible that changes in the fish community of Lake Hickory could have affected crappie recruitment, as several new species have been introduced into the reservoir in recent years. 

In an attempt to reverse the trend of declining crappie numbers, black crappie marked with oxytetracycline (OTC) will be stocked into Lake Hickory beginning in 2007.  The contribution of these stockings will be evaluated by collecting crappie during fall trapnet surveys.  Otoliths of black crappie collected during these surveys will be examined for the presence of an OTC mark to determine if the fish are of hatchery origin.  If the stocked crappie do not produce a significant increase in trapnet catch rates, the stockings will be discontinued. 

Catfish anglers in North Carolina have been demanding regulations to protect trophy catfish for several years.  In 2007, NCWRC staff met with a large contingent of catfish anglers in an effort to establish a dialogue between anglers and fisheries biologists.  These anglers proposed a 812 mm maximum size limit (with a 1 fish exemption) on blue catfish for two specific reservoirs: Lake Norman and Badin Lake.  These two lakes are known to produce large catfish as a state record blue catfish have come from each lake in the past five years.  These regulations were recently approved by our commission and will go into effect on July 1, 2008.

At the time of this meeting, we had little or no information about blue catfish populations in these reservoirs.  In late 2007 and early 2008, we collected blue catfish on Badin Lake using gillnets during concurrent striped bass sampling.  We collected 84 blue catfish and lengths, weights, and otoliths were obtained from all fish.  We are also working with catfish tournaments to obtain fish in an effort supplement our total sample size.  We plan to attempt additional sampling in 2008 to bolster our knowledge of these populations.

South Carolina

A shoreline fish habitat improvement initiative is underway in Lakes Hartwell and Russell.  The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provided $33,000 for a partnership grant.  The money was used to purchase 7,000 water willow and maidencane plants which South Carolina DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, and local bass club members planted in favored areas throughout the reservoirs.

Dam remediation on Lake Murray was completed and the reservoir has returned to “full” pool.  A predicted strong year class of crappie associated with the lake drawdown was evident in the biennial trap netting.  There was a die-off of striped bass this summer associated with stratification and low Dissolved Oxygen, however the extent of the kill was considered to be in the moderate range when compared to other years.  The hydro facility at the Murray Dam is in FERC relicensing phase and a number of operational changes are expected which will hopefully improve environmental and habitat conditions in the lake and tail water for the fishery resource. 

Due to the drought Santee-Cooper experienced water levels nearly 10ft. below full pool in late December and was at its lowest since the early 1950’s.  Lake Marion, where the average depth is 12 feet, normally encompasses 100,000 acres; the lake at its lowest level covered only about 55,000 acres. Lake Moultrie, normally 62,000 acres with an average depth of 20 feet, covered 40,000 acres.  Without the influence of well above average precipitation in the watershed we expect the reservoir levels to remain below average.  Public education in radio and print media has continued in an effort to increase public awareness of the possible benefits of the exposed lake bottom and release of nutrients to promoting vegetative growth. 

Contact:  Jason Bettinger  JasonB@dnr.sc.gov

A study investigating seasonal movements and exploitation of adult striped bass in the Santee drainage was continued in 2007.  During spring 2006 a study was initiated to determine the seasonal movement and distribution of adult striped bass that occupy the lower Saluda River, Congaree River, Wateree River and Lakes Marion and Moultrie (i.e., Santee-Cooper system).  The information collected will be used to determine if there is annual segregation of a portion of the Santee-Cooper striped bass population (i.e., multiple stocks) and to identify potential management implications based on seasonal distribution.  During 2007, an additional eighteen striped bass collected from Lake Moultrie were tagged and we continued to monitor the movements of adult striped bass implanted with transmitters during spring 2006.  Overall exploitation of instrumented fish was approximately 31% and most (76%) of the harvest occurred in the lower Saluda River.  Nineteen fish were harvested from the lower Saluda River, 3 fish were harvested from the Congaree River, and three fish were harvested from Lake Marion.  Surprisingly no fish were reported as harvested from other segments of the system (e.g., Lake Moultrie).  We did not observe annual segregation of the striped bass population or evidence of multiple stocks.  However, there was seasonal segregation of adult striped bass with a portion of the population utilizing the lower Saluda River as a thermal refuge during the summer and another portion of the population inhabiting the lakes, primarily Lake Moultrie

Texas

The National Park Service constructed a water-chute-like fish release tube at the most popular tournament weigh-in pavilion on Lake Amistad to make fish release quicker and more convenient.  Through simulated tournaments in August 2006 and March 2007, we compared delayed (6-day) mortality between tournament-caught largemouth bass returned to the reservoir via the tube, with chlorinated water, versus alternate release methods (hand-carrying in water-filled bags, tube release with non-chlorinated water, or immediate release at on-the-water weigh-in dock).   In summer, control-adjusted delayed mortality of fish from the chlorinated tube release method was 64%, twice as much as hand-released fish (32%).  In spring, adjusted mortality rates were ≤ 9%, and did not differ between treatments.  We recommend discontinuing the use of chlorinated water in holding tanks and the release tube, and limiting use of the release tube during June-September when heat stress is highest.

Demand for water in Texas is rapidly increasing due to human population growth. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) regularly updates water use plans due to changes in population, water availability, and priorities. Discussions regarding interbasin transfer of East Texas water are increasing. A current economic value estimate of recreational fishing at Sam Rayburn Reservoir is needed to ensure that the TWDB makes informed and responsible decisions regarding water allocation. Although the economic value of recreational fishing at Sam Rayburn Reservoir was estimated at $15.1 million in 2001, the actual overall value is likely much higher, as the study design did not represent all black bass Micropterus spp. tournaments and participants. In 2004, over 300 bass tournaments were conducted at the reservoir with tournament angling comprising 19% of total angling effort. The significance of economic impacts associated with tournaments is widely discussed at Sam Rayburn Reservoir but is unknown.

Objectives:

  1. Estimate annual number of black bass tournaments and associated participants at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
  2. Estimate annual direct expenditures, recreational value, and economic impact of black bass tournaments to local counties surrounding Sam Rayburn Reservoir and to Texas.
  3. Estimate total annual direct expenditures, recreational value, and economic impact of recreational angling to local counties surrounding Sam Rayburn Reservoir and to Texas.

Objectives:

  1. Correlate year-class strength of largemouth bass M. salmoides, channel catfish, and gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum with temporal variation in reservoir water levels and reservoir inflow. If fishes can be collected in sufficient numbers, blue catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie P. nigromaculatus, white crappie P. annularis, white bass M. chrysops, and threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense will also be evaluated.
  2. Correlate year-class strength of predators (e.g. bass, catfish, and crappie) with prey (e.g. shad).

Objective:

  1. To determine contributing factors of poor condition of adult striped bass in Lake Buchanan and to evaluate seasonal forage availability for Lake Buchanan.

Objectives:

  1. Determine survival, growth, and diet of striped bass figerlings in Lake Livingston and Livingston Tailrace from time of stocking until fall dispersal.
  2. Evaluate the contribution of each stocking group captured as adults.
  3. Quantify the extent of natural reproduction in Livingston Tailrace and the lower Trinity River by estimating YOY abundance and evaluating proportion of adult spawners.

Objectives:

  1. Quantify the effects of reservoir water level on littoral habitat characteristics and angler accessibility (i.e., useable boat ramps, fishing piers, and bank access) in four Colorado River reservoirs using geographic information systems (GIS) data.
  2. Forecast future reservoir-specific changes in littoral habitat and angler access using pre-existing hydrologic model

Objectives:

  1. Directly estimate capture efficiency and size bias of hoop net series for collecting channel catfish and of low frequency, pulsed DC electrofishing for collecting blue catfish.
  2. Estimate spatial (i.e., river and reservoir habitat) and temporal (i.e., June – September) variability in capture efficiency and size bias for hoop net series and low frequency electrofishing.
  3. Indirectly estimate capture efficiency and size bias of standard TPWD experimental gill nets for collecting channel and blue catfish from reservoir habitat.

Objectives:

  1. Estimate total annual exploitation adjusted for tournament mortality of largemouth bass in Amon G. Carter Reservoir
  2. Determine the potential success of alternative largemouth bass harvest regulations

Status:

In October and November personnel collected, tagged and released 782 largemouth bass > 12 inches TL. Approximately one-half these fish were 12 to 14 inches and the other one-half was > 14 inches TL. The tags are numbered and contain our telephone number. We began a creel survey in December, 2007 and we are just finishing up our first quarter at the end of this month. We have received 20 calls regarding tagged fish being caught, but have only accounted for one tagged fish in our creel survey. The weather has been cold and fishing has been slow, ergo not many interviews. Most anglers at Amon G. Carter are fishing for crappie. This study was a spin-off of the study on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Current Status

Nacogdoches Reservoir, located approximately 10 miles west of Nacogdoches, is 2,212 acres in size and serves as a municipal water supply.  Habitat is primarily American lotus and hydrilla; current coverage is approximately 40% of the reservoir.

Nacogdoches Reservoir currently supports a high-quality largemouth bass fishery.  It has demonstrated trophy largemouth bass potential, having produced four fish > 13 pounds. A 14-21 inch slot limit was implemented in 1988 to provide increased numbers of quality-sized bass. Spring quarter creel surveys from 2001 and 2005 indicated high directed fishing effort and catch rates for largemouth bass. During the 2001 survey, anglers expressed that catch rates of trophy largemouth bass had declined. Additionally, 52% of anglers would potentially harvest a largemouth bass > 21 inches, and 5% of anglers would always harvest a fish > 21 inches. Largemouth bass growth is adequate, with fish reaching 14 inches in 2.6 years. Electrofishing catch rates are high with average fall and spring catch rates of 118.0 and 201.7 fish / hour, respectively. Size structure indices from spring electrofishing were excellent (PSD = 72 to 78). Recruitment of fish into the slot limit was also high (RSD-14 = 44 to 57; RSD-16 = 16 to 28; RSD-21 = 2 to 6).   

Currently, angler perception regarding this proposed change is unknown.  A public hearing would be conducted to solicit input.

Expected Results

Establishing a maximum length limit of 16 inches should increase numbers of trophy-sized bass in the population by providing protection to large bass currently vulnerable to harvest (> 21 inches).  A maximum length limit that allows retention of only ShareLunker bass (> 13 lbs) should increase contributions to the ShareLunker program. Allowing harvest of bass < 16 inches could decrease intraspecific competition and increase growth rates and create a trophy bass fishery. 

Potential Problems

Anglers may over harvest largemouth bass < 16 inches, reducing overall recruitment and abundance.  Determining and enforcing the weight criterion for temporary retention may be problematic for law enforcement personnel.

Objective:

  1. Determine if genetic composition from samples of age-0 largemouth bass is an accurate and precise representation of genetic composition of adult largemouth bass.

Status:

Toledo Bend

A management plan is being drafted to outline the use of $100,000 committed by the Sabine River Authority Texas to control giant salvinia and water hyacinth. In addition to spring and fall aerial surveys, plans include the use of floating barriers to create “safe zones” at major boat ramps to help contain giant salvinia and prevent transport by boat trailer.  Herbicide treatments totaling 1000 acres or more are planned in 2008.  Bids for the treatment of 500 acres of water hyacinth and giant salvinia by private contractor will be requested in March and again in July to allow season-long treatment of infestations threatening boat ramps and homeowner access. Bio-control agents for giant salvinia (Cyrtobagous weevils) will be monitored, harvested, and redistributed as necessary to appropriate areas of the reservoir. Presentations to local citizens groups and regular press releases provide current information regarding giant salvinia control efforts on Toledo Bend.

Caddo Lake

Treatment of invasive vegetation on Caddo Lake in 2008 will begin with comprehensive vegetation surveys to help identify areas containing giant salvinia and document the extent of the water hyacinth population.  Working in cooperation with the Cypress Valley Navigation District, the Caddo Lake Institute, and the Greater Caddo Lake Association, TPWD is working to develop a dedicated crew to allow herbicide applications of invasive vegetation throughout the growing season.  Biological control agents for giant salvinia and water hyacinth will be supplemented as appropriate and monitored through the growing season.  A survey of seeds and propagules present in Caddo Lake will be conducted to determine potential of native plant establishment after herbicide applications. Aquatic and riparian vegetation plantings may be used to help remove unwanted nutrients from availability by exotic invasive plant species. Additional efforts will help increase public awareness regarding the reduction of nutrients entering Caddo Lake. Efforts to include Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in control efforts continue. Regular articles regarding control efforts and progress made in funding help keep the issue current in local newspapers.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

In addition to the recent discovery of giant salvinia on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, substantial infestations of common salvinia and water hyacinth have been present on the reservoir for years. While water hyacinth is seldom a problem in the lower portions of the reservoir, the more northern areas of the Angelina Arm experience severe infestations every year. Common salvinia is scattered throughout the reservoir but abundant in the northern portion of Ayish Bayou. With the cooperation of the US Army Corps of Engineers the giant salvinia infestation on Coleman Creek has been temporarily contained using oil-spill booms. Monitoring of the areas and physical removal of any plants found outside the contained area are being performed weekly.  Weekly herbicide treatments of the affected area by TPWD are currently underway to eliminate those plants accessible to spray equipment.  Surveys of other areas of the reservoir for giant salvinia continue in addition to the investigation of any suspicious floating plants reported. Press releases and notifications of control efforts are being posted on a regular basis.

Lake Palestine

The giant salvinia infestation found on Lake Palestine was contained with oil-spill booms as soon as possible after its discovery.  Acting on a request from TPWD, the boat ramp was closed by the Upper Neches River Authority and will remain so until all threat of giant salvinia has been removed.  Physical removal of any giant salvinia found is being conducted on a regular basis as are thorough surveys of surrounding areas to determine if any plants escaped the area.  Local media provided excellent coverage of the issue helping enhance public awareness of the problem.

B.A. Steinhagen

A management plan designed to address numerous invasive aquatic vegetation issues on B.A. Steinhagen has been drafted and reviewed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, The Lower Neches River Authority, and TPWD.  Management plans include spring and fall surveys and the use of protective booms to isolate boat ramps and high use areas from common and giant salvinia and water hyacinth.  Herbicide treatments by contracted applicators are planned for the entire summer to establish and maintain invasive vegetation at manageable levels. Treatments will focus primarily on water hyacinth and salvinia infestations but will also include alligatorweed.  Surveys for existing bio-control agents will be conducted and supplemental introductions will be conducted as insects become available.  Press releases will be written and distributed to enhance public awareness and report progress through the growing season.

Status:

LOS marked with coded wire tags are stocked in fall at a rate of 25/acre in three reservoirs every year. Mill Creek (237 acres), Raven (204 acres) and Meridian reservoir (50 acres) were stocked with LOS in 2005 and 2007, while Pinkston (447 acres), Purtis Creek (349 acres), and Marine Creek Reservoir (250 acres) were stocked in 2006. Reservoirs will continue to be stocked with LOS until 2013.

To date, 48-hour post-stocking survival has ranged from 43% to 97%. Spring electrofishing showed that LOS maintained their size advantage over WOS (average length of 185 mm and 135 mm respectively, and average weight of 92 g and 34 g respectively). Average CPUE of LOS was 18.4/h compared to 41.8/h for WOS.

The first evaluation of growth (at age-4) is due in 2009 and the final evaluation will be conducted in 2017.